Welcome to our FAQ page—your quick guide to the most common questions about our products, orders, shipping, and more. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out.
Do you make all of your products?
They say it takes a village. For us, it takes a forge and a foundry. At our forge in Brunswick, GA, skilled metalsmiths handcraft our products by heating and shaping metal with traditional tools.
The one part we don’t make ourselves is the Kettle bowl. It’s cast at a foundry, where molten metal is poured into molds to create our ductile iron bowls. This casting process is entirely different from forging.
Our foundry partner in China uses proprietary Sea Island Forge designs and strict standards to ensure each bowl is built to last for generations.
We also collaborate with other suppliers for raw materials, which we finish and assemble at the Forge, including a Georgia leather goods company for our waxed canvas items.
Can I use your accessories on another fire pit?
Our Accessories are engineered, designed, and built to fit Sea Island Forge Fire Kettle dimensions and unique specifications and may cause damage to other manufacturers pits/kettles.
Can I see your products in action?
Multiple videos of our products in action can be found by visiting our YouTube Channel.
Do I need to cover my Kettle?
No need to cover the Kettle. The cast ductile iron will develop a surface rust patina that doesn’t affect the bowl's integrity.
Covering it with a Tabletop keeps it cleaner, prevents blockage of the drainage hole, and ensures it’s ready to use. Avoid placing the Tabletop on a Kettle with ash inside.
Store Kettle Accessories out of the elements when not in use.
How do I care for and maintain the Kettle?
Season the Kettle occasionally by wiping it down inside and out with vegetable oil before your first burn and in between burns.
You can touch up the Stand and Boot Rail with a high heat (1500 degree) flat black spray paint. DO NOT PAINT THE INSIDE OF THE BOWL. Keep the drainage hole in the bottom of the Kettle open.
What is galvanization?
The Stand and Boot Rail undergo a hot-dip molten zinc treatment for extra rust protection. Galvanization doesn’t affect appearance (we paint over it), so you won’t see it, but you’ll appreciate the added durability.
Note: The bowl is made of cast ductile iron (like water pipes), so no galvanization is needed. Oil it to protect it from rust.
How do I know what size Kettle to order?
Kettle size depends on your available space, seating style, and how you plan to use the Kettle (gathering or cooking). We recommend measuring your space and allowing at least 7 feet of clearance from the edge of the Boot Rail.
How do I use the Spark Screen?
Place the Spark Screen over very low flame and hot coals as an extra protection from sparks. Do not use the Spark Screen over high flames. The Spark Screen is NOT a fire screen and flames will damage it.
View this video for more information:
Spark Screen Use & Maintenance - Cast Iron Fire Kettle Accessories | Sea Island Forge
What type of wood do you use to cook?
The type of wood you use can impact food flavor just as much as seasoning. Always use dry, seasoned wood.
- Oak: Hard, dense wood that burns hot and long, perfect for barbecues with a smoky flavor.
- Fruit Woods: Sweet, smoky aromas from apple, almond, or cherry woods pair well with grilling.
- Hardwoods: Strong smoky flavors from hickory or mesquite enhance certain meats and poultry.
Avoid pine or juniper—they burn quickly, give off strong resin aromas, and may even be toxic.
Can I use charcoal?
Yes, we recommend lump charcoal—it contains no additives and burns hotter than briquettes. Use it alone or with wood to start your fire and build a bed of coals for cooking. Then, add wood as needed for the rich, smoky flavor only wood can provide.
What method of shipping do you use?
We ship with FedEx and use FedEx Freight Shipping for Kettle and Kettle accessory orders. For additional shipping information Click Here.
Kettles arrive packed in a large crate. Here’s a video to view the uncrating process.
Can I pick up a Kettle or other items at the forge?
To schedule a local pickup for paid orders, call our office at 912-580-0346. For safety reasons, tours of the Forge Studio are not available.
You're welcome to visit our office on St. Simons Island, GA to see all of our products. To schedule a visit, call our team at 912-580-0346.
How do I place a custom order?
Contact our sales department at 912-580-0346. Please have measurements and any helpful details ready—such as material, finish, or reference images—as we'll need this information to create drawings for your approval.
What is your return policy?
View our full return policy by clicking here.
Custom Work
Custom Forged Architectural Metalwork
A History of Artistry and Excellence
Apex and Sea Island Forge
From the hand-forged chandeliers at Savannah’s Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to the intricate metalwork at Sea Island Resort, APEX and Sea Island Forge are known for thoughtfully designed, beautifully executed metalwork.
Trusted by architects, designers, and private clients, our team creates one-of-a-kind pieces for both residential and commercial spaces. Our skilled metal smiths and blacksmiths work with a wide range of metals including copper, brass, bronze, zinc, tin, pewter, aluminum, and steel.
To inquire about custom design services, contact Steve Schoettle at 912-580-0346.
Custom Work
Custom Forged Architectural Metalwork
A History of Artistry and Excellence
Apex and Sea Island Forge
From the hand-forged chandeliers at Savannah’s Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to the intricate metalwork at Sea Island Resort, APEX and Sea Island Forge are known for thoughtfully designed, beautifully executed metalwork.
Trusted by architects, designers, and private clients, our team creates one-of-a-kind pieces for both residential and commercial spaces. Our skilled metal smiths and blacksmiths work with a wide range of metals including copper, brass, bronze, zinc, tin, pewter, aluminum, and steel.
To inquire about custom design services, contact Steve Schoettle at 912-580-0346.
