If you’re looking for the best fireplace grates, it’s essential to choose one made of a durable material such as cast iron or steel.
Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that the size and shape of the grate are appropriate for your fireplace.
Finally, make sure that the legs of the grate are positioned to prevent wobbling and sliding over time.
Having a good fireplace grate is crucial as it elevates the firewood from the floor and promotes proper air circulation.
The legs should be placed strategically to keep the grate stable and prevent it from wobbling.
Moreover, the bars should securely hold the firewood to prevent it from rolling.
There’s nothing quite like snuggling up next to the fireplace during the cooler seasons.
The best fireplace grates can be made of steel bars or cast iron.
Steel bar grates have evenly spaced and separated bars that are designed to hold the burning wood.
A good rule to follow with steel bar grates is that the thicker the bars are, the longer they will last.
Cast iron grates have smaller gaps on the bottom, which helps to keep wood chunks and coal on the grate for a longer time.
In comparison, steel bar grates have wider gaps, which makes the wood fall through reasonably easily.
Additionally, when it comes to cast iron grates, heavier usually means stronger.
If you use wood as a daily source of fire, it’s crucial to invest in a reliable grate.
Opt for a steel bar grate and aim for the thickest and heaviest one you can afford and find.
This way, you can ensure that the grate will last for a more extended period.
The same goes for cast iron grates as well.
In this article, we will look at the top fireplace grates on the market, along with their pros and cons.
Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
The Best Fireplace Grates
To maximize your experience, it’s essential to have a good fireplace grate.
There are plenty of options available in the market to choose from when looking for the best fireplace grates.
If you want to improve your fireplace, consider getting a fireplace grate.
The base clearance of the grate ensures that the airflow is not affected by the ash that accumulates, reducing the amount of smoke produced.
Also, having a grate means that your logs will burn longer.
Be sure to look for the thickness and weight of either steel or cast iron fireplace grates, offering the most durability.
We have five of the best fireplace grates to help you decide based on your fireplace needs and budget.
Uniflame C-1546 Grate
On our list of fireplace grates, the Uniflame C-1546 Grate comes first as one of the best fireplace grates.
This hexagon bar grate measures 27 x 27 and has a retro appearance that will complement any fireplace.
The hexagonal bars also serve a practical purpose in stopping the logs from rolling off while burning.
The Uniflame C-1546 Grate’s traditional design is complemented by its black color, which allows for increased airflow, preventing excessive smoke and extending the log’s life.
Logs can be arranged in four rows of eight. This grate suits more sizable fireplaces.
If your firepit has an inner diameter closer to 28 inches, it’s important to note that the stated dimensions of 27″ x 27″ hexagonal refer to the straight-across measurement.
The angular measurement across the hexagon points is slightly longer, closer to 28-28.5 inches.
This may result in the grate being too large for a circular fire pit with a 28-inch inner diameter.
The rack has the disadvantage of having shorter legs, which can reduce the airflow for the fire.
This can be problematic for creating those intense “roaring” fires that produce a lot of heat.
Although it is still possible to have a large fire using this grate, it would have been better if it had longer legs.
Pros:
- The bars prevent the logs from rolling off.
- It is heavy and steady and won’t rock.
- It has a traditional design.
- It can improve the airflow between the firewood.
Cons:
- This 27” fireplace grate may not fit in all fireplaces.
- Poor packaging when shipped.
- Shorter legs mean less airflow.
- Expensive
HY-C Liberty Foundry G200-27-BX Fire Grate
The HY-C Liberty Foundry G200-27-BX Fire Grate has four legs that hold it steady, and the logs are set on a flat bottom.
It measures 27 inches in the front, 24 inches in the back, 15 inches in depth, and 7 inches in height.
The grate base has a 4.5-inch leg clearance from the ground.
The HY-C Liberty Foundry G200-27-BX Fire Grate is designed with durability in mind and made of cast iron to ensure longevity.
With 4 inches of clearance, the grate lifts the burning firewood off the ground and away from ash buildup, providing a clearer view of the flames.
This allows for better air circulation, which can prevent excessive smoking and save wood while reducing frustration caused by poorly-drafted chimneys.
Pros:
- It has a flat-bottom-shaped design that will hold the firewood in place.
- The cast-iron build guarantees durability.
- It does not require any assembly.
Cons:
- It may be too high for some chimneys.
- Reports of arriving broken due to shipping.
- The wood surface may be smaller for some chimneys.
SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate
The SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate has all-steel construction and is available in 8 different sizes ranging from 15 inches to 36 inches.
This means that this fireplace grate is suitable for fireplaces of all sizes.
It has a tapered shape, and the steel bars are 3/8 x 1 inch thick to prevent logs from rolling off during burning.
This grate has a length of 15 and 36 inches with a depth of 14 inches.
The grate with a longer length has more bars to accommodate more logs.
At the bottom, the SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate has six legs.
The middle legs prevent it from wobbling or tilting with age, ensuring durability and excellent performance of this US-made product.
Pros:
- It offers several different sizes.
- It has two additional legs in the middle to prevent rocking or shagging in the long term.
- It has a nice all-steel build.
- It will hold the logs in place and allow for increased airflow.
Cons:
- The black paint has been reported to melt off.
- The grate is higher than average.
- Significant gaps make it difficult to hold smaller pieces of wood.
Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer
The Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer comes in 18, 23, and 27 inches. It is made of durable cast iron.
It can hold heavy logs and has an ember retainer for a hotter fire. Cleanup is easier.
The fireplace grate has undergone heat treatment, ensuring the metal remains unaffected by warping or melting even after prolonged use.
The manufacturers have also offered a lifetime warranty with this product, which shows their confidence in its longevity and durability.
Pros:
- Its sturdy design means it can support heavy logs.
- It has an ember retainer, which helps keep the fire hot and clean.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- The design looks a bit dull.
- Some reviews of excessive warping after a few fires.
Amagabeli Garden & Home Fireplace Log Grate
The Amagabeli Garden & Home Fireplace Log Grate is built with thick steel and features seven sturdy bars (each ¾ inches thick) to hold the logs securely.
It comes pre-assembled, so you won’t have to worry about assembling it.
You can choose from three different sizes: 21 inches, 24 inches, and 30 inches.
The legs in this grate are also evenly placed, so you won’t have to worry about rocking or wobbling in the long run.
Pros:
- It has a sturdy steel build.
- The legs are strong enough to prevent rocking or wobbling.
Cons:
- The outer coating could be better.
- Reviews of arriving with chips of coating missing.
Related Reading: How to Use a Fireplace Grate?
Things to Look for in a Fireplace Grate
If you’re in the market for one of the best fireplace grates, here are some of the factors you need to consider:
- Shape: The shape of your fireplace grate will affect how you place the log on it. The shapes could be anything from hexagonal and rectangular to basket-shaped.
- Size: The size of the fireplace grate you choose should depend on the size of your fireplace and the number of logs you plan on burning at a time.
- Legs: Make sure the fireplace grate you choose has evenly placed legs that prevent rocking or wobbling.
- Clearance: The clearance from the base of the fireplace is one of the most important factors to consider in a fireplace grate, as this can determine its effectiveness.
- Build Material: Look for grates that are made of steel or cast iron. Cheaper builds tend to melt away after extensive use.
Conclusion
Having a fireplace grate installed can significantly enhance the performance of your fireplace.
The clearance at the base of the grate ensures that accumulated ash does not interfere with the airflow, resulting in less smoke and longer burning logs.
As a result, you can enjoy a more efficient and enjoyable fire in your home.
If you’re looking to buy one of the best fireplace grates, it’s essential to choose one made of durable materials such as cast iron or steel.
Moreover, the size and shape of the grate should be compatible with your fireplace.
Additionally, the legs of the grate should be positioned in such a way as to prevent wobbling and sagging over time.
I find my fireplace grate makes everything easier from starting the fire to cleaning up after.
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!
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