Deciding what to use for a fireplace grate may seem simple, there are cast iron fireplace grates, steel fireplace grates, stainless steel fireplace grates, and grate heaters or blowers. This selection presents an option in the selection process. While you will find a 24 fireplace grate is the most common. They all have benefits and ultimately the choice can be made based on what is expected of your fireplace. For a nice fireplace and ambience in the room, using any grate will do the job, but if the expectation is extra warmth in the home, the selection should be carefully considered.
CAST IRON FIREPLACE GRATES: The first thing we all think of when we hear the term cast iron is our mother’s skillet in the kitchen. Cast iron has properties that heat is distributed evenly throughout the metal. That’s what makes a cast iron skillet cook so well. Those same properties can be seen in a cast iron grate. The grid itself, when heated by fire, radiates heat into a room. This is a passive approach to discharging heat into a room, but it should be considered when determining the best ways to do just that, warm a room. This will help, but please understand that this should not be considered as a major factor in the warmth of a room.
STEEL AND STAINLESS STEEL CHIMNEY GRATES: These are available almost everywhere and are reasonably priced. Steel grates are generally made with bars further apart than cast iron. The difference between stainless steel and normal is in the possibility of a longer life. Also, the actual visual appearance is different. The grate, stainless or not, will retain the heat to radiate it into the room. There is a little difference between the steel grate and the cast iron grate. Cast iron wins but the amount is negligible.
CHIMNEY GRATE BLOWERS: This is a two-job product. One, it supports the burning wood like a grate and two, it takes the heat that develops from the fire and sends it into a room with the use of a fan. This could be considered a turbocharged fireplace grate. There are many available and they do a good job of moving heat into a room. If you’re thinking this route, then an actual fireplace insert might come into the discussion.
A basic log grate is a tool for your fireplace, just like a fireplace tool kit, fireplace screen, and fireplace rug. All of these elements are critical to the success of heating your home and enjoying your fireplace. Keep the fireplace clean and happy warm nights!
