Fireplace Log Rack

How fireplace grates make any fireplace cleaner and easier. 



While many people do not give their fireplace grate a lot of thought, they are important. Grates can make wood easier to light, help it burn better, reduce smoke and add beauty to any fireplace. This makes them an important accessory that should be purchased only after careful consideration.

Fireplace grates fuel a fire by gently lifting the fuel off the floor of the fireplace. This process allows for a better, constant burning fire. Fireplaces without good grates often cause fires to suffocate because the burn starts at the lowest part of the firewood. One of the things that fire needs to keep burning is oxygen. A fire grate lifts the wood so that air circulates from below the fire, giving the fire a steady stream of air and thus a supply of oxygen to burn better. In the end, this helps a fire burn cleaner with less smoke, which provides benefits for both health and home.

Of course, fireplace grates are not only functional. They also add beauty and class to any fireplace. When selecting grates, one needs to keep both goals in mind.

Materials and construction
Most fireplace grates are either constructed of cast iron or steel. Both can do the job well. If going with steel, keep in mind that the thickness of the bars and quality of the welds will determine how long it will last. With cast iron, the life is determined by the grade and weight of the iron. Whichever material one goes with, it is important to select a grate with a good lifetime warranty.

Determining size
To determine what size grate to buy, first measure the width of the fireplace along with the depth. The grate needs to fit easily into the fireplace and be approximately centered while allowing 3-5 (7.5-20cm) inches clearance from the bottom. It should be roughly 6 inches (15cm) smaller than the width and 3 inches (7.5cm) smaller than the depth. The size of the logs and fire also come into play here. A smaller grate will keep the logs closer together. This often leads to a fire that is not as big, but one that will burn longer.

While grates with thinner bars will suffice for those who do not burn as often, thicker ones are advisable for those who use their fireplaces more frequently. Furthermore, keep in mind that positioning the grate too far back in the fireplace will mean fewer chances of smoke in the room but a less efficient fire.

Types of grates
There are also the types of grates to consider when purchasing. The following are some common varieties:

Self feeding grates  These are nice because they are designed with angels that feed the firewood to the center and the hottest part of the fire. This increases efficiency and while keeping the fire going with far less attention needed for the logs.

Expandable grates
These come with extensions that can be used to expand grates so that the width will fit just right for almost any fireplace.
  
Ember bed grates
By keeping burning embers off of the floor of the firebox, they help keep the fire hotter and less likely to suffocate.
 
Stainless-steel and outdoor grates
While these can be used indoors too, the offer the advantage of being made from a material that is non-corrosive so that they can last even when exposed to the elements faced in fire pits and other outdoor situations.

Using fireplace grates
Return any partially burned wood that falls to the fireplace floor to the grate while keeping the ash cleaned out between fires. The grate should also be kept clean with a fireplace brush.

By making fires easier to start, cleaner burning, reducing smoke, lowering upkeep and providing beauty, fireplace grates clearly offer a lot to any fireplace. There are plenty of grates available in the market, so research thoroughly and make the best choice.