Authentic Grill FAQ
Q: What is an Authentic Grill?
A: An Authentic Grill is a taller version of our standard fireplace, with a stainless steel adjustable grill unit inside it. It is based on the South American style of cooking using fire and hot coals for cooking.
Q: How does it work?
A: Light a fire in the fire box on the left hand side and keep adding wood to your fire. The hot coals will drop down below the firebox and onto the hearth. Scrape the hot coals along to the right hand side. Continue to do this until there are sufficient coals underneath the grill cooking system. Raise and lower the grill plate using the large stainless wheel on the outer of the grill. Cook your food over the heat from the coals.
Q: What type of wood do I use?
A: Any type of wood will work in your Authentic Grill. We do recommend using hard woods as they will burn for longer. Always make sure your firewood is dry as this will make it much easier to light. Manuka, or similar will add a lovely flavour to the food you are cooking. This could always be mixed with another hardwood.
Q: How much wood will I use?
A: This will depend on how big you make your fire and what type of wood you are burning. If you spend a little more on a good hardwood you will end up using less.
Q: Can I just use my grill as a fireplace and not cook?
A: Of course you can. Instead of lighting the fire in the box on the left simply light the fire in the middle of the hearth. Wind the grill up as far as it goes and you have yourself an open fireplace.
Q: What are the two types of stainless rods for?
A: The v shaped rods are designed to let the fats from your food drip forwards into the drip tray. The smaller rods will let the fats drip straight onto the coals. This will create steam which will flavour your food. Two styles of cooking.
Q: Does the grill need to be fixed to the ground-I live in a windy area?
A:T he Authentic Grill weighs approx 1 tonne and has seismic fixing points where it should be bolted to the ground foundation slab.
Q: Do I need to clean out the ash from the grill?
A: Most of the wood remains will burn away but what is left should be scooped out into a steel bucket or tray.
Q: What do I need to do to maintain my grills good looks?
A: Your fireplace will not degrade as there is nothing to crack or move in it. Use a brush to sweep the hearth and wipe the base and hood surfaces with warm soapy water and a soft rag. The hood is painted in the best paint available and is designed for this application. However scratches can be touched up with some repair paint. The paint doesn’t store well so just ask and we will send some to you at no charge. The cooking rods can easily be removed and cleaned with a heavy duty cleaner.
Q: What tools do I use for my grill?
A: We recommend using our standard ash rake to scrape the embers underneath your grill plate, and for your fire. Our wire brass brush is great for tidying up the hearth when not in use. These are both available in our shop.
Q: Will the fire fall out the front?
A: The ledge at the front of the fire is designed to stop wood from rolling out the front. However it is quite nice to have this down when sitting around the fire . Fire is unpredictable and should always be watched . Make sure there is a non flammable surface around the base of the fireplace.
Q: How is the grill delivered?
A: The grill will be delivered in two pieces, the flu and the base. It will be packaged and sent to your local hiab company, depot or straight to your house for installation.
Q: Is there any finishing required?
A: The only assembly that needs to be done is attaching the flu to the hood. This can be lifted on at the same time as delivery . It is attached using 6 supplied SS bolts.
Please feel free to ask us any further questions you may have about our fireplaces, we are happy to help.