Steel

The Foundation of Metaal

Steel is not a singular material; it is a spectrum of performance. At Metaal, our design process begins with the environment. Whether a product is destined for the high-heat intensity of a South African braai, the coastal humidity of a Cape Town bathroom, or the rugged portability of a remote campsite, the grade of steel we select is a deliberate engineering choice.

We don't believe in "one size fits all." We believe in Integrity by Design. Below is a breakdown of the specialised alloys and artisanal treatments that define the Metaal collection.

1. Raw Mild Steel: The Industrial Soul

Used for: Heavy-duty outdoor gear and coal makers.

Mild steel is the backbone of the industrial world. It is incredibly tough and holds structural integrity under extreme heat.

  • The Seasoned Finish: For our fire range, we don’t just leave it raw. We treat the steel with high-grade oil and "fire-season" it. This creates a natural, dark patina that protects against rust—much like a high-end cast iron skillet.

  • The Protected Finish: When used for interior items, we finish it with architectural-grade powder coating for a sleek, permanent barrier.

2. Stainless Steel 304: The Gold Standard

Used for: High-end fire products, bathroom ranges, and hardware.

SS304 is a premium alloy containing Chromium and Nickel, making it virtually immune to rust in residential environments.

  • Moisture Mastery: We use SS304 for all bathroom products because "water-resistant" isn't enough—it needs to be waterproof. Even our powder-coated bathroom items are Stainless underneath.

  • Stainless Hardware: We don’t cut corners. If the product is stainless, the fixing brackets and screws are too. No rust streaks, ever.

3. 3CR12: The High-Heat Workhorse

Used for: The Flat-Pack Camping Braai.

Developed in South Africa, 3CR12 is a utility-grade stainless steel. It offers a "middle ground" that is perfect for the adventurer.

  • Heat & Value: It handles extreme thermal cycling (heating and cooling) better than almost any other steel, preventing warping while keeping the price point accessible for the rugged camper.

  • Evolution: While 3CR12 is our current champion for portability, keep an eye out for our upcoming SS304 and Raw Steel editions.

Quick Reference Guide

Material Best For Why We Use It
Raw Steel Fire & Industrial Extreme durability & natural "seasoned" patina.
SS304 Coastal & Wet Areas Zero-compromise corrosion resistance.
3CR12 Camping & Cooking Excellent thermal stability at a smarter price.

 

The Ritual of Seasoning: Caring for Raw Steel

Our Raw Mild Steel products are designed for those who appreciate the industrial soul of metal. Unlike mass-produced items, these pieces are alive—they react to heat, moisture, and fire. To ensure your Metaal fire pit or ember maker lasts a lifetime and develops a deep, protective patina, follow our seasoning guide.

1. The First Fire (The Base Coat)

Every Raw Steel product leaves our workshop with a light protective oil. During your first fire, the heat will open the "pores" of the metal. As the steel reaches temperature, the oil will bake into the surface, creating your initial barrier against the elements.

2. Ongoing Protection (The Patina)

After the fire has cooled (but the metal is still warm to the touch), wipe the exterior surfaces with a light coat of high-smoke-point vegetable oil or specialised fire-pit wax.

  • Why? This prevents surface oxidation and builds a rich, dark "seasoned" look that improves with every use.

3. Managing Oxidation

If your steel is exposed to rain or high humidity, small spots of orange surface rust (oxidation) may appear. This is normal and purely cosmetic.

  • The Fix: Simply rub the area with a piece of steel wool or a stiff brush, then re-apply a light layer of oil before your next fire.

4. Storage Tip

If you aren't planning to braai for a while, ensure the unit is clean of ash (which holds moisture) and has a fresh coat of oil. If possible, store it under a cover or in a dry area to keep the patina pristine.

The Metaal Promise: Raw Steel is honest. It will scratch, it will darken, and it will age. These marks aren't defects; they are the story of every fire you've ever built.