FAQs
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you can't find what you're looking for please contact us and we'll get in touch with 24 hours.
Delivery
Each piece of kitchenware is handmade in our forge. This process takes time and does mean sometimes our shipping times are a little longer. We will work as fast as we can to get your order despatched as quickly as we can.
3-5 days for delivery - but some deliveries may take up to 7 days
UK orders are sent via tracked Royal Mail or FedEx services. If you have a specific safe location for your package to be left, please let us know when you check out.
5-7 days for delivery - but some deliveries may take upto 10 days
European orders ship with FedEx. Tracking details will be emailed when your order ships.
7-10 for delivery - but some deliveries may take up to 14 days.
USA & Canadian orders ship with FedEx. Tracking details will be emailed when your order ships.
We mostly ship using recycled boxes and packaging, please recycle or repurpose.
Returns
Each piece of kitchenware made at The Forge is shipped in the best condition. However, should you wish to return an item then we are more than happy to refund or exchange for a standard product from our range. Please ensure the item is returned unused, in the original packaging and within 30 days of receipt.
Should you wish to return an item then we are more than happy to refund or exchange for a standard product from our range. Please ensure the item is returned unused, in the original packaging and within 30 days of receipt.
If an item is returned because you have changed your mind then only the cost of the item will be refunded, not the original postage.
Please make sure that you inspect your order upon arrival and are happy with your item/s before recycling the packaging.
Please call or SMS + 44 (0) 7947 184016 or send an email to alex@alexpoleironwork.com to discuss the best way to return your item.
Products must be returned at your own cost.
We recommend you use a courier who provides a tracking number and delivery confirmation, ensuring the package is insured to the value of its contents as we cannot take responsibility for any items that are lost or damaged.
Please remember to include your proof of purchase along with a cover note quoting your order number. Our return address is:
Alex Pole Ltd @ The Forge
Old Cheese House
Lower Denday
Broadoak
Bridport
DT6 5NW
United Kingdom
When we have received your returned item, we will contact you to arrange your exchange or refund.
Please note that none of the above affects your statutory rights if goods are faulty or not as described. For your rights of cancellation under The Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002, please see our Terms of Service.
If an item is damaged in transit, incorrect or the result of a production issue, your return shipping costs will be fully refunded.
Please call or SMS + 44 (0) 7947 184016 or send an email to alex@alexpoleironwork.com to discuss the best way to return your item.
We recommend you use a courier who provides a tracking number and delivery confirmation, ensuring the package is insured to the value of its contents as we cannot take responsibility for any items that are lost or damaged.
Please remember to include your proof of purchase along with a cover note quoting your order number. Our return address is:
Alex Pole Ltd @ The Forge
Old Cheese House
Lower Denday
Broadoak
Bridport
DT6 5NW
United Kingdom
When we have received your returned item, we will contact you to arrange your exchange or refund.
Please note that none of the above affects your statutory rights if goods are faulty or not as described. For your rights of cancellation under The Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002, please see our Terms of Service.
Care & use
The Forge Kitchenware pans and skillets are spun from raw steel, pre-seasoned with rapeseed oil and baked at around 425°C to give a sealed finish. This makes our pans ready to cook with straight out of the box. However, for best results we advise regular re-seasoning, especially after the first few times of use.
The colour of the pan will change from the blue/grey when is arrives to a dull silver and then to a much darker red/brown and even black. This is completely normal and is reflecting the build-up of seasoning. Don't worry! Cooking some foods, especially acidic produce like tomatoes, can remove some of the seasoning, but again please don't worry! This may result in a pale silver finish but the seasoning can be easily re-applied.
Our pans are all spun by hand and as such can pick up scratches and tooling marks during this highly-skilled process - this does not affect the pan. The spinning process can also create some stress in the base of the pan and this can be released when first heated causing very slight warping. Heat your pan slowly to avoid this.
Raw steel pans are fantastic to cook with and they have no chemical or industrial coatings and as such are better for both the environment and for your health.
- Wash your pan in hot water and dry thoroughly
- Wipe with a very fine layer of oil using a cotton cloth
- Place the pan in the oven at a medium temperature for 30 minutes
- Turn the temperature up to maximum and bake pan for 60 minutes
- Remove pan (careful, it will be hot!) and very gently wipe again with a fine layer of oil
- Leave to cool slowly; do not cool with cold water as this can buckle the pan
- The more often a pan is re-seasoned the better the pan will perform
- Carbon steel will rust if left wet for too long. For best results wash your pan in hot water and dry up thoroughly after use and store in a dry place
- Steel pans can be re-seasoned after every use if desired and re-heating in the oven with a little oil after cleaning is a good idea
- Do not put your pan in the dishwasher as it will rust
- Do not use detergent or excessive soap
- Slowly pre-heat your pan then add oil
- Most food is best cooked from room temperature rather than directly from the fridge
- Steel pans can sometimes transfer heat unevenly – find the best heat spot for the type of cooking you are doing
We use 304 grade stainless steel to forge most of out utensils, pan handles and cookware. The blackening comes during the forging process as oxidisation and gives a beautiful colour and texture to our products. They are also rust-resistant and dishwasher proof.
Our copper utensils are finished by hand, cleaned and lightly oiled before shipping out. Copper is a reactive metal and will oxidise over time. This is completely natural and the colour will darken, but we love this process and think it adds to the beauty.
Steel can rust quickly if left wet or unwashed. To maintain a good finish on your utensils. wash after use and dry immediately.
Do not leave in the sink or put in the dishwasher. Store in a dry place.
Products can be oiled regularly if desired using a light cooking oil, wiped all over with a cotton cloth.
Please contact us at any time if you have any issues with caring for your product and we will endeavour to help in any way possible.