So you are in need of a fireplace grate huh? Well, what exactly do these do, where do you buy them, and what should you look for? When purchasing a fireplace grate your choices are endless. There are cast iron models, solid steel versions, different shapes and varying sizes. So where do you start? The first thing we should understand is the purpose and history of fireplace grates.
A grate is used in your fireplace for a very good reason. Quite simply it is to keep the logs above the bottom of your fireplace so as to create air flow. This is done so as to increase the breathability of the fire and to allow oxygen to reach the flames. This in turn will allow your fire to burn brighter and hotter. As we all know you can’t have an adequate fire with air flow so the fireplace grate serves that purpose.
I don’t think the type of grate material is all that important. The cast iron and steel versions work equally well I think. Remember the purpose of the grate is to increase airflow and that is the final goal. As long as you can get a lifetime warranty on your product you shouldn’t much care about the material it is made from. More important is the size and shape of your grate. A small grate will keep the logs tightly together as they burn and this sometimes causes a small fire. When a larger fire is desired you should use a larger grate. Keep in mind that with the larger model you will be burning wood much more quickly.
When it comes to shape of the fireplace grate this is up for much debate. The manufacturers claim that they have versions for keeping your logs closer together, further apart, certain models for one-sided or double-sided fireplaces… I happen to think this is all overkill. Again the purpose of your grate is to create airflow don’t overcomplicate the purchase of your product. One option that might be worth considering is the ember catching type. When they manufacture this version they place some wire type fencing on the bottom of the grate so that when the fire burns the embers are caught and not allowed to the bottom of the fireplace. This supposedly promotes a hotter fire and I can attest to this fact. Also the ember catching models don’t allow your fire to suffocate if you are burning it for several hours.
Perhaps the best places to find your fireplace grate is online or in your local hardware store. Once purchased, your product should last a lifetime and you shouldn’t have to give it another thought. This is one of the set and forget type of purchases.