Nothing is quite as comforting as a nice fire on a cold winter night. But if you want to avoid having a room full of smoke or a fire that burns unevenly, a fireplace grate is the perfect tool to have. There are several types available and many manufacturers, so finding which is the best fireplace grate for you can be a time-consuming task. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the ten best fireplace grates this year.
Fireplace Grate FAQ’s
1. What Is a Fireplace Grate?
A fireplace grate is a tool, often made of cast iron or steel, that resembles a stand with open bars. It sits above the ash pan and is used to hold firewood off the ground of a fireplace or a fire pit, allowing air to flow freely beneath and around the flames.12. What Are the Benefits of Using a Fireplace Grate
2. What Are the Benefits of Using a Fireplace Grate?
Because it allows air to circulate around the fire and gives it a solid foundation, a fireplace grate allows the fire to burn more evenly and efficiently. It also makes the air cleaner by filtering ash and lifting the fire closer to the chimney, greatly reducing the amount of smoke produced and making cleaning up ash easier. With these two functions, it saves you money and maintenance time.
3. What Are the Types of Fireplace Grates?
There are three main types of fireplace grates: steel bar grates, cast iron grates, and grate heaters.
Steel bar grates are only designed for burning wood. They have bars with varying thicknesses; the thicker they are, the longer the grate will last and the more frequently you can use it.
Cast iron grates are most suitable for charcoal burning and can also be used for logs and wood. They have small gaps at the base that allow the wood chunks and charcoal to burn together. The heavier the grate, the more you get out of it.
Grate heaters involve the highest upfront cost but are better at keeping the heat in your room. They have hollow tubes that get hot from the fire; then a fan blows the heat through the tubing and into the room.
4. What Features Should I Look for in a Fireplace Grate?
When choosing a fireplace grate, you should consider the type of grate as well as the size of the grate and the shape of your fireplace so the grate will fit into the fireplace properly. Pay attention to the construction of the grate, making sure the bars are the correct size for your needs and that it has been welded well. You also want to make sure the grate is easy to clean because it can get damaged and not work well if it gets clogged with ash.
How We Reviewed
In order to come up with this list of best fireplace grates, we researched types and numerous models of fireplace grates and also read many positive and negative user reviews. After conducting this research, we compared each fireplace grate based on features, price, where they could be bought, quality, performance, and warranty.
Overall Price Range
Fireplace grates can cost anywhere from around $15 to around $100. Some features present in higher-priced grates may include ember retainers, higher-quality materials, thicker bars, or specialized designs. We made sure to include a wide range of prices so that anyone can find the best fireplace grate for their personal budget.
What We Reviewed
- Pleasant Hearth Premium Solid Steel Fireplace Grate
- Uniflame 27 Hex Bar Grate
- Pleasant Hearth Solid Steel
- Fireplace Grates Fireplace Log Grate
- Panacea Wrought Iron Fire Grate
- Hy-C Liberty Foundry Cast Iron Fireplace Grate
- Panacea Cast Iron Fire Grate
- Panacea Black Wrought Iron Fireplace Grate
- Heritage Products Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate
- Amagabeli Rack
Pleasant Hearth Premium Solid Steel Fireplace Grate
Features
First on the list of best fireplace grates is the Pleasant Hearth Premium Solid Steel Fireplace Grate. This grate is designed to hold wood and is made of rugged, heavy-duty steel. It has a total of eight 3/4″ solid bars that are effective at lifting the wood off the ground, allowing air to flow smoothly. It measures 30″ x 15.2″ x 7″, allowing it to fit in most wood-burning fireplaces comfortably. It has a heat-resistant black finish that is also easy to clean, allowing it to be used for years to come.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
The grate is made of heavy-steel and designed to fit most fireplaces.
Performance ***
Many users report issues with the center sagging after repeated uses.
Warranty *****
This grate comes with a lifetime warranty.
Uniflame 27 Hex Bar Grate
Features
The Uniflame Bar Grate features a unique hexagonal shape and measures 27″ x 27″ x 7″, making it one of the best fireplace grates for large fireplaces. The ends of the thick bars are turned up to keep logs from rolling, and the 4″ legs hold the logs off the ground to allow for adequate air flow. It features a modern, esthetic black finish for easy cleaning. It weighs 37 pounds, making it heavy enough to last a long time and withstand the heat of fire and weight of logs.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
The grate is heavy and features thick bars with a unique, modern design.
Performance ****
Many users report that this grate holds up well even with repeated uses.
Warranty ***
This grate comes with a one-year warranty.
Pleasant Hearth Solid Steel Fireplace Grates
Features
Pleasant Hearth has another model on the list, this time the 1/2″ Solid Steel Fireplace Grate. This grate is made of heavy-duty steel with a total of four 1/2″ solid bars that have a curved design to hold logs safely. It also features an ember retainer to help the fire burn more efficiently and stay hotter. It has a modern, heat-resistant black finish that is easy to clean. The grate measures 18″ x 11″ x 7″ and weighs 6.5 pounds.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
The grate features heavy-duty construction and an ember retainer.
Performance ****
Some users complain of the ember retainer being too thin and the legs a little short; but most are satisfied with its performance.
Warranty ***
This grate comes with a one-year warranty.
Fireplace Log Grate
Features
The Fireplace Log Grate, made by Amagabeli, is one of the best fireplace grates for daily burning. It has a thick steel structure and clears four inches under the wrought iron crossbar. The seven thick 3/4″ steel bars form a V shape to hold fire logs and kindling close to the fire, providing easy lighting. They are wide to make it easier to hold wood and coal. It measures 24″ x 11.25″ x 7.5″ and can be used both inside and outside.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
It features extremely solid construction, well-planned design, and versatility for indoor or outdoor use.
Performance ****
Users complain about the paint chipping off, but it holds up well otherwise.
Warranty **
This grate comes with only a three-month warranty.
Panacea Wrought Iron Fire Grate
Features
The Panacea 15403 is made of wrought iron, which is highly durable and also conducts heat well, allowing it to keep the room well heated. The wrought iron bars are slightly curved to retain the wood, and it has openings to allow smaller pieces of wood to fall to the floor of the fireplace. It has a pleasing black finish and measures 10″ x 23.75″ x 13.875″ with a weight of 2.2 pounds.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
The grate is made of high-quality wrought iron and has a great design for burning wood and keeping fire burning longer.
Performance ***
Many users complain about the grate melting in hotter fires or when used repeatedly, but it works fine for occasional light use.
Warranty *****
This grate comes with a lifetime warranty.
Hy-C Liberty Foundry Cast Iron Fireplace Grate
Features
The HY-C Liberty Foundry is one of the best fireplace grates if you’re seeking a basket-style grate. It has a flat bottom with curved sides and is constructed of heavy-duty cast iron to keep logs and coal in place. It has 4″ high cast-on legs to provide adequate airflow and measures 27″ x 23″ x 15″. It has a heat-resistant black finish and weighs 29 pounds.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
The grate is made of heavy-duty cast iron and comes in one piece.
Performance ****
Most users are satisfied with how the grate holds up when used in repeated fires.
Warranty *
This grate comes with no warranty.
Panacea Cast Iron Fire Grate
Features
Panacea has another model on our list of best fireplace grates; this time the Cast Iron Fire Grate, which is made for firewood. It is made of durable cast iron and measures 18.875″ x 23.375″ x 15.125″. It only weighs 2.2 pounds and has 3 inches of leg clearance. The front has a rounded design to hold logs safely, and the openings are perfectly spaced to allows small chunks of firewood to fall through.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
The grate is made of cast iron and has a rounded design.
Performance ***
Many users report that it cracks after around three years of use.
Warranty *****
This grate comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Panacea Black Wrought Iron Fireplace Grate
Features
The Panacea Black Wrought Iron Fireplace Grate is one of the best fireplace grates for smaller fireplaces. It measures 18″ x 14″ x 8″ and features four hexagonal bars. They are made from heavy cast iron and hold the wood in place securely due to their upward curved design.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
The grate is made of wrought iron and is perfectly proportioned for smaller fireplaces.
Performance ****
Most users are satisfied with how the grate fits their small fireplaces, and it holds up well when used for smaller fires.
Warranty *****
This grate comes with a lifetime warranty.
Heritage Products Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate
Features
The Heritage Products Heavy Duty Steel Grate is another fire grate designed for small fireplaces. It is 21 inches wide and 14 inches deep and features heavy-duty, all-steel construction. The bars measure 3/8″ x 1″ for added durability and curve upward to hold logs securely. It has a tapered shape to fit most fireplaces, and the shorter center support prevents sagging and rocking. It weighs 13.65 pounds.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
The grate is made of heavy-duty steel and has a unique center support design.
Performance ****
This grate is very durable and lasts a long time. It is able to hold up to the hottest fires.
Warranty **
This grate comes with a three-month warranty.
Amagabeli Rack
Features
Last but not least on our list is the Amagabeli Rack, which features seven 1″ x 3/4″ solid steel bars and a V-shaped rack to hold the kindling and fire starter closer to logs for easy lighting. It can hold wood or coal and has an ember retainer, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It measures 21″ x 12.5″ x 7.5″ and clears 4″ under the crossbar.
Where to Buy
Quality ****
The rack is made of steel and comes with an ember retainer.
Performance ****
This grate holds up well even under hot fires and is very durable even with repeated use.
Warranty **
This grate comes with a three-month warranty.
The Verdict: The Best Fireplace Grate
After comparing all ten models with each other, we choose the Amagabeli Rack as the best fireplace grate. It features a durable steel design, and the V-shaped rack provides easy lighting. It can hold both coal and wood and comes with an ember retainer. It can be used indoors or outdoors and is tall enough to provide adequate airflow. Though it only has a three-month warranty, it is truly durable and able to withstand high fire temperatures and repeated uses. This affordable fireplace grate is definitely worth buying if you’re seeking a fireplace grate for your home.
Leave a Reply