ArteFlame Assembly & Care Guide
Congratulations on choosing an ArteFlame grill. You’ve invested in a premium cooking instrument built to deliver restaurant-quality results for decades. This guide covers everything you need to assemble, season, and maintain your grill.
All ArteFlame grills feature: - Hand-welded corten steel construction - Dual-zone cooking (1,000°F+ center, 250°F outer zone) - Charcoal and wood fuel only (no gas or electric) - Lifetime durability with proper care
Assembly: Critical Rules
Before you start: - Use two people – ArteFlame grills are heavy - Handle by edges only – Protect the steel surface - Level is critical – Use a level; adjust until perfect - Use the lifting tool – ArteFlame provides one; use it - Place a 2x4 board – On base before lowering cooktop
Assembly Steps:
- Position the base – Place on level surface, verify with level
- Prepare the cooktop – Inspect for damage, wipe clean (no water)
- Use lifting tool – Position on base, centered and stable
- Lower cooktop – Place 2x4 on base, lower cooktop onto it with helper
- Remove tool – Cooktop should sit securely
- Install accessories – Add shelves/doors if applicable
- Verify stability – Check level, ensure no rocking
Time: 2-4 hours with two people
Seasoning Your Grill
Seasoning protects the steel, prevents rust, and creates a non-stick surface.
Initial Seasoning (First Use)
- Build a charcoal fire – Let burn for 1 hour minimum
- Apply food-grade oil – After fire cools slightly, coat entire cooktop (flaxseed, grapeseed, or high-heat oil)
- Wipe excess – Thin, even coat only
- Repeat 2-3 times – Each cycle builds protection
Ongoing Seasoning
- After each use: Apply thin coat of oil once cooled
- Weekly: Oil 2-3 times if grilling frequently
- Monthly: Oil even if not grilling
- Seasonal: Heavy coat before winter storage
Grilling Techniques
Dual-Zone Cooking
Inner Zone (Center): - Temperature: 1,000°F+ - Best for: Searing steaks, burgers, high-heat cooking
Outer Zone (Perimeter): - Temperature: 250°F - Best for: Low-and-slow cooking, warming, finishing
Building Your Fire
- Place charcoal in center, pyramid shape
- Light using self-lighting charcoal or Lighter Cubes (no lighter fluid)
- Wait 15-20 minutes for full ignition
- Add seasoned hardwood (oak, hickory, maple, apple)
- Stack loosely for airflow
- Wait 10-15 minutes for optimal temperature
Fuel Rules: - Use charcoal and seasoned hardwood only - No softwoods (pine, spruce) - No treated or painted wood - No lighter fluid
Cooking Tips
- Preheat 15-20 minutes before cooking
- Oil cooktop before adding food
- Sear in center, finish in outer zone
- Let meat rest 5 minutes before serving
- Clean as you go
Weekly
- Brush cooktop thoroughly
- Check for loose parts
- Inspect base for debris
- Apply oil
Rust Prevention
Preventing: - Oil after every use - Use grill cover in harsh weather - Regular use prevents rust
Removing: - Use steel wool or wire brush - Sand lightly if needed - Apply oil immediately - Regular use restores patina
Seasonal Storage
Before winter: 1. Deep clean grill 2. Apply heavy coat of oil 3. Cover with weather-resistant cover 4. Check monthly, re-oil as needed
Spring restart: 1. Remove cover, inspect 2. Brush debris 3. Apply fresh oil 4. Burn for 30 minutes before cooking
Understanding Corten Steel
ArteFlame grills are made from corten steel, a weather-resistant alloy that develops a protective patina over time.
What to expect: - New: Shiny, metallic - Weeks 1-4: Reddish-brown oxidation begins - Months 2-6: Patina darkens and stabilizes - Year 1+: Deep protective layer forms - Lifetime: Patina protects and improves appearance
Care: - Oil regularly to maintain protection - Light brushing is fine; don’t over-clean - The weathered look is the design - Regular use maintains patina
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does assembly take?
2-4 hours with two people. One Series is fastest (1-2 hours).
Can I assemble alone?
Not recommended. ArteFlame grills are heavy and require two people.
How hot does an ArteFlame get?
Inner zone: 1,000°F+. Outer zone: 250°F. Perfect for dual-zone cooking.
What fuel should I use?
Charcoal and seasoned hardwood only. Self-lighting charcoal or Lighter Cubes for ignition.
How often should I oil my grill?
After every use. Weekly or monthly if not grilling regularly.
Can I leave my ArteFlame outside year-round?
Yes. Corten steel is weather-resistant. Use a cover and oil regularly in harsh climates.
What if rust appears?
Use steel wool to remove, then apply oil immediately. Regular use prevents rust.
How do I clean the cooktop?
Grill brush or scraper while warm (not hot). Never use water or harsh chemicals.
What’s the warranty?
3-year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects. Proper maintenance required.
How long will my ArteFlame last?
50+ years with proper care. Corten steel improves with age.
Your ArteFlame Journey
You’ve invested in a lifetime of restaurant-quality cooking and outdoor entertaining. Follow this guide for assembly, seasoning, and maintenance, and your ArteFlame will reward you with decades of performance.
Because Fire was the FIrst Luxury.
Your ArteFlame Journey