WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF FIREPLACE GRATE? 3 OPTIONS

What is the best type of fireplace grate? Most fireplace grates are made of cast iron or steel bars, when buying a fireplace grate you need to take into consideration a few things like the width and depth of your firebox, and the amount of use.

What is the best type of fireplace grate for you?

There are so many different grates you can buy for your fireplace that you may not be sure where to start, and you may be looking at them and wondering do you really need one.

During this post, I will help you measure for the right size fireplace grate so you get the one that is a perfect fit and won’t look out of place.

Fireplace grates also come in many shapes and sizes, they also come in different types of metal like cast iron, steel, and even stainless steel, so continue reading to find out more about the one that is right for you.

Let’s get started by looking at the sizes and how to size yours.

Fireplace grates allow air to flow freely around the wood promoting a better burn.

Fireplace grate sizes

The first thing you need to do is measure the size of your fireplace to find one that will fit, to do this you will need a measuring tape or ruler and you need to measure the width and depth of your firebox floor, when doing this take into consideration two measurements for the width the front opening and the back wall with inside the firebox, this is important because most fireboxes tapper in at the back.

Take a look at the picture below to help you with these measurements

BEST TYPE OF FIREPLACE GRATE? Grate sizingPin

so when you have your measurements you will want to leave some room around your fire grate, a few inches around it for movement and cleaning will be more than enough but really you can decide how much wiggle room you would like to leave there is no concrete rule.

Example

This is only an example, you will still need to measure your own firebox to make your calculations.

  • Let’s say you measured the width of the firebox and got a measurement of 33 inches (take a measurement of the width of the back wall to get an accurate number in most cases this will be a lesser number because most fireplaces taper at the back, but don’t worry most grates do too)
  • And when you measure the depth of the firebox you get a measurement of 17 inches

So you can subtract 4 to 6 inches from the width of the fireplace, giving you 2 to 3 inches of clearance on each side, your grate should be between 27 to 29 inches wide.

Also, you will need to subtract 3 inches from the depth of the fireplace floor leaving you with a maximum grate depth of 14 in.

With these numbers, your Fireplace grate will need to be 27 to 29 inches wide and 14 inches deep.

Here are some common sizes of fireplace grates

  • 18 inches: This size is suitable for small fireplaces or fireboxes.
  • 24 inches: This size is suitable for medium-sized fireplaces or fireboxes.
  • 30 inches: This size is suitable for larger fireplaces or fireboxes.
  • 36 inches: This size is suitable for extra-large fireplaces or fireboxes.

What is the best fireplace grate placement?

When it comes to your grate placement there can be many variables, especially if you are having trouble with your fireplace smoking out into the room, or you have a very short or tall fireplace, placement is also important because a properly positioned fireplace great will give you more heat into the room and that is what everyone is really looking for.

Fireplace grate front or back?

Have you ever asked, should a fire be in the back of the fireplace?

Some people and manufacturers will tell you to put your fireplace grate against the back wall because the thinking is that if it is moved to the front opening you will have smoke puff out into the room, and this sometimes is the case if you have this problem you can try different positions till you get it right because the closer you can move the grate to the front then you will feel more heat flow into the room.

As long as your fireplace is drawing then don’t worry too much about having it against the back wall.

Another reason not to have a fireplace grate too close to the back wall is so that when you put wood on the fire you may hit the back wall and damage it with the logs, keeping it away even minimally will help.

vertical fireplace grates or sometimes called self-feeding grates need to be placed against the back wall because of their unique design made to push heat out into the room and help smoke go up the chimney and not into the room.

later on in this post, I talk more in-depth about the vertical fireplace grate and how it works.

How high should my fireplace grate be?

What about the height, people will say the best type of fireplace grate is a tall one, and they say this because it can get more air under the fire helping with combustion, another reason why someone might want a tall grate is that their fire smokes, and a taller one can definitely help if this is a problem you are having.

If you are asking how high should my fire grate be, the answer is, any grate will work for most fireplaces, if you are having smoke come into the room you can try a taller one.

Before spending the money on a new grate because of a smoke problem try propping up the one you have with some bricks to see if changing the height makes a difference if you don’t see any difference then you may have a more serious problem.

for more on this take a look at my post on: HOW TO STOP A FIREPLACE FROM SMOKING? 8 EASY WAYS

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Firebacks are a great decorative addition and also help retain and reflect heat into the room.

Types and styles of fireplace grates

So now that you have made your measurements you are ready to take a look at different types of grates to find the one that suits your needs best, so it is impossible for me to come into your home and suggest a certain type or style that is best for you, but I can guide you on your way to finding one that not only looks good in your fireplace but is also functional.

Fireplace Grate types

So grates are really only made of 3 types of metal.

  • Cast Iron
  • Steel
  • Stainless steel

Cast Iron

The cast Iron fireplace grate Is a popular choice because of its weight stopping it from moving when you put logs on the fire, also it is very resistant to heat and absorbs it very well, thus allowing it to last for a very long time, the cast iron grate would be my first choice.

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Steel

The most common of the three is the steel fireplace grate, but it is not the best option in my opinion because it has been welded and those welds can break over time because of the heat from the fire, a steel fireplace grate is still a very good option if you are a person that has the occasional fire and is looking for an economical fireplace grate, if that’s the case then the steel fireplace grate will work just fine.

Another name for this grate is a wrought iron grate but is not used as much anymore.

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Stainless steel outdoor fireplace grate

The stainless steel outdoor fireplace grate can be used in almost any application, it won’t be stronger than the cast iron grate but has a different look that some people want.

Where this stainless steel fireplace grate works best in an outdoor fireplace, and the reason is that when it remains it will not be affected by the rust in the same way regular steel or cast iron grates.

So if you have an outdoor fireplace this is the perfect grate for you.

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Fireplace Grate styles

There are three fireplace grate styles that I would recommend below each one is useful in its own wood-burning setting

Fireplace Grate Heater

The fireplace grate heater is an excellent alternative for someone looking for more heat from their fire, this grate has hollow tubes that air enters through the bottom and is heated and pushed back into the room out the top of the tubes, in many cases these come with a small blower that forces the air and produces exceptional heat.

This is a great way of getting the most out of your fireplace.

Vertical Fireplace Grate

The vertical fireplace grate is perfect for someone that wants a self-feeding fire and low smoke, these grates work well because you are stacking the wood in a more vertical position allowing air to get in and have an almost perfect burn.

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As the wood burns it just keeps falling and burning like an assembly line, all you have to do is put more wood on when needed.

The only bad thing about the vertical fireplace grate is that it sits against the back ball so you need to be careful how you put wood in so as to not damage the fire brick or fireplace panels on the back wall.

Normal Fireplace Grate

Now we come to the normal grate that can be made of Cast Iron or steel, these grates come in many shapes and sizes, the real difference between the two is that the cast iron grate generally has smaller spaces between the grates and is heavier, but both will work well in any fireplace.

Why should you use a fireplace grate?

  • A wood-burning fireplace grate will make your fires easier to light and give you a better quality burn.
  • Using a grate allows air to get under the wood making it much easier to burn new logs that are added to the fire.
  • It is also a convenient place to start your fires and stops logs from rolling out onto a floor or hearth.

Take a look at this article on Ehow if you are still unsure about whether you need a fireplace grate, Do I Need a Grate in My Fireplace to Burn Wood?

YouTube video

Fireplace Grate Faq

Is it better to use a fireplace grate or not?

Using a fireplace grate is considered to be better than not using one because a fireplace grate can help improve airflow and will allow the fire to burn more efficiently, this will help to reduce the chance of smoke entering your room, and it can also help to keep burning firewood up off the floor of the firebox, this can help prevent damage and make it much easier to clean after a fire.

A fireplace grate can keep the logs in a stable position and prevent them from rolling out onto the hearth or floor, this can be especially important for people who have young children or pets that could be harmed, remember safety first.

What is the rack inside a fireplace called?

The rack inside a fireplace is commonly referred to as a “fireplace grate,” it is an instrument placed inside the firebox to keep the wood or coal off the ground, the main function of the grate is to hold the wood in place and prevent the logs from scorching the floor and walls of your fireplace.

How long should a fireplace grate last?

The lifespan of a fireplace grate can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the material it’s made from, how often it’s used, and how well it’s maintained.

Cast iron fireplace grates are generally considered to be the most durable and long-lasting option, and can last for many years with proper care, steel fireplace grates can also be durable, but may not last as long as a cast iron fireplace grate.

With proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning and removal of ash buildup, a steel fireplace grate can last for several years or even decades, however, if a grate is exposed to excessive heat or used improperly, it may become damaged or warped, which can shorten its lifespan, possibly causing it to break welds and or melt.

It’s important to choose a high-quality fireplace grate and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

Do vertical fireplace grates work?

Yes, a vertical fireplace grate can work well in certain situations, the main difference between a vertical fireplace grate and a traditional horizontal grate is that a vertical fireplace grate keeps the firewood in a vertical position against the back wall of the firebox, rather than laying flat on the grate, this can help to create an efficient burn because the vertical position of the firewood allows for better airflow and more complete combustion.

A vertical fireplace grate can also be useful for people who have limited space in their firebox, as they take up less horizontal space than traditional grates, however, it’s important to note that vertical grates may not work as well with larger pieces of firewood, because they can be more difficult to position vertically.

What sizes do fireplace grates come in?

Fireplace grates come in a variety of sizes to fit different types of fireplaces and fireboxes, the size of the grate you need will depend on the size of your fireplace or firebox.

Here are some common sizes of fireplace grates:

18 inches: This size is suitable for small fireplaces or fireboxes.

24 inches: This size is suitable for medium-sized fireplaces or fireboxes.

30 inches: This size is suitable for larger fireplaces or fireboxes.

36 inches: This size is suitable for extra-large fireplaces or fireboxes.

It’s important to measure your fireplace or firebox before purchasing a grate to ensure that you get the right size, a grate that is too small will not provide enough support for your firewood, while a grate that is too large may not fit properly in your firebox.

Should I use a grate in my fireplace insert?

Yes, sing a grate in your fireplace insert is a good idea as it helps to improve the airflow and allows the fire to burn more efficiently, it also helps to keep the firewood off the floor of the firebox, which can help to prevent damage to the fireplace insert.

A grate can also help to reduce the amount of smoke that is produced during the burning process, which can help to improve the air quality in your home, for the most part, using a grate in your fireplace insert is a simple and effective way to improve the performance of your wood burning fireplace insert and make it safer to use.

How high should a fireplace grate be?

The height of a steel fireplace grate can vary depending on a few factors, such as the size of your fireplace and the type of fuel you’re burning, however, as a general rule of thumb, the grate should be raised about 3-4 inches off the floor of the fireplace.

This height allows for proper airflow under the fire, which helps to keep it burning efficiently and prevents smoke from backing up into your home, it also helps to prevent ashes and debris from falling out of the fireplace and onto your hearth, if you’re unsure about the best height for your steel fireplace grate, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional fireplace installer or chimney sweep to ensure that your setup is safe and efficient.

Should a fireplace grate be wider at the front or back?

The width of a fireplace grate can vary depending on the design of the grate and the shape of the firebox. However, many grates, including those commonly used for wood-burning fireplaces, are wider at the front than they are at the back. This is because many fireboxes taper from the front to the back.

It’s important to measure both the front and rear width of your fireplace when selecting a grate to ensure that it fits properly. Subtracting 6 inches from the minimum width and depth of the fireplace can help ensure a proper fit. Additionally, some tapered fireplace grates may be the most suitable shape for certain fireplaces.

Final Thoughts

Fireplace grates can be very useful in helping with wood burning efficiency and even reducing smoke, I highly recommend that every fireplace has one and think they can even add a decorative appeal.

I really appreciate you reading my post on the best type of fireplace grate and if you found this information useful please share it with friends using the share buttons.

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