Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

  • Sudfire is a 360° live-fire grill built for gathering.

    It uses real wood in the center, with a carbon steel cooking surface around the fire so you can sear, cook, warm, and gather in one circle.

  • SUDFIRE is produced in limited batches.

    When you preorder, your Hearth is reserved in the current batch. Once the batch closes, production, freight, and delivery planning begin.

  • Most grills put the host behind the food.

    Sudfire keeps the host in the circle with the guests.

    The fire, food, and people all stay together.

  • Hearth 34 is ideal for patios, family dinners, and everyday cooking.

    Hearth 39 gives you more cooking space and a stronger centerpiece feel for hosting, events, and larger gatherings.

    When in doubt, most customers who entertain choose the Hearth 39.

  • Corten is a natural weathering steel. It develops a warm rust-colored patina over time and will continue to change with weather and use.

    Matte Black gives a darker, more finished look. Like any live-fire product, it can develop heat marks, scuffs, and normal cosmetic wear over time.

    Corten feels more rustic and natural. Matte Black feels more modern and refined.

  • Yes, when used responsibly.

    The main heat is at the fire and cooking surface, but SUDFIRE is still a live-fire product and should always be supervised.

    Kids and pets can gather nearby with proper supervision and distance. For an added buffer, the optional SUDFIRE Wood Ring creates a natural gathering boundary around the Hearth.

  • Delivery may be handled by local delivery, freight carrier, final-mile delivery, or white-glove delivery when available.

    Delivery depends on your location, access, and order details.

  • Almost anything.

    Steak, seafood, burgers, vegetables, breakfast, tacos, breads, appetizers, and shared family-style meals all work well.

    The center runs hotter for searing, while the outer edge is great for warming, resting, and finishing.

  • Delivery timing depends on production, freight, customs, carrier scheduling, and location.

    For Batch 2, estimated delivery is early fall.

  • A little — but that is part of the live-fire experience.

    Once you understand the heat zones, it becomes very natural: sear near the center, cook in the middle, and rest food near the edge.

  • Yes.

    The carbon steel cooking surface should be seasoned before your first cook and maintained after use, similar to cast iron.

    It will darken and develop character over time.

  • Yes. SUDFIRE is built for outdoor use.

    For best care, keep the cooking surface seasoned and lightly oiled, protect it from prolonged moisture when not in use, and cover it only after the Hearth is completely cool and dry.

  • SUDFIRE should not sit directly on wood, composite decking, turf, or other heat-sensitive surfaces.

    If placing it on a deck, use a non-combustible protective barrier such as stone pavers, tile, or a heat-resistant grill mat underneath, and keep proper clearance from walls, railings, furniture, and overhead structures.

    The Hearth is designed to keep the main heat at the fire bowl and cooking surface, but live fire can still produce sparks, ash, grease, and radiant heat. Use caution and follow the Owner’s Manual.

  • The SUDFIRE cooking surface is designed so most cooking oil and grease stays on the cooktop or moves toward the center heat area where it can burn off.

    As with any live-fire cooking product, avoid excessive grease, monitor flare-ups, and scrape the surface after cooking.

  • Use dry natural hardwood, fruit wood, or natural lump charcoal.

    Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, treated wood, painted wood, trash, plastics, or unsafe fuel.

  • Yes. SUDFIRE includes a limited warranty for eligible manufacturing defects under normal residential use and proper care.

    Normal seasoning, patina, heat marks, surface changes, cosmetic wear, misuse, improper fuel, and lack of maintenance are not defects.

  • Yes, depending on your location.

    SUDFIRE may offer local delivery, freight delivery, final-mile delivery, or white-glove options where available.

    Email info@sudfire.com to ask what is available in your area.

  • Both Hearth models are approximately 39 inches tall overall.

    The cooking surface sits at a comfortable standing height for cooking and gathering.

  • SUDFIRE is built for real wood fire and natural lump charcoal.

    We also offer SUDFIRE Orchard Wood, sourced from Central Valley fruitwood, available for purchase and subscription.

  • The cooking surface creates natural heat zones.

    The inner area near the fire gets the hottest. The middle is ideal for most cooking. The outer edge is cooler for warming and resting.

    You control the heat by managing the fire and moving food across the surface.

  • Very easy.

    Scrape the warm cooking surface, wipe it down, and apply a light coat of oil. Once everything is fully cool, empty the ash tray.

  • Mobility depends on the model and accessory setup.

    Because SUDFIRE is heavy, we recommend planning the placement before use. If mobility accessories are included or added, only move the Hearth when it is completely cool.

  • SUDFIRE is built from heavy steel for real outdoor fire use.

    It is built with the intention to last generations. Heat, flame, smoke, oil, weather, and time will leave their mark — that is part of the beauty of live-fire cooking.

  • Both.

    Natural lump charcoal gives you a steady cooking base, but SUDFIRE was made for real wood fire.

    For the full experience, use SUDFIRE Orchard Wood — seasoned Central Valley fruitwood selected for clean heat, beautiful flame, and natural flavor. Available for purchase and subscription.

    Avoid instant-light charcoal, lighter fluid, pine, treated wood, painted wood, or anything with chemicals.

  • Let everything cool completely first.

    Once fully cool, slide out the ash tray, empty it into a metal container, and give the area a quick brush-down. Keeping ash clear helps the fire breathe and keeps your next cook simple.

  • Yes. The cooking surface is carbon steel and should be seasoned before your first cook.

    Over time, the surface will darken, build character, and become better with use.

  • A mobility kit is available for purchase in our accessories.

    Because SUDFIRE is heavy, we recommend planning your placement before cooking. If using the mobility kit, only move the Hearth when it is completely cool — never while lit, hot, or cooling.