So once you are fully educated about the types, sizes and shapes of available fireplace grates it is time to buy one. But where do you go? There are several choices for purchasing these items and I will go through the pros and cons of each. We will examine internet options, large chain stores, and also your local choices.
First up are you local chain stores. Walmart, Target and even your local hardware store all likely carry grates of at least a few shapes and sizes. Price tends to be about the same amongst these retailers. The one thing I did notice was that sometimes they wouldn’t have a great variety of grates in stock. They had plenty to go around but not really that many choices. I was in need of a large fireplace grate and these retailers just didn’t have what I needed.
There is another local option though. My local hardware store (and yours too I’m sure) had a few grates for fireplaces. These tended to be jammed in the back of the store and the selection was quite poor. I would tend to stay away from your local hardware store. In addition to poor selection they also have higher prices.
The best place to purchase your grate would be on the internet. Whether its Amazon or a specialty retailer the prices and selection just can’t be beat. Most also include free shipping which can come in quite handy since some grates weigh in excess of 30 pounds. I did a price comparison between the big chain stores and the online retailers and the online stores beat them handily. I was also able to find a fireplace grate in any form that I wanted. Did I need a cast iron large version that could hold 8 logs? Internet retailers had those! In this day and age I am really started to question shopping anywhere but the internet.
To summarize, you really do have plenty of choices when it comes to buying your grates. Particularly if you live in the middle of nowhere like some of us (like me) do. The ability to just order online and have it delivered via UPS, for free, is really quite enticing. My firefighter buddies all agreed and in fact we bought our station grate at an online site. My friends and family have joked with me through the years as the guy that gives bad gifts. Why? Because I bought my mom a grate for her fireplace last year. Hey give me a break, we all have our interests!