Is the Arteflame center grate worth it?

[Attjack]

I would like to get an Arteflame for my 26" that costs $120 plus shipping. I see the center grate is another $70. Has anyone purchased both, and if so are you happy you got the grate?

[JeffJ]

I'm very happy I got the center grate. First time I used the Arteflame I didn't put in the center grate and I kept knocking onions into the fire. So, I slapped the grate in and kept my food up-top, where it belonged. The last couple of times I used it I threw a chimney of lit KBB in the center, spread it around a bit and threw a split log on top.

[DWCowles]

I'm very happy with mine

[jgreen]

Good to hear. I was looking at one too but hard to get to Canada.

[Attjack]

I went ahead and ordered one without the grate. Their customer service was very good. Apparently I can order a grate separately if I end up regretting my decision.

[Huskee]

At first they were included with the insert. Then the center became an additional add-on. I ended up not buying one, it went from a decent deal to "too expensive for me" when that happened. I heard in an interview with Greg in a PitCast that their prices were going to drop as they improved manufacturing, but instead they increased.

[JeffJ]

Mine was a birthday gift this April. I wasn't aware that the center grate was an option - at that time my understanding was it was part of a package. Regardless, I'm glad I have it but I can't say that it's price-point justifies its value.

[DWCowles]

I got mine before they jack the price up