
Best Fireplace Grate Review Guide For 2023-2024
Best Fireplace Grate Review Guide For 2023-2024– When you want to get the best out of the fire burning in front of you, you need a good fireplace grate. The best fireplace grate will ensure that you get enough heat to warm up and that you are safe. But were you aware of the fact that there are multiple types of fireplace grates? There are differently manufactured fireplace grates, each one of them meant for a specific thing, so you have to choose one based on that and your requirements.
Picking one is troublesome unless you have knowledge of fireplace grates and the different products that you can find. To ease your job in that regard, we have prepared this buying guide for you. Moreover, we also have some fireplace grate reviews so you can see exactly how they work and how different they can be. Let’s get to it! To see our picks keep reading our Best Fireplace Grate Review Guide For 2023-2024.
SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate
SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace GrateSince you’re going for a product that will be in contact with fire, you need something durable. To achieve that, this SteelFreak product may be just what you need. Made of heavy-duty 3/8 x 1-inch thick solid bar steel, you don’t have to worry about it being ruined.
One aspect that we liked is the fact that this grate can fit most fireplaces. The grates are tapered to make this possible, meaning that you won’t really have to worry about the grate being too big.
Also, there are some center support legs that will be very useful. Your grate won’t be rocking in the middle and it won’t sag over time. So, it’s a very useful feature.
Product Details:
- 21 inches wide
- 14 inches deep
- Heavy duty all-steel construction
- Wider in front than in back to better fit the majority of fireplaces, which are tapered
- SteelFreak grates are Proudly Made in the USA
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Center support legs that prevent sagging and rocking in the middle
- It improves the airflow to the fire
- Can fit most fireplaces
Cons:
- The paint can melt off
Uniflame C-1546 Grate
Uniflame C-1546 GrateThis grate is really useful if you need something to keep the logs in place. It has a traditional design, so if you are going for a more traditional look for your fireplace, then this product may meet this requirement.
Also, it has a nice design thanks to the black finish. It will match most decors and it will be a total eye-candy. Also, for wider fireplaces, it will provide better airflow and thus make sure your fire is bigger and stronger.
Logs won’t roll either thanks to the grated design. Each log can be kept between the grates – thus, it will be stable and not move around. Aside from that, the connections are solid, and the bars are pretty thick. The grate itself is very sturdy and you won’t have to worry about it being damaged by fire as time goes by.
Product Details:
- 27 in. hexagon bar grate
- Keep logs from rolling
- Allows for increased airflow
- Black finish
Pros:
- It won’t allow logs to roll
- It’s very heavy and sturdy
- Has a very nice design
- Can improve airflow
Cons:
- A little too big and may not be able to fit all fireplaces
Amagabeli Garden & Home Fireplace Log Grate
Amagabeli Garden & Home Fireplace Log GrateBy getting this product, you will end up with a high-quality fireplace grate. You won’t have to assembly it as it comes ready to be used. It can be used for both outdoor and indoor fireplaces.
It is very sturdy. The product is made from ¾ inch square bar steel. Aside from being able to store logs high enough so that the fire is stronger, the air will also be able to circulate much easier around the logs. Meanwhile, the logs will be kept properly and not fall backward.
Also, there are four strong legs. All of them will be able to withstand the high temperature and thus prevent sagging, even if the firewood is heavier.
Product Details:
- DAILY BURNING: Fireplace log grate decorative measures 24in long x 11.25in wide x 7.5in high, liberty foundry fireplace grate clears 4in under wrought iron crossbar. lift the firewood off the chimney floor and hearth allowing air to better circulate. Thick steel structure fire place log holder rack will last a lifttime.
- THICK STEEL CONSTRUCTION: 7 steel bars, V-shape fire wood rack hold fire logs and kindling close to fire white birch logs for easy lighting. Wide bars wood burning fireplace tools make it more surface and easier to hold wood, coal burning securely.
- SOLID STRUCTURE: 24 inch wrought iron firewood log buring grates is crafted from thick and solid 3/4 inch square bar steel. well made metal wood rack allows the air to circulate around the logs.
- NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: This small sturdy, heavy duty fire place log grate suitable for both indoor decorative wood burning fire places and outdoor durable fire pit grate.
- CUSTOMER CARE: We are dedicated to provide premium products for you and offer impeccable customer care to you. Don’t wait any longer and just enjoy your ideal products today!
Pros:
- It’s very sturdy and durable
- Has four strong legs that won’t allow sagging to occur
- It looks very stylish
Cons:
- The front legs are a little too wide
HY-C Liberty Foundry Basket Style Fireplace Grate
HY-C Liberty Foundry Basket Style Fireplace GrateIf you need something that can efficiently hold logs and not allow them to fall back, then you can try this fireplace grate. This way, you can always be sure that your fire will burn properly – as a result, it will generate more heat and make you feel more comfortable.
The air circulation is being improved thanks to the height, as well as the overall design of the product. What we liked was the fact that no assembly is required before you start using the grate. You can immediately start using it with no issues.
It has a beautiful nice finish that will look amazing inside the fireplace – not to mention that the design itself is quite simple yet nice. It’s made of heavy-duty cast iron, so you can be sure that it will offer a long-lasting experience.
Product Details:
- Measures 20” (front) x 16” (back) x 15” (depth) with a 4” cast-on leg clearance
- Crafted with heavy-duty cast iron, Designed with long-term durability in mind equipping you with long-term performance – feel the difference of a Liberty Foundry grate right out of the box
- Provides maximum airflow under the fire to encourage efficient burning while conquering frustrations caused by poorly drafting chimneys
- Lifts wood off the firebox floor and securely holds it above ash build-up, allowing air to circulate freely and fan your flame
- Designed with optimized depths enabling easy wood loading while safely containing the hottest of fires
Pros:
- It has a beautiful look
- Made of a durable and strong material
- Requires no assembly
- It will keep logs in their rightful place
Cons:
- The product may start sagging after a while
Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer
Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember RetainerThis Rocky Mountain Goods fireplace grate will do its job properly, and for a decent price. We were, first and foremost, impressed by the quality of the material. The metal was heat-treated so it won’t warp or, even worse, melt. With that being said, even if you use it frequently and the fire is extremely powerful, nothing bad will happen.
The grate is able to hold wood and logs even of higher weight. It has a retainer design that will make the whole process not only more efficient but cleaner as well. Furthermore, it has a powder-coated finish, which will always make sure the grate looks impeccable and as good as new.
Product Details:
- Heavy duty cast iron grate can hold the heaviest of logs and wood
- Ember retainer makes for a cleaner and hotter fire as all wood is burned
- High end weld guaranteed to last
- Heat treated metal does not warp or melt like lesser quality grates – Made for the hottest fires
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Can withstand logs and woods of bigger weights
- It has a great look thanks to the powder-coated finish
- The grate won’t warp or melt
- Lifetime warranty
- No assembly is required
Cons:
- It’s a little small
Landmann USA 97306 Steel Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer
Landmann USA 97306 Steel Fireplace Grate with Ember RetainerMade in the USA, this fireplace grate may be a solution if you don’t want to spend a lot of cash on a grate. It has 6 bars and can hold enough wood or logs in order to create a strong fire. Also, it is made of solid square bar steel. So, your logs will be kept in place for much longer, thus making the fire more efficient.
We also appreciated that a screen was added under the bars. This will keep the wood from falling through. In addition, this gives enough of a gap for the wood to breathe. But sadly, it is not durable enough and the legs may end up melting down. Not to mention that the sagging of the steel will prevent more air from reaching under the grate.
Product Details:
- Made in the USA
- Includes Ember Retainer
- Tapers toward the back
- 6 Bars
- Landmann USA Fireplace grates are made of solid square bar steel and made in the USA. This fireplace grate includes an ember retainer which keeps the wood embers in place longer for a hotter, more efficient fire.
Pros:
- Can hold enough wood or logs
- Has a decent price
- There’s a screen added under the bars so that logs won’t fall
Cons:
- The legs and grate itself will sag over time
Best Fireplace Grate Buyers Guide For 2023-2024
Features to Look into When Buying a Fireplace Grate:
Fireplace Grate TypesKnowing what to take into account when buying a fireplace grate is essential, especially if you don’t want to deal with replacement costs too early. Some people tend to look for items before they research the ideal characteristics, and this ends badly in some situations. If you don’t want your case to be one of the unpleasant ones, then make sure that you consider the following things before spending your cash.
Size:
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of the main things to consider when buying a fireplace grate is the size. Size matters because the unit must fit your fireplace – otherwise, you’re just wasting your money.
Sadly, fireplace grates aren’t standard across all homes. So, before you even think of purchasing a grate, you need to take measurements of your fireplace. Check the height and width, and you can make sure that your new grate will definitely fit inside the fireplace.
Shape:
The shape of the grate is also important if you want to ensure your fire will burn properly and that you get the heat you want. At first glance, all fireplace grates look the same, but there are actually a few key differences that you can see by looking more carefully.
For example, there are some models that have a self-feeding design. This means that the sides are higher and that they are much deeper. So, the logs won’t fall out of the grates. On the contrary, they will be kept there and will continue to burn. Concurrently, grates with different shapes may actually cause the logs to fall all over the edges, which can be quite dangerous.
Price:
You need to find a product that comes for a decent price. This means that your grate shouldn’t be too cheap, but shouldn’t be too overpriced either, especially if you don’t have enough funds for that. Usually, a decent-sized grate will be able to do what it’s supposed to without requiring you to break the bank.
Concurrently, something that is too cheap should be a red flag. Underpriced items tend to lack quality and would just be a waste if you’d have to replace them very soon anyways. Find something that is able to offer everything that you need and for a good price.
Material:
Another important aspect to look for is the material the grate is made of. These items are generally made of steel or cast iron. Each one of them is able to deliver different things – that’s why you need to know how to choose.
For example, cast iron grates will have small gaps at the base, so that wood and coal chunks will be able to burn together. Conversely, they also tend to be quite heavy. The heavier the grate, the more it will be able to deliver.
Steel grates, on the other hand, have bear bars set apart by their thickness, and usually, the thicker the bars are, the better. If you settle for thin bars instead, then you may have to replace them very soon, and you surely don’t want that.
Choose depending on your needs and the features that you are looking for from the material.
Mesh Bottom:
If you have a fireplace grate with a mesh bottom, then you’ll have an even better experience. Basically, the bottom won’t allow woods to fall, so they have better support while burning. Additionally, mesh bottoms are great for all types of artificial and natural fuel logs.
Number of Legs:
Another important aspect is the number of legs the fireplace grate has. In some cases, the grate will start to sag, due to being exposed to the heat and due to the weight of the logs. This is why it’s recommended to look for a grate that has some additional legs in the middle for better stability. Of course, it isn’t necessarily a requirement, but if you can find a good one with additional legs, then you’ll have a much better experience.
Fireplace Grates – Types to Look for:
Best Fireplace GratesThere are multiple types of fireplace grates that you can choose from. If you want to pick the right item for you, here are the types and features you should be aware of:
Cast Iron Basket Grates:
This type of grate has small gaps in the base so that embers can drop-through, thus putting large coals much closer to the fuel. It works in a similar way to a mesh tray, except that there are no mesh grids – these are replaced by the small openings in the base. They come as single pieces, not requiring any assembly. If you want to burn coal or wood, then you should go for one of these.
Stainless Steel Bar Stock Grate:
Stainless steel grates are made of 304 or 430-grade stainless steel, and it is useful for both indoor and outdoor use. It is great if you want something that you only use occasionally. Otherwise, it may end up damaging much quicker. You can find such grates for daily use too, but they are pricier.
Standard Steel Bar Stock Grate:
These are low-cost models, suitable for people who don’t use them too often and who are on a budget. They don’t have an ember mesh, but they have legs that support some square bar grates.
Purpose Build Self Feeding Grates:
If you want grates that always keep the coal or logs in the center, then you should look for a purpose-built self-feeding grate. Therefore, the fuel will always be in the center, which will ensure a continuous burning fire.
In case you are not into burning wood, check out our list of top-notch electric fireplace inserts and gas fireplace inserts.
Tips on Using a Fireplace Grate:
Just like a heater for the garage, you need to know how to use a fireplace grate when you buy it. If you’re not too sure yet, here are the steps that you should take:
Put the Grate Inside the Fireplace:
Once you receive your fireplace grate and you’re ready to use it, you need to take it and place it inside the firebox. Make sure that the grate has a depth and width of 6 inches less than the opening, as well as the depth of the firebox.
Clean the Firebox:
If you had a fire inside the fireplace prior to getting your grate, you should prepare the area for the new item. That being said, put water on the ash, and sweep the firebox. Get rid of the debris too. Make sure the grate is positioned in the fireplace’s center. The opening has to be faced by the long side of the grate.
Put Logs on the Grate:
Take two small seasoned logs on the grate, and make sure they are parallel to each other. While one of them has to be close to the front, the other has to be close to the back. Add dried bark or crumpled newspaper in the area between the logs and add some kindling over it and the logs.
Add More Logs:
Now, you should make sure to add some smaller logs on the top of everything that’s inside the fireplace so far. If your firebox is smaller, two logs will be more than enough. This will ensure that the air movement will be good enough for the fire.
Light the Fire:
The next step is opening the damper and adding some old newspaper lengthwise, and make sure you also keep it below the opening to the flue. Then, light the top end of the newspaper and let the smoke go into the chimney for a few seconds.
Let It Burn:
Once everything else is done, drop the newspaper with the flame onto the logs. Then, take a fireplace lighter under the grate and set fire to the tinder, after which you can close the screen. As the fire goes, you may have to add more logs to maintain the flame.
FAQs & Answers
A heater, a wood-burning stove, or a fireplace grate are all necessary things when we need some heating, but very often, there may be questions we have no answer to. If you’re in the same position, then here are some of the most frequently asked questions about fireplace grates:
Is it alright if I place a fireplace plate behind the grates?
Yes, there should be no problem. However, you need to make sure that it is drilled into the fireplace, as not all grates come with additional holders. So, your plate may not have a place to be held on.
Will my fireplace grate warp?
Not necessarily. While they are exposed to fire, some grates are durable and won’t warp. However, if the material is of bad quality, then it may indeed start warping over time. It all comes down to what material you choose.
Can I use a fireplace grate in my wood-stove?
You should refrain from doing so. A grate can be dangerous in a wood stove as it can lead to overheating. Wood stoves are designed especially so the wood burns over the bricks.
Conclusion:
If you want to have a better fire, then you must definitely get a fireplace grate. The flame will immediately be stronger and will able to warm the room more efficiently, as coal and logs are kept higher into the fireplace. So, the best fireplace grate can improve your life and increase your comfort.
With that being said, we hope that you found our Best Fireplace Grate Review Guide For 2023-2024 useful for when you go shopping.