FAQs
Do you make all of your products?
They say it takes a village... for us, it takes a forge and a foundry. We design our products at our forge in Brunswick, GA, where our metalsmiths create them by heating the metal and shaping it by hand with a hammer or other tools.
The one metal item we cannot produce ourselves is the Kettle bowl. The bowl must be cast at a foundry, a facility that melts metals into molten liquid in their special, industrial-sized furnace. That liquid metal is then poured into a mold creating our cast ductile iron bowl. Heating and shaping metal at a forge is a completely different process.
Our foundry partner in China casts the bowls using molds that are Sea Island Forge proprietary design, engineering, and specifications. This foundry upholds our exacting standards and through this partnership, we create a product that will last for generations.
We also partner with several other companies for the supply of raw materials, which we finish and assemble at the Forge as well as 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 actions can be found by visiting our YouTube Channel.
Do I need to cover my Kettle?
You do not have to cover the Kettle, the cast ductile iron will develop a patina of surface rust, but it will not affect the integrity of the bowl.
However, covering the Kettle with our Tabletop will keep your Kettle cleaner, the drainage hole clear, and you’re always ready to burn. Do not put a Tabletop over a Kettle with ash in it.
Please keep Kettle Accessories stored and 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 & out with vegetable oil before your first burn and in between burns – treating it like a cast iron skillet
You can touch up the Stand & 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?
It is a hot-dip molten zinc treatment for the Stand & Boot Rail that is an additional protection against rust. Galvanization does not change the appearance (we paint over it) and you will never know it is there, but you will be glad you have it!
Note: The bowl is made of cast ductile iron, the same material used for water pipes, so it does not need galvanization to protect from rust. Just oil it.
How do I know what size Kettle to order?
This depends on your available space, type of seating, and how you intend to use the Kettle - for gathering and/or cooking. We recommend measuring your space and allowing an additional 7-foot clearance from the edge of the Boot Rail.
How do I use the Spark Screen?
Only 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.
What type of wood do you use to cook?
The species of wood can influence the food flavors as much as your seasoning. Use only dry, seasoned wood.
Oak: Oak, is a hard, dense wood that burns hot and long - great for barbecues with a smoky flavor.
Fruit: The sweet, smoky aromas of fruit woods, like apple, almond or cherry are perfect companions for grilling.
Hardwood: Some of the strongest smoky flavors come from hardwoods like hickory and mesquite, they complement certain meats and poultry.
Avoid woods like pine or juniper which burn quicker and cooler and give off very potent resin aromas which are off-putting and don’t work with food. Some can even be toxic.
Can I use charcoal?
Yes, we recommend using lump charcoal as it contains no additives and burns hotter than briquettes. We also recommend using it to start your fire either alone or with wood to prepare a bed of coals for cooking, then adding wood as you tend the fire. This gives your food the smoky flavor profile that only wood can add 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 handy video to view the uncrating process.
Can I pick up a Kettle or other items at the forge?
You can schedule a local pickup for items that have been ordered and paid for by calling our office at 912-580-0346. We do not allow customers to tour the Forge Studio for safety reasons.
You are welcome to come by and see all of our products at our office on St. Simons Island, GA. Call Molly to schedule an appointment 912-580-0346
How do I place a custom order?
Contact our sales department 912-580-0346. Have measurements or other helpful information (material, finish, images) ready before you call as we will need as much information from you as possible in order to generate drawings for your approval.
What is your return policy?
View our full return policy by click here.