GrillSymbol Chef Charcoal BBQ

Did you receive a GrillSymbol or Petteri Wiimaa Cor-Ten product but it doesn’t look like on the picture? Don’t worry, here we advise you how to process weathering steel to look like on the pictures.

What is Weathering Steel?

Weathering steels are Cor-Ten and S355JOWP. Both are high-strength structural steels with exceptional weather resistance. The chemical composition of the steel allows for the creation of a patina layer that covers the product without altering the mechanical characteristics of the steel. This natural rust layer not only protects steel products from the weather, but also provides a unique eye-catching finish. Due to its longevity, weathering steel is more environmentally friendly than conventional steel. Weatherproof steel products can be outside all year round.

What to do?

When brand new, Cor-Ten and S355JOWP are grey in colour like regular carbon steel. Due to weathering, it initially turns reddish-brown and becomes even darker over time. The reddish-brown patina is a natural protective layer similar to rust that prevents further corrosion and extends the life of the product. When weathering steel gets wet, it becomes thicker, unlike regular carbon steel, which is made thinner by rust.

Unpacking the product: to avoid excess moisture, the products must be unpacked immediately after receiving them, so that any moisture accumulated in the packaging can dry out and prevent uneven rusting.

Surface Seasoning: The normal rust process or a quick version.

Normal process: leave you Cor-Ten steel product outside, rain and moisture will cause a layer of patina or rust. The metal surfaces have been pre-cleaned with a solvent – this means that the surface is ready for the formation of rust. Depending on the conditions, the first rust appears after 1-3 weeks. The natural rusting process of Cor-Ten steel takes about 3-5 months, depending on weather conditions and the climate of the location. The product can be sprayed with water to speed up the process.

The quick process (NB! Only at your own risk) means spraying the salt solution onto metal surfaces. This must be repeated 5-6 times. The suspension should be dilute, about 1 teaspoon of salt per litre of water. Dissolve the salt in warm water and spray on metal surfaces. No other treatment is needed, the rain will wash away the salt over time. After being sprayed with salt water, the product must not remain in dry conditions such as indoors or under the roof, but must be rinsed repeatedly either by rain or sprinkling.

Weather-resistant steel and staining: When a layer of rust forms, the product emits rust in the first year. If you place the product on a wooden deck, stains may appear on the surface underneath the product. Some types of stone absorb stains, and rust can give stones a brown colour that can be difficult to remove. After the first year, the weatherproof steel has reached its layer of rust and should not stain anymore. The manufacturer is not responsible for the elimination of features (e.g. possible rust stains) due to the specifics of the product’s material. To minimize staining, flower pots and containers with bottoms stand on M6-M10 bolt heads with a height of 6-10 mm, depending on the model. Such a solution creates an air gap between the product and the (smooth) surface, extending the life of the product and saving the surface.

If you want to use GrillSymbol or Petteri Wiimaa products indoors or slow down the rusting process, it is recommended to use Owatrol 732SK rust oil. Owatrol darkens rusty surfaces slightly while providing a light shine.

Flowerpots and planter boxes that have soil inside all year round: for drainage, we recommend putting a layer of light gravel ⌀10-20 mm thick at the bottom of the box about 10 cm. The manufacturer does not recommend installing flower pots directly on soil or grass, because excessive moisture and direct contact with the surface can cause an uneven layer of rust.

We offer Free Delivery to the United Kingdom Mainland on all orders over £500.

We currently deliver to all locations within the United Kingdom (UK). However, if you are outside of mainland UK (including the Scottish Highlands, Scottish Islands, Channel Islands, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Scilly Isles, and Northern Ireland), please contact us at info@alfrescochic.co.uk or on 0333 050 9974 to discuss your delivery options and to obtain a quote, prior to placing your order. 

Please ensure you read our full Delivery Policy here. 

Current Delivery Times

Timescales are approximate only; We aim to deliver your GrillSymbol order within 5 -10 working days of purchase. If you have an urgent requirement, please contact us.

Need further help?

If you have any questions regarding delivery times, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@alfrescochic.co.uk. Alternatively you can give us a call on 0333 050 9974 and a member of the team will be happy to help! 

What is the returns policy?

You have 14 days after the day you (or someone you nominate) receive the goods, to change your mind and return the goods to us. Where the goods are split into several deliveries over different days, you have 14 days after receipt of the last delivery to change your mind.

Are there any exclusions?

You do not have a right to change your mind in respect of any goods that:
• you have damaged; or
• are no longer in their original condition (including where you have cut tags off or where you have removed any internal packaging).

How can I request a refund?

You can begin the return process by contacting us via email at returns@alfrescochic.co.uk.

Where should I send my return?

If your return request meets the requirements in this Returns Policy, we will issue you with a return authorisation and further information on where to send your goods. We must receive the goods within 14 days of your telling us you wish to return your goods.

Please do not send any returned goods to the address at the end of this page. Any goods sent to this address will be returned to you, at your cost. 

Who covers the cost of returning the goods?

We will pay the costs of the return if the goods are faulty or misdescribed. In all other circumstances (including where you are exercising your right to change your mind), you must pay the costs of return. This includes where we have agreed to collect the goods from you.

Will there be any deductions from my refund?

We may reduce your refund of the price (excluding delivery costs) to reflect any reduction in the value of the goods, if this has been caused by your mishandling. If we give you a refund before we are able to inspect the goods and later discover that you have handled them in an unacceptable way, you must pay us an appropriate amount.

When will I receive my refund?

We will make any refunds due to you as soon as possible, and within 14 days of receiving your returned goods.

For any questions or feedback, please contact us at info@alfrescochic.co.uk or on 0333 050 9974.

Have a question about this product? Send it to us via the form on our Contact Us page and we will get back to you as soon as possible with an answer.