Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Company
JD Fabrications strives to offer the best quality, longest lasting product at competitive prices. JD Fabrications refuses to sacrifice quality for cost. All of our grills are built with your best interest in mind, with materials that will withstand their intended uses, and designs that will satisfy your greatest expectations. JD Fabrications is the direct manufacturer of all our grills so we know our products. We’ve tested hundreds of designs and are constantly striving to perfect them and only offer the best. We commonly get customer feedback that the quality of our grills far surpassed their expectations. Check out our customer reviews to see what people are saying!
We are very aware of our competitors products and we do our best to offer better designs at competitive pricing. We commonly see competitors offering sub-par designs which can provide cost savings, but ultimately, much shorter product life expectancies. Many of these companies offer a seemingly comparable product and offer to beat competitor pricing. JD Fabrications refuses to sacrifice quality for cost. We are here to answer any questions you have regarding our designs and are happy to provide specific material sizes and thicknesses we will use in your build.
JD Fabrications BBQ is family owned and operated in Santa Maria by husband and wife team JD and Lauren Sinor. They are both Santa Maria natives deeply rooted in the area. Growing up in Santa Maria Valley means eating a fair share of this local delicacy. Every warm weekend is filled with at least one grill day where you’re surrounded by savory aromas, great food and company. The camaraderie and sense of community that cooking over an open fire with family and friends brings is just as much a part of their lives as it was for local families of the mid-1800s.
The story of JD Fabrications begins in 2010 while JD was attending college at CSU Northridge. He was studying Kinesiology while commuting 3 hours home to Santa Maria, CA on the weekends to fund his tuition by building grills in his parents 2 car garage and selling them on Craigslist. You would often see him commuting back to Northridge, towing a small trailer stacked with grills down the 101 South behind his Subaru sedan.
When JD graduated CSUN in 2013 he strongly contemplated a career in Physical Therapy. He knew he didn’t have the money for PT school and struggled with the fact that he would be choosing to start a career burdened by huge student loan debt. Entrepreneurial at heart, JD decided to take a year off from school and give his trusty little grill fabrication business all he had. In 2014 his fiance Lauren had just graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She agreed to provide her sales and marketing expertise to the start-up full time.
In April 2014 they opened their doors officially in a small, 1500 square foot warehouse with very minimal homemade equipment. They worked hard and concentrated on providing personalized customer service while perfecting their product. Meanwhile, they saved each year to purchase machinery to make their product better and their process more efficient. Today they are home to a fully equipped grill manufacturing facility. They provide top notch, personalized customer service, tried and true designs built from thick, quality materials. They offer an assortment of steel and stainless grill options in various styles and custom sizes so customers can get exactly what they need. They ship anywhere in the US, and all grills come fully welded and assembled.
JD and Lauren love sharing their local barbecue tradition. They hope that the flavorful foods that come off their grills and the good company and conversations shared with family and friends are the best part of every customer experience.
OUR PROMISE: Each JD Fabrications Grill is proudly hand fabricated in Santa Maria, CA, USA. At JD Fabrications, “American Made” is not just a slogan or sales gimmick, its a way of life. Buying American-Made surpasses simple patriotism, but further helps to contribute to a brighter and more stable future for the entire country through the support of our local businesses. Thank you for your support!
JD Fabrications is the sole manufacturer of all JD Fabrications grills. Our manufacturing facility is located in Santa Maria, CA. We offer free local pickup at our warehouse and we ship worldwide. We focus on selling direct to consumer and have found that this strategy allows us to provide you with the lowest prices and best products possible. At this time we do not offer our products through any retail outlets.
I am JD Sinor, owner and chief fabricator of JD Fabrications BBQ. My wife Lauren and I have lived in Santa Maria for most of our lives and our families have even deeper roots in the area. Any special event around here involves lighting up our grills and cooking decadent foods over wood fires with family and friends. We have tons of experience cooking over wood, we know what works and what doesn’t. Since 2010 we have made a living designing and fabricating Santa Maria grills, with some fun additions, for folks who want to take the Santa Maria barbecue experience home with them.
Santa Maria style barbecue is a method of grilling that originated in the Santa Maria Valley on the Central Coast of California. The technique has evolved over the last 170 years, but the founding principles are the same. Santa Maria Grills feature a deep firebox and use red oak wood as the driving fuel burned directly under the meat to achieve Santa Maria styles traditional savory flavor. The seasoning is a simple salt, garlic, and pepper dry rub.
Santa Maria bbq originally came about in the mid 1800’s when the local Santa Maria Valley ranchers needed a way to cook for their vaqueros. They dug earthen pits and filled them with red oak (coast live oak) to cook large slabs of top block on skewers over the fire. The meat was served with local pinquinto beans, bread, and a side salad. Since the 1800’s locals have have modernized the Santa Maria bbq to include a practical height adjustable grate that allows for portability.
In the 1930’s the Santa Maria Elks and Santa Maria Club’s Stag Night started hosting social gatherings which are active to this day.In the 1950s a local butcher named Bob Schutz introduced a cut of meat called “tri-tip” that quickly joined top block as a staple of Santa Maria style barbecue. Tri-tip is “a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin subprimal cut.”
Around this same time three local restaurants, Far Western Tavern, Jockos Steakhouse, and The Hitching Post became landmarks of authentic Santa Maria bbq. Today, Shaw’s, AJ Spurs, Historic Santa Maria Inn, and F. Mclintocks have joined the list of great Santa Maria barbecue restaurants. All are still in operation on the Central Coast. If you’re ever in the area we highly recommend trying them.
For people who love the idea and want to take that home with them, we build an authentic Santa Maria grill that anyone can use. Although red oak and the traditional seasonings are our local flavors of choice, Santa Maria grills are incredibly versatile. You can grill all kinds of meats and veggies and use any fuels you like. The possibilities are endless.
How To Order / How To Get A Quote
We have designed our online store to provide all options and pricing for standard sizes. The drop down menus on each product page will provide available standard sizing and corresponding prices. Add all desired items to the shopping cart and it will total your order, including shipping costs. If you need a custom size, please contact us directly.
Add all desired items to your shopping cart then select Checkout. Follow the user friendly prompt and provide the information requested. We will build your order and contact you with tracking upon shipment.
Add all desired products to your shopping cart and select Checkout. Enter your shipping address and the website will calculate shipping based on size and weight. You do not need to commit to an order to obtain a shipping quote.
We are a small business and we wear many hats. We split our time between the office and fabrication facility. To provide you the fastest feedback and maintain a high level of efficiency, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions to give you a better general understanding of our company, our products, and the quoting/ordering/shipping process. Your questions have most likely been answered here.
If you still have questions, email us at sales@jdfabrications.com. Please include your name, number, and any specific questions. Email has the fastest response time.
If you prefer, call us at 1-805-637-6700. Our dedicated phone hours are between 9am-1pm PST Monday-Friday. If you reach our voicemail please leave a message so we can call you back.
To keep product costs as low as possible we primarily sell our products via our online store. Our website is our storefront! If you need assistance, we welcome emails and phone calls, and we are very responsive. However, if you wish to place an order in person we can accommodate you by appointment.
We are not open to walk ins without an appointment. Because we are primarily an online store, we do not staff a sales associate at our manufacturing facility. An appointment is necessary if you would like to order in person.
We manufacture grills to order so we do not have a showroom with all of our products. Please view what we have IN STOCK under “Ready To Ship”. This page is updated with our current available inventory and can be ready for shipment or pickup within 7 days. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
To keep our costs as low as possible we build all grills to order.
Yes. When you checkout on our website you can opt for Warehouse Pickup.
Please bring a pickup truck (without cargo rack) or trailer to collect your grill. We will load your grill by forklift.
We will not load any grill into an SUV, van, or car.
Please bring any tie downs/straps/padding to secure your own load.
Pickups are by appointment. Pickup address is 2311 A St, Santa Maria, CA 93455.
Please note, we require orders to be picked up or have shipment arranged within 7 days of notification of completion. We have limited storage space and reserve the right to charge daily storage for grills stored over 7 days.
Our grills are welded and will be fully assembled upon pickup. They do not break down to fit in an SUV.
We will not load any grill into an SUV or under a truck bed cover. Regardless of the grill size, you will need to bring a truck (without a camper shell or bed cover) or trailer so that we can load your grill by forklift. Attempting to transport a grill by laying it down will likely result in damage to your vehicle. If you bring an SUV against our advice, please expect to load the grill yourself.
In general, drop in units are at least 47″ tall and freestanding units are at least 70″ tall. For the smallest sizes: Drop in frames are at least 150 lbs, Drop in fireboxes are at least 250 lbs, and freestanding grills start at 300 lbs.
Shipping
Add all desired products to your shopping cart and select Checkout. Enter your shipping address and the website will calculate shipping based on size and weight. You do not need to commit to an order to obtain a shipping quote.
Shipping is calculated by the website. Grills ship 3rd party LTL common carrier freight, mostly assembled, strapped to a pallet. The website calculates shipping at checkout. Shipping is calculated to a residential address with lift gate service at delivery. If you would like your order delivered to a non-residential address or need a special service then you will need to contact us prior to ordering so that we can provide an accurate shipping quote. Please review in depth information about shipping, address types, and special services under the Warranty, Terms, Care & Use tab.Accessories and smaller grates ship UPS Ground. All accessories and add ons ship free if ordered with a grill.
Disclaimer: In some cases additional charges may apply due to an inaccessible delivery address, island/rural deliveries (where there is no road to the delivery address), rural, multi-level apartment/condo buildings, deliveries to the city of New York, and various other obstacles. The customer will be responsible for coordinating and paying for additional services required to deliver the order.
We ship anywhere in the lower states. If your located outside of USA we can ship but we require that you purchase your own freight.
Lead Times
Lead times vary by season and demand. We complete projects in the order they are received. You can usually expect your grill to ship between 4-6 weeks of purchase, but our lead time has been known to increase during grill season. Contact us for current lead time. We do our very best to stick to our estimated lead times. Please understand a lead time is not a guaranteed time of completion, rather, an estimate.
We will contact you with tracking information when the item ships or is ready for pickup.
We do not offer rush orders because each of our customers expect their grill as soon as possible. We are a small business, so offering rush orders to some customers will extend the lead time of another.
Stock grills purchased under the “Ready To Ship” tab take 7 business days to process the order, package, and ship. Any items added to our Ready To Ship grills may extend this lead time. For example, if you buy a Ready To Ship grill but also add storage lids or a grill grate upgrade, those items must be custom made before the item will be ready. Adding additional items will put the order into another fabrication lineup.
Damages / Claims
When the shipping company delivers your grill they will ask you to sign a delivery receipt. Things to look for before signing are a broken wooden pallet, broken pallet straps, and damaged or missing grill pieces. Unwrap the grill while the driver waits. The shrink wrap can easily be cut with scissors or a knife.
Your signature is acknowledgment that the shipment has arrived in good condition. If damage is present, follow the steps below.
IF DAMAGE IS PRESENT:
Make the driver note specific areas of damage on the delivery receipt if you choose to accept the shipment, and ask for a copy.
Take photos before the driver leaves while the grill is still on the pallet.
Save all packing materials and notify us by voicemail or email within 24 hours so we can file a claim and provide any replacement parts.
If the grill has minor scratches or missing accessories or damage to the hand wheel, it’s also fine to accept the delivery.
If the grill has major damage to the body of the grill or guides, please reject the delivery and it will route back to us.
Custom Projects
Occasionally. To obtain a quote on a custom design we require a sketch of your design including dimensions and material designations. To manage expectations of both parties, will always ask for your budget up front. Providing us with your acceptable price range is fine. Quoting custom projects can become very time consuming. If you do not wish to provide your design and budget up front then we do not wish to quote your custom project.
When you buy a JD Fabrications design you can rest assured that it has been tested for functionality and durability. We warranty our designs and we do so with utmost confidence in them! We occasionally take on custom work, however we cannot warranty custom designs.
A custom design is any design that alters the thickness, height, or shape of the grills available on our website. Changing the construction may seem very simple, but alterations such as deeper fireboxes, alternative materials, moved or removed support structures, or insulation can cause a design to react very differently under the high temperatures wood grills must endure.
We do not share customer design or product information with other manufacturers in any situation other than if a part of the design needs to be outsourced.
We are very aware of our competitors products and we do our best to offer better designs at competitive pricing. We commonly see competitors offering sub-par designs which can provide cost savings, but ultimately, much shorter product life expectancies. Many of these companies offer a seemingly comparable product and offer to beat competitor pricing. JD Fabrications refuses to sacrifice quality for cost. We are here to answer any questions you have regarding our designs and are happy to provide specific material sizes and thicknesses we will use in your build.
Grill Styles (Santa Maria / Argentine / Drop In Styles)
Santa Maria Grills feature a height adjustable grate system over a deep firebox. The fuel (wood or charcoal) is burned directly under the grate to achieve a smokey, savory flavor.
A little local history…
Santa Maria bbq originally came about in the mid 1800’s when the local Santa Maria Valley ranchers needed a way to cook for their vaqueros. They dug earthen pits and filled them with red oak (coast live oak) to cook large slabs of top block on skewers over the fire. The meat was served with local pinquinto beans, bread, and a side salad. Since the 1800’s locals have have modernized the Santa Maria bbq to include a practical height adjustable grate that allows for portability.
In the 1930’s the Santa Maria Elks and Santa Maria Club’s Stag Night started hosting social gatherings which are active to this day.In the 1950s a local butcher named Bob Schutz introduced a cut of meat called “tri-tip” that quickly joined top block as a staple of Santa Maria style barbecue. Tri-tip is “a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin subprimal cut.”
Around this same time three local restaurants, Far Western Tavern, Jockos Steakhouse, and The Hitching Post became landmarks of authentic Santa Maria bbq. Today, Shaw’s, AJ Spurs, Historic Santa Maria Inn, and F. Mclintocks have joined the list of great Santa Maria barbecue restaurants. All are still in operation on the Central Coast.
If you’re ever in the area we highly recommend trying them. For people who love the idea and want to take that home with them.
Argentine asado (barbecue) originated in a very similar way to the Santa Maria grill. The Argentine tradition evolved around the local gaucho culture, which are like cowboys who herd cattle. For centuries they have used the meats available to them to cook over hot wood coals.
Argentine parillas (grills) are traditionally very simple. Key features involve cooking fatty cuts of meat (commonly flank, skirt steak, chorizo, blood sausage) long and low over hot wood coals laid on a brick surface. These cuts of meat tend to be very tender when cooked this way.
Charcoal wasn’t a bagged product that was readily available back in those days, so a brasero (an offset basket of sorts) was used to burn split logs down to embers. The embers were then placed under the grates for cooking. The cooking process involves a very hot searing of the meat initially to lock in juices, then a lower temperature cook by constant transfer of coals from brasero to under the cooking grate with a hand shovel or rake.
The V channel grates are ideal for the traditional fatty cuts of meat as they roll the juices forward into a drip pan. The drippings may be used to baste, or can be discarded. The V grate also serves to prevent flare ups since the meat is cooking low over the embers.
There are two different types of Santa Maria Grill or drop in Units:
- Drop In Firebox styles are designed for hollow wall islands. They come with a completely welded box that drops into an existing countertop opening. A fire may be lit directly on the bottom of the metal firebox or it can be lined with firebrick.
- Drop In Frame styles are designed for islands constructed of block. A drop in frame comes WITHOUT a metal firebox. The drop in frame is inserted into an existing countertop opening and the fire is lit on your existing firebrick firebox.
We offer two main drop in styles:
Drop In Fireboxes and Drop In Frames.
1) Drop In Firebox styles are designed for hollow wall islands. They come with a completely welded box that drops into an existing countertop opening. A fire may be lit directly on the bottom of the metal firebox or it can be lined with firebrick. The firebox will hang in the opening by it’s lips. No need for bolts or glue. It’s important to vent your island to avoid heat encapsulation. The firebox will get as hot as the fuel you’re burning.
2) Drop In Frame styles are designed for islands constructed of block. A drop in frame comes WITHOUT a metal firebox. The drop in frame is inserted into an existing countertop opening and the fire is lit on your existing firebrick firebox. It’s important to use solid block in your construction, or be sure to fill hollow block with cement to avoid heat encapsulation within the bricks.
Both drop in styles are installed by dropping into your counter opening. They do not need to be glued or bolted, the weight of the unit will hold it in place. Drop in styles are designed to be supported by the lips on all sides of the firebox. Drop in firebox styles have 1.5″ lips. Drop in frame styles have 2.5″ lips. The lips cover most opening imperfections for a clean look. Drop in firebox styles generally come with approx. 14″ tall box, while drop in frame styles have 12″ channel guides below the rim. The channel guides are the tracks for the grate to travel downwards into the opening. They do not need to reach the bottom of the firebox as 12″ is generally plenty of travel below the rim.
We offer two main drop in styles: Drop In Fireboxes and Drop In Frames.
1) Drop In Firebox styles are designed for hollow wall islands. They come with a completely welded box that drops into an existing countertop opening. A fire may be lit directly on the bottom of the metal firebox or it can be lined with firebrick. The firebox will hang in the opening by 1.5″ lips on all sides. Fireboxes are generally about 14″ tall from lip to bottom. No need for bolts or glue.
It’s important to vent your island adequately to avoid heat encapsulation inside the hollow island. Vents should be located right under the counter level, as heat rises and can escape most easily at the highest point.
The firebox will get as hot as the fuel you’re burning. Make sure to use only non-flammable materials in your island construction. Island framework should be metal and wrap should be block veneer and durarock. Countertops should be able to withstand wood burning temperatures upwards of 1200 degrees. Fuel and compressed gases should be stored away from the heat source. Wood island construction is not compatible with a wood burning grill.
If you have further questions regarding specific island design, contact a contractor or mason. We are not contractors and are not able to provide specific plans for island construction.
2) Drop In Frame styles are designed for islands constructed of block. A drop in frame comes WITHOUT a metal firebox. The drop in frame is inserted into an existing countertop opening and the fire is lit on your existing firebrick firebox. The firebox will hang in the opening by 2.5″ lips on all sides. Frames have 12″ channel guides below the rim. The channel guides are the tracks for the grate to travel downwards into the opening. They do not need to reach the bottom of the firebox as 12″ is generally plenty of travel below the rim. No bolts or glue are needed.
The frame can get as hot as the fuel you’re burning. Make sure to use only non-flammable materials in your island construction.It’s important to use solid block in your construction, or to fill hollow block with cement to avoid heat encapsulation within the bricks.
Countertops should be able to withstand wood burning temperatures upwards of 1200 degrees. Fuel and compressed gases should be stored away from the heat source. Wood island construction is not compatible with a wood burning grill.If you have further questions regarding specific island design, contact a contractor or mason. We are not contractors and are not able to provide specific plans for island construction.
Installation
We offer two main drop in styles: Drop In Fireboxes and Drop In Frames.
1) Drop In Firebox styles are designed for hollow wall islands. They come with a completely welded box that drops into an existing countertop opening. A fire may be lit directly on the bottom of the metal firebox or it can be lined with firebrick. The firebox will hang in the opening by 1.5″ lips on all sides. Fireboxes are generally about 14″ tall from lip to bottom. No need for bolts or glue.
It’s important to vent your island adequately to avoid heat encapsulation inside the hollow island. Vents should be located right under the counter level, as heat rises and can escape most easily at the highest point. The firebox will get as hot as the fuel you’re burning. Make sure to use only non-flammable materials in your island construction. Island framework should be metal and wrap should be block veneer and durarock. Countertops should be able to withstand wood burning temperatures upwards of 1200 degrees. Fuel and compressed gases should be stored away from the heat source. Wood island construction is not compatible with a wood burning grill.
If you have further questions regarding specific island design, contact a contractor or mason. We are not contractors and are not able to provide specific plans for island construction.
2) Drop In Frame styles are designed for islands constructed of block. A drop in frame comes WITHOUT a metal firebox. The drop in frame is inserted into an existing countertop opening and the fire is lit on your existing firebrick firebox. The firebox will hang in the opening by 2.5″ lips on all sides. Frames have 12″ channel guides below the rim. The channel guides are the tracks for the grate to travel downwards into the opening. They do not need to reach the bottom of the firebox as 12″ is generally plenty of travel below the rim. No bolts or glue are needed.
The frame can get as hot as the fuel you’re burning. Make sure to use only non-flammable materials in your island construction.It’s important to use solid block in your construction, or to fill hollow block with cement to avoid heat encapsulation within the bricks. Countertops should be able to withstand wood burning temperatures upwards of 1200 degrees. Fuel and compressed gases should be stored away from the heat source. Wood island construction is not compatible with a wood burning grill.
If you have further questions regarding specific island design, contact a contractor or mason. We are not contractors and are not able to provide specific plans for island construction.
Material Options (Steel vs Stainless)
We offer two material options, steel and stainless. Here’s some specifics about each material to help you make a decision about the material that’s best for you. I’ve found that most people make the ‘material decision’ based on cost, ease of care, and longevity.
To clarify, any of the black grills you see on our website are steel (steel coated in high temperature paint) and any of the shiny silver grills are stainless (no coating needed), with the exception of grill grates which all appear silver in color whether steel or stainless (
You may also mix materials by selecting steel for the unit, but add a stainless grill grate upgrade. However if you select a stainless unit, the grill grate should always be stainless as well.
So here we go…
Steel grills are the more affordable option, while stainless grills are a slightly more expensive investment. There’s reasons for that, which I’ll explain below. Keep in mind that steel is very suitable for many people and environments. Alternatively, stainless does require less care and lasts longer. Historically about half of our customers go with steel, and half decide to go with stainless.
STEEL
Steel is an alloy (combination of elements) composed of Iron and Carbon. The raw material is relatively inexpensive in comparison with stainless. It’s easily formed and a faster welding process, but it must be painted to protect it from oxidation/rust. All steel will eventually rust, but it can be delayed and serve a very long and useful life with proper care and maintenance. We use very thick materials. It would take years for a grill to be rendered useless from rust. If you’re looking to maximize longevity of your steel grill just follow our simple care instructions.
For steel grills, we use an excellent quality, high temperature paint coating to preserve the steel material. The paint is rated to continues temperatures of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, and 2000 degrees intermittent. That’s about how hot wood burns. It’s the most durable paint we’ve found for this purpose, and does a wonderful job at protecting the material. Steel is a great option.
Paint breakdown may occur for a few reasons but can be mainly avoided. We include an aerosol of matching touch up paint with each purchase. Grills should be touched up with the first sign of paint breakdown. Most common causes of paint breakdown are exposure to long term moisture and fires that are too hot.
Allowing a steel firebox to sit with water in it will cause paint breakdown over time. Water and ash mixture is acidic and very corrosive. This is easily avoided by keeping your grill dry, scooping out the ash after use, and storing the firebox with a lid, cover, tarp, or under an overhang if available.
Exposure to certain conditions such as excessive moisture or sea/salt air will expedite the oxidation process. Stainless is the better option if that describes your living situation.
A fire that is too hot will cause paint breakdown in the form of chipping/peeling. It’s not necessary to light a gigantic fire for cooking. It’s best to start with 3-4 split hardwood logs and add as needed. This allows for control of temperature and avoids overheating.
STAINLESS
Stainless is an alloy (combination) of Chromium, Nickel, and Carbon. We use only ‘304 Grade’ stainless. Stainless is an expensive material in comparison with steel. It takes more time and is harder to fabricate. It’s more difficult to form into shape, harder to drill and cut, and a longer welding and finishing process. All of these things make a stainless grill a more expensive investment.
The most beneficial quality of stainless for our purpose is it’s natural property of corrosion/rust resistance. Under normal conditions the chromium in stainless will react with oxygen in the air and create a thin and very protective passive layer on the material. This reaction is the reason that stainless steel is such a rock star against corrosion and rust.
During fabrication it’s necessary to physically change the shape of the material. Any time heat and friction is applied when the stainless is cut, ground, or welded, the chromium in those areas breaks down. This makes those areas susceptible to rust over time. We use processes called ‘TIG welding’ and then after it’s built called ‘passivation’ which are both essential to maintaining the rust resistant properties of the material. Many grill manufacturers advertise rust resistant stainless products, but actually sell stainless products that will rust over time because they do not follow this important process.
(See our Blog post “Not All Stainless Grills Are Created Equal” for why this is so important).
Overall stainless grills are our longest lasting option and require the least amount of care by you. Do the benefits outweigh the extra cost? Hopefully you have the information to make a decision that is right for you.
GRILL GRATES
Both steel and stainless grill grates are always left uncoated. Steel grates are cared for similar to cast iron cooking products, and must be seasoned to protect them from oxidation/rust. Stainless is naturally rust resistant. This makes the stainless grill grate easier to care for, but many people don’t mind spreading some oil on a steel grate. Both produce the same results while cooking. The difference is really just care.
Stainless is an expensive material in comparison with steel. It takes more time and is harder to fabricate. It’s more difficult to form into shape, harder to drill and cut, and a longer welding and finishing process. The major benefit is it’s natural rust resistant properties. All of these things make a stainless grill a more expensive investment.
Corten steel is a group of steel alloys which were developed to obviate the need for painting, and form a stable rust-like appearance if exposed to the weather for several years. It has increased resistance to atmospheric corrosion when compared to other steels. It resists the corrosive effects of rain, snow, ice, fog, and other meteorological conditions by forming a coating of dark brown oxidation over the metal, which inhibits deeper penetration and negates the need for painting and costly rust-prevention maintenance over the years. In simple terms the steel is allowed to rust and that rust forms a protective coating that slows the rate of future corrosion.
Sizes
We offer standard sizes, available on each product page. The best way to get an idea of size is to use a measuring tape and painters tape to lay out the size you’re considering on the ground or your counter.
Then you can visually see how much space you’ll have to cook.
If you need a custom size drop in we will need the size of your existing countertop opening.
Yes, we can build any custom size.
Most commonly this question pertains to customers who have an existing counter opening in their outdoor kitchen. We need your opening size to produce a quote. If the size you need is smaller than what’s available on the website, use the pricing on the smallest available size as that is a base price.
Accessories / Add Ons
Our Height Adjustable Rotisserie (HAR):
JD Fabrications offers the only HAR setup for a Santa Maria Grill. HAR can be added to any JD Fabrications grill (steel or stainless), aside from the $1500 portable steel model.
HAR is our most functional rotisserie design yet! Temperatures are easiest to control with height adjustability. It produces the best results because the spit rod is directly centered over the firebox. This design does not alter the function of the existing grill and all components are easily removable for storage without the need for bolts or tools. Motor installs by a custom slide on mounting bracket and rides up and down the modified split channel guides. Grate frame is modified with a sub-frame to make the cooking grate completely removable for cooking larger cuts and whole animals.
Compatible with single and dual crank grills. For dual crank grills, the rotisserie functions on the larger grate section only. It’s possible to add a rotisserie to the smaller grate section with an additional motor and some mods to the grate frame, but the website won’t allow that selection. Please contact us in that case.
All rotisserie components and motor casings are Grade 304 stainless steel. The components can be easily removed for storage.
You can purchase rotisserie components later if you opted out of the kit with your original purchase, but we will ask for photos of your grill to check compatibility.
If you did not buy your grill from us, we do not sell these components separately.
Metal, by nature, expands and contracts with changing temperatures. If the material is heated too extensively it may not return to it’s normal shape once cooled.
Firebrick adds a layer of heat absorbing protection to the bottom of a grill bucket, reducing heat exposure to this heat susceptible area. Firebrick combats warping, aiding in longevity and extending useful life.
If you’re looking for a hotter fire, a charcoal grate allows air underneath your fuel. Charcoal grates are not required for function, but added airflow makes a hotter fire, whether the fuel be charcoal or wood. The grate sits in the bottom of the firebox and holds the fuel above the ash that collects underneath. The ash has a tendency to smother a fire if not cleaned regularly.
Our stainless storage lids are an excellent add on for keeping unwanted debris out of your pit. They repel leaves, dirt, critters, most rainwater and snow. They are for storage purposes only and are not intended to be used over heat. We recommend using a vinyl cover, tarp, or water tight barrier in addition in wet conditions. Stainless lids cannot prevent condensation from occurring under the lid.
For our purposes, pillow block bearings provide seamless grate height adjustment. They create an almost friction-less contact between the crank bar (horizontal bar that the hand wheel attaches to roll up the grate).
If pillow block bearings are required for function, they will be included as a feature (ie. Single Crank units larger than 60″).
You may add them as an optional “add on” to smaller units. If you select a dual crank unit you will need two sets of pillow block bearings.
Log lighters may be added to grills for faster ignition of fuel. Do you ever get off work starving but looking forward to a wood fired meal? Do you make something else instead because the wood fired grilling process takes too long? We offer propane (LPG) and natural gas (NG) log lighter options to solve that problem. You may use the log lighter during the entire cook, but it’s mainly helpful to get your fuel to ignite more quickly.
Grill Grate Upgrades
You can add a grill grate upgrade to your cart at time of order. It will be included with your purchase.
For ordering grate upgrades for an existing grill you already have we will need measurements.
We offer four main grate styles: Expanded Diamond Grates (Steel and Stainless), Stainless Free Float Round Rod Grates, and Argentine V Grates (Steel and Stainless), and Griddles (Steel and Stainless).
Steel grates are bare, and cared for like a cast iron skillet (season with oil or animal fat for rust protection). The grease should not be cleaned completely off them each use. Stainless grates are naturally rust resistant. If the grates are new or haven’t been used in a while, oil may be to prevent sticking.
The grate style that’s included with your grill will be listed on each product page under details. To upgrade, go to ‘Specialty Grate Upgrades’ and add the desired style in corresponding size to your cart.
Stainless grates are a compatible upgrade with any steel base grill. However, steel grates should not be added to stainless base grills.
Expanded Diamond Grates are a wonderful, multipurpose grate that you can use to cook pretty much anything. They are flat which makes them perfect for flipping burgers and steaks. They have small openings which also make them ideal t for cooking veggies, shrimp, and smaller items directly on the grate. They are easy to clean with a grill brush. Metal expands when it’s heated, so the grate may bow slightly in the center when you’re cooking. This is normal. We do not weld the expanded into the grate frame which allows you to flip the grate as needed. Expanded grates come in steel (bare, must be seasoned like cast iron) and stainless (rust resistant) options.
Stainelss Free Float Round Rod Grates are our longest lasting grate option. Each solid rod is placed into a hole which is drill into a hollow tube grate framework. The rods are “free floating” in the hollow frame, allowing for the natural expansion and contraction of the material as the temperatures change. The grate is able to adapt to each temperature change, making it very warp resistant. Available in stainless (rust resistant) material.
Argentine V Grates are ideal for cooking fatty cuts of meat. The V grooves run front to back and are slightly tilted forwards in their frame which allows the fats to be caught and rolled forward into a removable front drip pan. The drip pan slides off the front of the grate frame. The fats can be used to baste or can be discarded after use. They are available in steel (bare, must be seasoned like cast iron) and stainless (rust resistant) material.
Griddles (“planchas”) are a flat surface without perforations. They can be used to cook eggs, pancakes, chorizo, burgers, etc. Really anything you cook in a pan can be cooked on a griddle. They feature an integrated drip pan in front where drippings can pool. They are available in steel (bare, must be seasoned like cast iron) and stainless (rust resistant) material.
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Warranty / Terms
JDF grills are covered under warranty for up to 5 years. Liability under this warranty is limited to the total amount of the order as shown on the invoice. JDF warrants that they will, at their option, repair or replace defective products due to faulty workmanship or materials, subject to the limitations described in this warranty. The warranty is valid only in connection with the original purchase of new products from JDF. This warranty does not apply to used grills or demo products, or any products sold by unauthorized resellers. JDF is not responsible for project delays or financial losses resulting from damaged/defective/delayed products/orders.Products may be remade under warranty. JDF may require the original product to be returned to the factory for inspection prior to generating replacements. Shipping costs will be covered and reimbursed so long as the grill is determined to be covered under warranty.JDF Drop in style products are designed to work on a firm, solid, four-sided surface that is structurally level and capable of supporting the weight of the product by it’s lips or flanges. The surface and surrounding structures must be able to stand up to the high heat that the product will emit when in use, occasionally upwards of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. JD Fabrications makes no representations whatsoever as to the structural integrity, heat tolerances, or rated load for any foundation or structure not manufactured by JDF. JDF may require photos or proof of the design foundation used in conjunction with the product if purchaser makes a claim under this warranty. JDF reserves the right to invalidate this warranty if it’s determined the foundation to be inadequate. This warranty covers the following items during normal wear: 1. Any physical flaw in the product that causes a weld to split or crack despite normal usage and proper handling (as outlined in Care and Use instructions).2. Any manufacturing defect (ie. the size or gauge of the product or its parts).3. Any mechanical issue with a height control mechanism under normal usage respecting reasonable weight limits. JDF reserves the right approve or deny warranty/damage claims in all cases.This warranty does not cover:1.Physical abuse or damage to the structure or material, including but not limited to: warping, discoloration, burn marks, paint chipping, or rust.2. Damage associated with an improper foundation or installation.3. Replacement of an accompanying piece in a situation where only one piece is defective.4. Used floor models, prototypes, or grills built to customer requested design specifications. JDF does not warranty any design that is built to customer specifications that is not sold on our website, including but not limited to: oversized products, deeper or shallower fireboxes, dual wall designs, three sided designs, installation of DIY kits, any custom materials, or any non-height adjustable designs.5. Any resale item including but not limited to rotisseries and their components and vinyl covers.*Electric rotisseries and their components are warrantied for ONE year. We will ask for the item to be returned before replacement is provided.6. Any consumable pieces (including but not limited to: cable wire, tires, grill grates, charcoal grates, firebrick).Painted and finished products are hand sprayed/painted. Some slight blemishes are to be expected. Customer is responsible for all return costs if seller is not at fault.
Payment is due in full to hold your place in the fabrication lineup. We accept all major credit cards, Paypal, Paypal Credit, Amazon Pay, & Google Pay.
Prior to build cancellation refund:Once an order is placed, we are immediately charged a processing fee no less than 3%. All Refund will be charged a minimum 3% processing fee.Refund prior to shipping: Once an order has started fabrication or material has been ordered for the job a restocking fee of 35% will be charged. Custom fabrications jobs are non-refundable.Refunds after item has shipped:Return window is 30 days from the date the item was received.Charges:Restocking Fee 35%Original shipping and palletizing fee(Some products have shipping discounts. We will provide you with an exact receipt of shipping charges and materials)Customer is responsible for their own return shipping. Refund will be applied after the item arrives back to our shop. All returns must be in original new condition. Our Promise: Each JD Fabrications Grill is proudly hand fabricated in Santa Maria, CA, USA. Thank you for choosing to support our small business.Happy Grilling!JD and Lauren
Cancellations of orders will not be accepted after 3 days of submitting order or after material has been processed to begin the project, and is at JDF discretion.
The current lead time will be provided at the time of purchase, and is also available on this website under heading ‘Lead Time.’ The quoted production time at the top of this web page is an average production time of current orders that have recently been shipped. Please do not contact us for order status before your estimated lead time. JDF does not guarantee production times. Lead times/Production times are estimates. They do not include shipping time. Please keep in mind that our products are manufactured to your specifications by the hands of skilled craftsmen, and no shortcuts are taken in an effort to ensure that you receive products of the highest possible caliber. We do not offer rush orders. Every customer is valued and out of fairness to all of our customers we complete projects only in the order they are received. If you need something by a certain date, please plan ahead. JDF is not responsible for manufacturing delays up to 4 weeks. If you have any further questions that are not answered in the posted policy, please do not hesitate to contact us for additional assistance.
JD Fabrications Inc (JDF) strives for the quickest turnaround time possible by processing material and cutting your order almost immediately after it has been submitted. Once the order has been processed and batched, allowing changes or modifications will be at JDF discretion.
To keep product costs as low as possible we primarily sell our products via our online store. If you need assistance, we welcome phone calls and emails anytime, and we are very responsive. However, if you wish to place an order in person we can accommodate by appointment. We are a manufacturing facility, so forklifts and heavy machinery are in use both inside and outside of our building. For safety reasons, children are not permitted in our warehouse at any time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
We ship both locally and nationwide. We offer a will call option, but an appointment must be made to pick up any order from our facility due to customer safety. We are a manufacturing facility, not a retail outlet. Upon order completion we will contact your preference of phone and/or email. All orders must be picked up or shipped within 7 days of notification of completion, unless a pickup date is agreed upon at the time of order. JDF reserves the right to charge daily storage fees for any item after 7 days. All warehouse pickups must be made with a truck without racks or an open trailer. We will not load items in an enclosed vehicle or trailer. Customer is also responsible for bringing their own tie downs and securing their own load. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
All shortages or discrepancies must be submitted within 14 days of delivery and be reported via email to JDF including photos of all items received. If the claim is submitted after the 14 day period, no replacements or refunds will be issued. If a discrepancy is found, JDF is not liable for project delays and/or overnight/expedited delivery of said items. JDF is not responsible for indirect costs/delays associated with damaged or missing products.
While it is not a typical occurrence, damage during transit can happen. Please follow this protocol when accepting your shipment:
Remove the plastic wrap and inspect the grill for damage BEFORE signing the delivery receipt.
IF DAMAGE IS FOUND: Customer must have the driver or terminal staff specifically NOTE DAMAGE ON DELIVERY RECEIPT BEFORE SIGNING for the shipment. Retain a copy for your records. If you take possession of the shipment and damages are not noted on the delivery receipt before signing it, JDF cannot assist with a claim for reimbursement or replacement of damaged items. Take pictures of the grill still on the pallet to show any damage.Do not dispose of any pallets or packing materials. The freight company will make an appointment to assess the damaged items. Disposal of these materials or failure to comply with inspectors will void any damage claims. Do not attempt to fix the damaged items yourself. This will void any claims and JDF will not be able to help you with reimbursement or replacement. If you have opted to pick up at a freight terminal, damage must be noted before the shipment leaves the terminal. Contact us within 24 hours of delivery or pickup so we can submit a damage claim with the carrier and provide any replacement parts.We will work with you to provide a replacement product or repair the existing product in a timely manner. Repair or replacement is at JDF discretion in each individual situation. JDF is not responsible for indirect costs/delays associated with damaged or missing products.
JDF will make shipping arrangements with a 3rd party shipping carrier at the request of the customer. Grills are shipped common carrier LTL Freight. Most grill styles are shipped nearly fully assembled, and ship strapped with plastic pallet strapping to a wooden pallet, then protected with stretch wrap. Caster tires and round wheels may need assembly by customer. JDF provides tracking when orders ship. Typical domestic shipments take between 1-8 business days depending on location. Occasionally shipments take longer than expected. JD Fabrications is not responsible for delays in shipping or delivery up to 30 days. Shipping delays do not constitute for a reason for cancellation of an order.”Lift gate” and “residential delivery”options will be included automatically unless otherwise requested. All shipments are delivered “curbside” and will be dropped off within a few feet of the back of the delivery truck. It is the responsibility of the customer to protect the delivered shipment from the elements in order to prevent damage to the contents.The customer is responsible for arranging a delivery appointment with the freight carrier within 72 hours of being contacted by the carrier. Failure to respond to a carrier request for delivery will result in the shipment being returned to JDF. If a shipment is returned due to non-response, the customer is responsible for original shipping fees, return fees, and reshipment fees. Please make sure the phone number provided in your order is one at which you can be reached during business hours. If you do not answer unknown phone numbers you will need to track your shipment via phone or carrier website and plan to contact the terminal accordingly. We are not responsible for returned shipments as result of the carrier not being able to reach you. Occasionally special services may be required for delivery. Any and all special delivery charges are the sole responsibility of the customer. If you have any questions regarding the type of delivery service you need please ask.Special delivery charges including but not limited to ‘limited access’ ‘inside delivery’ ‘construction site delivery’ ‘rural delivery’ and ‘address re consignment’ are not included in standard shipping rates but will be charged to the customer if utilized.For example, if you need a freight item delivered to a gated or difficult to access property, this is considered ‘limited access’ and would need to be brought to our attention at the time of order so that the appropriate shipping charges can be formulated.In regards to commercial addresses, an address is considered commercial if deemed so by the carrier. Commercial addresses meet the following criteria: someone is always present to accept delivery during normal business hours, Monday-Friday. Commercial deliveries do not always include call before delivery or delivery appointments. Carriers DO NOT consider commercial addresses to include schools, churches, businesses run out of a home, rural addresses, wineries or tasting rooms, farms, ranches, or similar.JDF ships orders to the customer provided address. Please ensure the address and contact is correct. In the case of change of delivery address or contact, ‘re-consignment’ fees will result.For ‘inside delivery’ the location of inside delivery location is at the drivers discretion. Most of the time it involves delivery to a garage or lobby. Inside delivery does not include delivery to your backyard. In no circumstances does inside delivery include moving the item up or down steps, across uneven terrain or pavement, or removing the product from the pallet.Steps/Stairs/Uneven terrain: In no circumstances does any form of delivery include moving the item up or down steps, across uneven terrain or pavement, removing the product from the pallet, or installation. Doing so may damage the product, flooring, or surrounding structures. When opting to pick up a shipment at a freight terminal the shipment must be picked up within 72 hours of being notified by the carrier. Failure to pick up your shipment within 72 hours will result in the shipment being returned to JDF. In that case the customer is responsible for original shipping fees, return shipping fees, and any reshipment fees.
We have very limited storage space at our manufacturing facility. JDF will begin charging storage fees for items not picked up within 7 days of being notified of completion, or immediately in the case of returned shipments.Shipping fees as follows: Grills 36” and below- $25/day, Grills 37”-60”-$50/day, Grills over 60”-$100/day, Trailer grills-$200/day.
All orders are shipped immediately upon completion unless other is agreed upon at time of order. JDF will provide tracking (PRO) number by email upon shipment. Shipments may be tracked using the provided freight carrier website or by calling the carrier directly.
Follow these tips to ensure longevity of your grill. While many of them may seem obvious, simple things like learning to not over fuel your grill, and good cleaning practices will greatly extend its useful life.How To Light Your Wood Burning Grill Step 1 Make sure the grill is located on a solid surface, set away from shrubbery, grass, and overhangs.Step 2 Roll the grate up to it’s highest adjustment.Step 3 Place a few pieces of crumbled newspaper / small pieces of cardboard in the center of the fire bucket.Step 4 Place a small amount of kindling on-top of newspaper/cardboard (pine wood chunks/splintered pieces of hardwood make great kindling).Step 5 Light the kindling using matches or a extended neck lighter.Step 6 Once kindle is lit add 2-3 split hardwood logs.Step 7 After 15-20 minutes, add one log at a time until desired cooking temperature is reached.Do not load up your grill with lots of wood and light it. Over fueling can result in large, uncontrollable fires, causing warping and paint chipping. Our grills are not bon-fire pits. Excessive fires will void our warranty.Season Your Grill GratesLight your grill, following steps 1-7, above.Once the fire has burned down to desired cooking temperature, lower the grate to desired cooking height. One of the most common mistakes is to lower the grate into a hot fire before it’s had a chance to cool down to a good cooking temperature. This serves no purpose, and will only warp your cooking grate like a taco.“Dad’s 5 Second Rule”: If you can hold your hand over the grate for 5 seconds it is the right temperature for cooking.Using tongs or similar utensil, grease the grates and grate frames using fat trimmings, a potato half dipped in cooking oil, or cooking spray. This will provide a non-stick grilling surface.Re-season as needed prior to use.Cleaning and CareFor stainless and steel grate options: After cooking, brush grates while still warm to remove food remnants/debris.For steel grates: Think of your steel grate like a cast iron skillet. Grease serves as a protectant and is not meant to be scrubbed off after each use. Leaving some of the grease will help preserve steel grates and keep them from rusting. The next time you light up your grill, brush the grates and re season as needed.DO NOT clean stainless grates with a steel brush. This will cause stainless grates to rust.Clean out steel fireboxes after each use once the ash has cooled. If a firebox full of ash fills up with water, it will turn acidic and will eat through your firebox over time.Wipe your firebox clean from debris and grease prior to covering for extended periods especially during winter months. Bacteria mildew and mold feed on food debris left in the firebox, and covering creates a perfect environment for growth. Oven Off or similar degreaser can be used to wipe away grease prior to storage. If mildew does develop we recommend lighting a fire in your grill and walking away. Once ash is cool continue with ash cleanout and then degreaser.Store electric rotisserie motors and components indoors when not in use.We recommend protecting grills from the elements when not in use. Storage lids are helpful. Vinyl grill covers are readily available at Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, OSH, Amazon, etc.