Fire Grates | Fireplace Accessories

Wood burning fireplace inserts are a great way to enjoy more warmth and comfort this winter and inserts with EPA certification are rated at 65% for efficient and clean burning versus many homes with old fireplaces that only have a 5 to 10 percent efficiency rating.

The different types of fireplace inserts are classified by the type of fuel that they burn as well as the type of venting system that they utilize.  Although the wood burning fireplace inserts are the most popular, other options are available in natural gas, propane, pellets and coal.  The venting systems can be through the existing chimney, through a b-vent, direct vent or be vent free.

They are ideal for most fireplaces as they fit in with almost any decor, offering an elegant and sophisticated look.  Before making an investment, you should always research the best option for your home and also ensure that you understand the entire installation process before making your purchase.

Although the installation is not difficult, you may opt to have a professional do the job for you.  The inserts are constructed of steel plate or cast iron, have a glass door to create a more energy efficient heating sourse as well as making the fireplace a feature to watch.  Another important factor to take into consideration when making your purchase is that prices sometimes do not include the cost of the accessories such as a blower, catalytic combuster and glass doors.  When purchasing your wood burning fireplace insert these additional items are important and need to be added to the price.

Keeping your firewood dry can be difficult in winter and making a fire with wet wood is no fun for you or your family.  A simple solution to this problem is to invest in a simple and economical device called a firewood rack.

Firewood racks are primarily used to stack your firewood off the ground and to provide easy access to it.  Depending on your personal needs and the climate you are experiencing, you may decide to have an outdoor or an indoor rack.  Those which are located outside the house are generally constructed of steel tubing, while the ones for inside can often be very decorative elegeant pieces of furniture.

Once you have established if you want an interior or exterior rack, you’ll want to get the right sized one.  For those looking for an internal rack consider the design style of your home, and find a rack that is going to match this style.   For rustic looking room, a wooden rack will look best.  For a more modern looking home think about a classic iron rack or one made from plastic or steel.

Some of the firewood racks available on the market also include covers.  You’ll want to investigate if the covers are adjustable for different quantities of wood as the winter progresses and if they can handle the type of weather your rack will experience such as high levels of snow or rain.

Fire baskets and grates are functional fireplace accessories that will ensure that you have the best possible fire for those cold winter nights, but investing in a firegrate is not just about making better fires, but have a range of different benefits that are worth the investment.

When making a fire in your home fireplace, you may have noticed that on occassion the fire smothers itself out.  This is because the heat develops in the lower areas of the wood and without adequate oxygen, it is unable to sustain itself.  By lifting the fire off the fireplace floor, you will ensure that it gets all the oxygen it needs which will mean far less fussing and far more fire.

In addition to ensuring the fire gets started faster, the grate also ensures that it burns more effectively.  The grate allows for ash and burnt materials to fall through which ensures that the rest of the materials to burn are unobstructed and can burn through completely.  All too often with a grateless fire, you’ll find when cleaning that there are still large pieces of unburnt materials left over.

Grates are also important if you want to protect your fireplace floor.  Although most fireplace floors are constructed of either concrete or stone and are treated with a flame resistant material, they are still subject to intense heat and can be damaged.  By lifting the intensity of the fire off the floor, you will ensure that your fireplace lasts longer.