RECEIVING THE ARTEFLAME

Here are some tips to help support you with your new Arteflame Australia.  Most Arteflames are shipped via ground freight and delivered by truck. Your Arteflame freight typically includes delivery on a truck using a lowering tailgate.  lf no truck with lowering tailgate is available, your Arteflame can be unloaded by two people, however the cook top is heavy and this is not recommended.

Before first use you need to “season” the cooktop. Any oxidation on the cook top should be wiped off with a rag and some cooking oil. With use and light oiling while the surface is hot the commercial grade cooktop will season and blacken like a cast iron skillet – and should be cared for as you would a cast iron skillet – avoiding harsh cleansers and scrubbing. A properly seasoned Arteflame cooktop will develop a nice blackened finish that’s virtually maintenance free as the oil bakes into the cooktop, developing a water repellant and stick-free surface. Oxidation on the cook top, should any occur, can be removed with a Brillo pad, steel wool or fine sand paper.

When your Arteflame Australia arrives, you should expect some oxidation on the base and cone as this oxidation provides both a protective surface layer as well as a naturally maintenance–free aesthetic beauty.  Every Arteflame base is designed with CORTEN steel otherwise known as “weathering steel” so that it develops a natural patina over time.  The bowl and base use CORTEN steel having been specifically selected for the patina it develops. This natural patina changes with the moisture in the atmosphere and weather and provides an attractive, ever changing look.  This is the same type of steel often used in high-end outdoor sculptures and architectural installations.

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ASSEMBLING THE ARTEFLAME

As the Arteflame is manufactured from rolled steel, and therefore each part is quite heavy.  We highly recommend using two people to assemble, disassemble or move your Arteflame.

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Only place the Arteflame on a non flammable surface as hot embers can fall through the drain hole(s) in the bottom.

1. Position the base on level ground so that the circular opening of the base faces up.  Make sure the Arteflame is always a safe distance away from any flammable or heat-sensitive object. Note that lightly colored surfaces, such as sand stone, might be subject to stains caused by heat, cooking and rainwater run-off.  Periodically move the Arteflame to check and remove any ashes or unburnt wood pieces that can accumulate in the base.

2. Once a suitable place has been selected for the base, lower the cook top onto the circular opening in the top of the base.

3. After assembly, make sure the Arteflame is level by using the leveling feet and a level on the cooktop. The “Classic” Arteflame can also be leveled by moving the fire bowl on on the base.  For leveling the cooktop we recommend any of the free cell-phone bubble level apps available from the app stores through your smartphone or a traditional level from your local hardware store. Keep in mind while leveling the cooktop that the surface has a 2-5 degree incline – therefore to ensure the entire surface is level either use a carpenter’s level long enough to extend across the entire Arteflame surface or placing your cellphone with bubble level in the center of the grill grate. Make sure your Arteflame is level before heating, never rest anything flammable on a hot Arteflame, and make sure to check the level every few months or after the Arteflame is moved or jostled.  Having the cooktop level ensures that all the juices drain to the center of the Arteflame.

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VIRTUALLY ZERO MAINTENANCE

After using your Arteflame, either extinguish the fire, put the Arteflame lid on it or supervise it until the wood or charcoal in burned out.  Water or ice cubes can also be used to extinguish the fire.  BEWARE of excessive smoke, ash and steam when using water to extinguish the Arteflame.  The Arteflame will be very hot while the fire is burning itself out and can remain hot for hours.

Once your Arteflame has cooled down and the fire is out, it can be cleaned.  Simply scoop out the ashes and unburned wood and dispose of it.  Make sure all ashes and unburned wood pieces are completely cold.

While grilling on the Arteflame it is best to use a griddle scraper with a straight edge to push excess oils and food into the fire.  After you are done grilling on the Arteflame, it is a good practice to wipe the cook top down with cooking oil while it is warm.  The hot oil will be absorbed into the pores of the steel “seasoning” the cook top.  Seasoning with oil protects your cook top from oxidation and prepares your Arteflame for its next use.  Regular applications of oil on the cook top, in addition to normal use, prevents oxidation from forming.

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STORAGE

It is not necessary to store your Arteflame indoors.  Your Arteflame can be left outside year round.  When left outside, make sure the cook top is properly seasoned to avoid oxidation and clean out your Arteflame before using it.  Debris like leaves, twigs or snow can accumulate in it.

When the Arteflame is not being used for longer periods of time, oxidation can form on the cook top if it has not been seasoned properly. This surface oxidation can easily be removed with a Brillo pad, steel wool or sand paper, leaving the cook top like new again.  With use, cooking oils are absorbed into the cook top, “seasoning” it and preventing oxidation from forming.  The best way to avoid oxidation is by using your Arteflame regularly!  “Seasoning” your Arteflame is simply done by applying cooking oil to the cook top every time the surface is hot.

​We recommend periodic checks for debris to ensure drain holes remain open and the cook surface level.

SAFE USE OF YOUR ARTEFLAME

Like all BBQ’s and Grills the Arteflame gets very hot whilst cooking. Everyone should be careful not to touch the CORTEN dish or the cooking surface whilst the Arteflame is alight. We recommend you

• Supervise children at all times around the Arteflame
• Make sure your guests know the Arteflame is alight and hot when letting them into your cooking area
• If you are in a public space, make sure the Arteflame has some temporary fencing to avoid accidental touching
  • Adding a temporary sign to say the Arteflame is a alight and hot, will also help

Like all BBQ’s, the Arteflame does get very hot and you should take full responsibility for all guests, children and patrons in proximity to the Arteflame.