Fire Pit Care

Your S&S fire pit is made for outdoor use. Follow the instructions for your exact model, including its fuel, placement, operation and shutdown requirements. Check its current product specifications for material and thickness rather than assuming every model is identical.

Wondering how steel compares with stainless? See our stainless steel vs carbon steel fire pit comparison.

Remove Ash Only After It Is Completely Cold

After every fire, remain present until it is fully extinguished. Ash can hide hot embers; a lid or the absence of flames does not prove that it is cold. Do not clean, move or store the fire pit while it is hot.

Once all ash and embers are completely cold, remove the ash with suitable tools. Use a metal container with a lid on a noncombustible surface, away from structures and other combustible materials, and follow local disposal instructions. Do not put warm ash in trash, compost, cardboard or plastic containers.

Keep drainage clear and avoid leaving wet ash against the steel. Wet ash can be alkaline, and retained moisture can contribute to corrosion. Do not use an ordinary household or shop vacuum to collect hot or potentially warm ash.

Inspect the Steel and Finish

Steel can develop surface rust and patina outdoors. That appearance is not a guarantee against deeper corrosion or damage. Periodically check the bowl, base, welds and accessories, and stop using any part that is cracked, unstable or significantly deteriorated.

Ask us before adding paint or another coating. Use only a finish approved for the particular surface, temperature and intended use; a general high-temperature label does not establish suitability for food contact. Do not coat cooking surfaces unless the product instructions specifically permit it. Allow any washed component to dry thoroughly before storage.

Choose a Suitable Noncombustible Location

Place the fire pit on a stable, level, noncombustible surface that meets the model’s instructions and local requirements. Keep it clear of buildings, combustible furnishings, overhanging branches and covered structures.

A fire mat, pavers or a heat shield alone does not approve a wood-burning fire pit for a wood or composite deck. Do not use it on decking without explicit approval for the exact model and complete installation. If that approval is absent, choose a suitable location away from the deck.

Do not place the pit directly on grass or dry vegetation. A loose barrier over vegetation is not a substitute for a suitable installation. See our deck placement guidance before planning your setup.

Snuffer Lids and Shutdown

Use only a snuffer lid that fits and is approved for your fire pit. Follow its operating instructions. Limiting oxygen can help the fire die down, but a lid does not instantly extinguish every ember or make the bowl cool.

Keep an adult present until the fire is fully extinguished and the remaining material is cool. Do not fit a lid and go straight to bed. Keep people and pets away from hot metal, and follow the specified handling procedure. Read the snuffer lid guide for a shutdown checklist.

Inspect the lid’s fit and condition. When everything is cold, a compatible lid can help keep debris and rain out; continue checking for trapped moisture and accumulated ash.

Cooking Grates and Food Tools

Follow the material-specific instructions for your cooking grate. If seasoning is required, use a thin coating of suitable cooking oil as directed. Do not spray oil or aerosol products toward a flame or hot coals. Keep the grate clean, dry and protected from weather when not in use.

Clean marshmallow and hot dog forks after use and store them dry. Do not apply general-purpose paint or clear coat to food-contact areas. Ask us about the correct finish and repair procedure for your particular utensil.

Drain Plug, Pokers and Shovels

If your model includes a drain plug, use it as directed during a fire to help keep ash in the bowl. Remove it for drainage only after the fire pit and its contents are completely cold.

Inspect fire pokers and tools before use. Keep handles secure and follow any finish-care instructions. Do not improvise a coating or leave tools in the fire.

Use ash shovels for their intended purpose. Remove residue and store them dry; do not leave them sitting in wet ash.

Spark Screens and Firewood Racks

A properly fitted spark screen can help contain some sparks. It does not make a large fire or windy conditions safe. Do not overfill the bowl or use gasoline, lighter fluid or other accelerants. Check the screen’s material and finish before choosing a cleaning or refinishing method; do not assume every screen should be painted.

Set firewood racks on stable ground, stay within their capacity, and keep drainage and airflow clear. Check for loose parts, damage or corrosion as part of normal outdoor maintenance.

Contact us if you need the care or operating instructions for your S&S model.