For comprehensive assembly and care information covering all ArteFlame models, view our complete ArteFlame Assembly & Care Guide. For step-by-step visual instructions specific to this model, view the XXL 40” assembly manual with images.

Experience premium outdoor cooking with the ArteFlame XXL 40” Flat Top Charcoal Griddle. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about assembling, seasoning, maintaining, and getting the most out of your premium corten steel griddle.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Assembly Requirements

• People Required: 2 people minimum
• Time Needed: Approximately 35-45 minutes
• Tools Required: 6-8 foot piece of 2x4 lumber (for lifting)
• Safety Gear: Work gloves recommended
• Level Surface: Carpenter’s level or smartphone level app

What’s Included

Base Components: - Corten steel cone base (approximately 160 lbs / 73 kg) - Four adjustable leveling feet - Cone lifting tool

Cooktop Components: - Flat top charcoal griddle cooktop (approximately 150 lbs / 68 kg) - Corten steel firebase - Included cooktop lifting tool

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Part 1: Base Assembly

Step 1: Prepare the Cone Lifter

Insert the cone lifter into the center hole of the cone base. Slide your 6-8 foot piece of 2x4 lumber through the top of the lifter. With two people, lift the cone base and carry it to your desired grilling location.

Important: Handle all corten steel parts by the edges to avoid disturbing the factory patina.

Step 2: Position and Level the Base

Place the corten cone base where you’ll be using your ArteFlame, with the leveling feet on the bottom. Adjust all four leveling feet until the base is stable and level.

Pro Tip: The outside of the base has a decorative patina from the factory. If it gets disturbed during handling, don’t worry—it will naturally return over time.

Step 3: Ensure Proper Airflow

The ArteFlame draws air through the bottom of the base for optimal combustion. Make sure you have a 3/8” to 1/2” air gap under the base.

Note: Each cone base is manually formed and may not be perfectly round. This is normal and expected—it’s part of the handcrafted quality.

Part 2: Cooktop Assembly

Step 1: Position the Firebase

The firebase is shipped inside the bowl. If removed during unpacking, carefully pick it up and rest it inside the bowl on the three metal brackets.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooktop Lifter

Insert the cooktop lifter into the center hole of the cooktop. Slide your 6-8 foot piece of 2x4 lumber through the top. With two people, lift the cooktop and carry it to your grill location.

Critical Safety Warning: NEVER install the cooktop by hand-holding it on the outside rim—fingers can get pinched between the bowl and cooktop.

Step 3: Place the Cooktop

With two people, carefully place the cooktop on the bowl using the lifting tool. The cooktop should slightly overhang the bowl evenly on all sides.

Always use the included lifting tool. If the lifter can’t be used, position the cooktop by lifting it through the center hole ONLY. Do NOT lift by the outer edge.

First-Time Seasoning: Critical Step Before Cooking

DO NOT cook food on your griddle until you’ve completed the seasoning process.

Why Seasoning Matters

Seasoning creates a protective, non-stick layer on the flat top charcoal cooktop. This layer: - Prevents rust - Improves cooking performance - Gets better with each use - Protects your investment for decades

Why Seasoning Matters

Seasoning creates a protective, non-stick layer on the flat top charcoal cooktop. This layer: - Prevents rust - Improves cooking performance - Gets better with each use - Protects your investment for decades

How to Season Your XXL 40” Flat Top Charcoal Griddle

Step 1: Build Your First Fire

Build a fire that burns for at least one hour before your first cooking session. This ensures the cooktop reaches proper temperature to absorb the seasoning oil.

Recommended Fire Starters: - Option 1: Self-lighting charcoal (Kingsford Match Light Instant Charcoal) - Place approximately 40 pieces in a pile - Stack wood in a wigwam shape over the charcoal - Light the charcoal

• Option 2: Lighter Cubes fire starters
• Cover cubes with regular charcoal
• Stack wood in a wigwam over the charcoal
• Light the cubes

Time to Cooking Temperature: Approximately 30-35 minutes

Step 2: Apply Seasoning Oil

Once the cooktop reaches cooking temperature (inner edge around 425°F / 220°C): - Apply a thin, even coating of flaxseed oil to the entire cooktop surface - Let it heat and absorb into the steel - Repeat 2-3 times during your first burn

Best Oils for Seasoning: - Recommended: Food-grade flaxseed oil (creates the hardest, most durable finish) - Alternatives: Sunflower, canola, coconut, olive oil, or any food-grade blend

NEVER use oil unfit for human consumption.

Step 3: Repeat After Each Use

After each grilling session, wipe the cooktop with a thin layer of flaxseed oil while it’s still warm. Over time, this oil impregnates the steel, turning the cooktop a deep, dark color and creating a rust-resistant, non-stick surface.

Grilling Tips: Getting Restaurant-Quality Results

Understanding Your Flat Top Charcoal Griddle

The XXL 40” Flat Top Charcoal Griddle offers expansive cooking surface with multiple temperature zones:

• Inner Edge: 425°F (220°C) - Perfect for searing steaks and burgers
• Middle Zone: 350°F (175°C) - Ideal for chicken, fish, and vegetables
• Outer Edge: 250°F (120°C) - Perfect for keeping food warm or gentle cooking

Pro Tip: The flat top design is perfect for griddle cooking—pancakes, fajitas, stir-fry vegetables, and more. Use these temperature zones to cook an entire meal simultaneously.

Best Wood for Cooking

Recommended Hardwoods: - Oak - Mesquite - Cherry - Apple - Hickory - Maple - Ash - Pear - Plum

Why Seasoned Wood? Seasoned or dried hardwoods burn hotter, cleaner, and produce less smoke.

Woods to AVOID: - Spruce, redwood, sycamore, cedar, cypress, elm, pine, fir, eucalyptus (high sap content) - Furniture wood, pallets, or any materials with chemicals, veneer, or paint

Flat Top Cooking Techniques

Griddle Cooking: - Use metal scrapers to chop and move food across the surface - Perfect for breakfast items (pancakes, eggs, bacon) - Ideal for fajitas, stir-fry, and sautéed vegetables

Charcoal Cooking: - Charcoal provides consistent, even heat across the flat surface - Great for high-volume entertaining - Excellent heat retention for extended cooking sessions

 

Maintenance: Keeping Your XXL 40” Flat Top in Peak Condition

After Each Use

Step 1: Extinguish or Supervise

Either extinguish the fire or supervise it until completely burned out. The griddle will remain very hot for hours.

Water Extinguishing (Use with Caution): - Water can be used but BEWARE of excessive smoke, ash, and steam - Quickly cooling hot metal can cause warping - Use a slow, controlled stream if you need to extinguish quickly

Optional Accessory: Stainless steel lid available for controlled extinguishing and protection.

Step 2: Clean Out Ashes

Once completely cool: - Use a paper cup, ash removal tools, brushes, or pans to scoop out ashes - Leave unburned wood pieces in the grill for next time - Make sure all ashes and wood are completely cold before disposal

Step 3: Oil the Cooktop

Wipe the cooktop with a thin layer of flaxseed oil. This protects against rust between uses, just like a cast iron skillet.

Rust Prevention and Removal

Prevention: - Apply flaxseed oil after each use - Use your griddle regularly (the best prevention!) - Keep drain holes clear of debris

If Rust Forms: - Surface rust is normal during extended non-use - Easily remove with steel wool, an oily rag, or light sanding - Re-oil the surface immediately - The cooktop will look like new again

Storage Best Practices

Regular Use (Recommended): - Leave outside in your patio or backyard - Apply flaxseed oil after each use - Check periodically for debris in drain holes

Extended Non-Use: - Clean out any debris (leaves, twigs, dirt, snow) - Apply a protective coating of flaxseed oil - Check drain holes remain open - Expect some surface rust (easily removed before next use)

Winter Storage: - No need to bring indoors - Clear snow and ice before use - Re-season if surface rust has formed

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Q: My cooktop has rust spots. Is this normal?
A: Yes, surface rust can form during periods of non-use. Simply wipe away with steel wool or an oily rag, re-oil the surface, and continue using.

Q: The patina on my base looks uneven.
A: The corten steel patina develops naturally over time. Variations are normal and part of the material’s beauty. It will even out with weather exposure.

Q: Grease isn’t draining into the center.
A: Check that your griddle is level. The cooktop is designed with a slight slope toward the center—if grease pools on the edges, adjust your leveling feet.

Q: How often should I re-season?
A: Apply a thin coat of oil after every use. Deep seasoning (multiple coats during a long burn) is only needed for the first use or after removing rust.

Q: Can I use my XXL 40” Flat Top in the rain?
A: Yes, but avoid cooking in heavy rain. Light rain won’t harm the griddle, but it may affect cooking temperatures and create excess steam.

 

Warranty and Support

Your ArteFlame XXL 40” Flat Top Charcoal Griddle is backed by: - 3-Year Comprehensive Warranty (authorized dealer) - Lifetime Durability with proper care - Full Manufacturer Support

Questions or Issues?
Contact us at info@thepinnaclepatio.com for expert support and guidance.

 

Welcome to the ArteFlame Family

Your ArteFlame XXL 40” Flat Top Charcoal Griddle is more than a cooking tool—it’s a centerpiece for outdoor entertaining, a conversation starter, and a lifetime investment in restaurant-quality outdoor cooking.

The more you use it, the better it gets.

Each fire, each meal, and each gathering adds to the character and performance of your griddle. The seasoning deepens, the patina evolves, and your mastery of the temperature zones grows.

Ready to start cooking? Build your first fire, season that cooktop, and experience what makes ArteFlame the ultimate outdoor cooking experience.

Questions or issues?

Contact us at info@thepinnaclepatio.com for expert help and guidance