Artisan Grills Review 2026: American Eagle, Artisan Series & Professional

Artisan grills are built by Alfresco in Industry, California, from the same 18-8, 304 stainless steel as Alfresco's own grills, in the same factory, at roughly half the cost. We sell all three series and design outdoor kitchens around them, so this Artisan grills review is based on the spec sheets, our installs and what owners tell us after a season of cooking.

The Professional 42″ (ARTP-42) built into a customer island with the Artisan pizza oven, refrigerator and storage.

What Owners and Testers Say

Before our own take, here is what comes up again and again in owner forums and independent tests.

• Even heat. Owners on r/OutdoorKitchens point to the 20,000 BTU U-burners under pyramid ceramic briquettes: no hot or cold spots, and the same result every cook.
• Flavor without a smoker box. Drippings hit the hot briquettes and vaporize back onto the food. Owners describe it as a smoky, steakhouse taste from a gas grill.
• The hood. BBQ Outlets' expert review singles out the spring-assisted, double-walled hood. It lifts with one finger.
• US build. BBQGuys scores it 4.1/5 and leads with the 304 stainless body, the briquette system and American manufacturing.
• Cool knobs. An air-cooled control panel pulls air across the front of the grill, so the knobs and bullnose stay comfortable with the hood closed at full heat.

Which Artisan Series Is Right for You?

All three series share the same firebox, burners, briquettes, grates and hood. What changes is electrical: ignition, lights and the rear rotisserie burner. Pick by what your island can power and how much you roast.

Battery ignition, no lights. The same cooking for the least money.

110V ignition, halogen lights and a rotisserie kit included.

Adds the rear infrared burner, blue LED knobs and the 42″ size.

Every model is also sold on a cart. Freestanding versions add $900–$1,100.

How Artisan Grills Cook

Each U-burner is 304 stainless with two rows of double-lanced ports on three sides, so flame runs the full depth of the firebox instead of a strip down the middle. Above the burners sits a locking tray of pyramid ceramic briquettes. They soak up heat, radiate it evenly across the grates, and vaporize drippings for flavor. The factory rates surface temperatures up to 700°F.

The grates are 5/16″ electro-polished stainless rod. Less surface area touches the food, so delicate items release instead of sticking, and cleanup is a brush, not a scraper.

For steakhouse searing, the optional ART-ISB infrared sear burner ($429) swaps into any burner position on any model and cooks up to 50% faster. Keep the flat briquette tray for everything else.

Build Quality: What “Made in the USA” Means Here

Every grill ships from Alfresco's factory in Industry, California. The body is 304 (18-8) stainless steel, mostly 16 gauge, where many grills at this cost use thinner 201 or 430 stainless that rusts near salt or pool chemicals. The body is riveted rather than seam-welded like an Alfresco, which is the one place the cost saving shows. The fasteners are stainless, and in our installs it is not something owners notice.

The details hold up too: ignition wiring is sleeved in silicone rated to 600°F, the hood is double-walled with a stainless spring assist, and the control panel is air-cooled so electronics behind it live longer. Owners near the coast can order any model with the Marine Armour ceramic coating.

18-8 304 stainless

Pyramid ceramic briquettes

Electro-polished grates

600°F-rated wiring

Prices and Value

The brand sits in the gap between imported mid-range grills and true luxury grills. Built-in heads run $2,105 to $4,139; carts $3,055 to $5,249. A comparable Alfresco ALXE starts above $5,000. Current pricing as of October 2026; the product pages are always live.

Warranty Coverage

Coverage is by component rather than one blanket term. The parts that cost the most to replace carry the longest coverage. Labor is not included, and the original-owner terms below drop to one year if the grill changes hands.

Plan the Island Around It

Most of our customers for these grills are building a full outdoor kitchen, so three things to settle before the grill is ordered:

• Insulated jacket. Required if the island is wood-framed or any combustible material. One per size: ARTIJ-26, ARTIJ-32, ARTIJ-36, ARTIJ-42.
• Power. Artisan Series and Professional need a 110V outlet at the grill for ignition and lights. American Eagle runs on a 9V battery.
• Matching storage. The same factory makes doors, drawers, trash centers, a drop-in ice bin and a beverage center in the same 304 stainless. See the full Artisan outdoor kitchen collection.

How It Compares to Blaze, TrueFlame and Alfresco

At this cost the usual shortlist is Blaze Premium LTE+, TrueFlame and this one. Blaze and TrueFlame give you four burners for the money and heat-zone separators; this grill gives you a US-built 304 body, ceramic briquettes and the longer burner coverage. If you cook for crowds and want zones, look at Blaze. If you want the grill to outlast the island, this one. Both are on our best high-end grills of 2026 list.

The step up: Alfresco. Same factory, same steel, plus 27,500 BTU burners, a built-in smoker drawer, a 120 lb rotisserie and a lifetime stainless warranty, from about $5,000. Our Alfresco vs Artisan comparison goes line by line.

Who Should Buy One, and Who Shouldn't

Artisan Grill Reviews: Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes Artisan grills?

Alfresco. Artisan is Alfresco's second brand, designed by the same engineers and built in the same factory in Industry, California.

Are Artisan grills made in the USA?

Yes. Every grill, cart and storage piece is fabricated in California from 304 stainless steel.

How many BTUs do the burners put out?

Each U-burner is rated 20,000 BTU, so 40,000 total on the 26″ and 60,000 on the 32″, 36″ and 42″. Professional models add a 15,000 BTU rear infrared burner.

What is the warranty?

15 years on the burners, 10 years on stainless components, 3 years on ceramic briquette trays and 1 year on ignition, rotisserie motor and thermometer. Labor is not covered.

Do I need an insulated jacket?

Only if the island is built from wood or another combustible material. Masonry, steel-stud and concrete islands do not need one.

American Eagle or Professional?

They cook the same. Choose American Eagle if you have no outlet at the island or want the lowest cost. Choose Professional for the included rotisserie, rear infrared burner, lights and the 42″ size.