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A good fireplace grate is the unsung hero of any wood-burning fireplace. The best fireplace grates keep logs off of the floor of the hearth, which improves airflow and results in a fire that burns longer and hotter. Also, grates not only make a fireplace look better—they also keep logs in place, ensuring the fire stays in the fireplace.
While integral to an efficient fireplace, most grates are shockingly simple. Most are just cast iron or steel rods bent and welded together. However, it’s still important to find a quality grate. Whether you opt for a solid chimney grate, a cast-iron fireplace grate, or even a wood stove grate, with proper care a good fireplace grate can last a lifetime, or at the very least, decades. We rounded up a selection of the best grates available and tested them to find out which we could recommend.
Our favorite was the Amagabeli Wrought-Iron Fireplace Log Grate, mostly because of its solid construction, ample clearance, and angled bars that hold logs in place perfectly. But we also tested several other grates that performed well, each offering distinct advantages over the others. If you’re looking to find information on the best fireplace grates available, this is the guide for you.
- BEST OVERALL: Amagabeli Wrought-Iron Fireplace Log Grate
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pleasant Hearth Solid Steel Fireplace Grate
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Grate Wall of Fire 21-Inch M-5 Fireplace Grate
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ROUND: Amagabeli Round Wrought-Iron Fire Grate
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LARGE: SteelFreak 36-Inch Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR OUTDOORS: InnFinest 23-Inch Fireplace Log Grate
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 4 |
| Time spent testing | 6 hours |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Price range | $50 to $190 |
Our Top Picks
Our list includes fireplace grates that are maneuverable, durable, and thoughtfully designed. These models suit a broad range of fireplace sizes to make any fireplace ready for chilly months.
Best Overall
Amagabeli Wrought-Iron Fireplace Log Grate
What We Like
- Solid, heavy-duty construction
- All sizes offer ample clearance beneath the crossbar
- Angled bars hold logs firmly in place
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy build makes transporting it difficult
Specs
- Material Wrought iron
- Available widths 17, 21, 24, and 30 inches
- Weight 20 pounds (24-inch model)
Our Ratings: Construction 5/5; Efficiency 5/5; Overall Look 5/5; Price 4/5
With a simple design and a durable wrought-iron construction, this V-shaped grate from Amagabeli has six solid steel bars and is a good choice for a grate for a fireplace. Weighing a little more than 20 pounds, the grate that we tested measures 24 inches long by 12.5 inches wide by 7.5 inches high, making it fit most hearths. It also comes in 17-inch and 30-inch options for smaller or larger fireplaces. The angled bars prevent the logs from rolling off, directing them instead toward the center of the grate to feed the fire. The grate’s 4-inch legs provide plenty of air circulation to promote a good burn. An enamel coating on this Amagabeli fireplace grate protects the bars from corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor use, too.
We tested this grate in a number of ways. After building and lighting the fire, we observed how long the fire burned, how much the burning logs moved (if at all), and how the grate looked after the fire. The Amagabeli grate performed excellently, both in terms of how long it kept the fire burning and how little the logs moved while the fire burned. And after the fire died down and we wiped down the soot a little, the enamel on the grate also looked great.
What our tester says: “I loved the look and how easy it was to load the Amagabeli Fireplace grate. For being so simple, I was surprised how efficient it was at keeping the fire burning.” —Mike Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Amagabeli wrought-iron fireplace grate at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Pleasant Hearth Solid Steel Fireplace Grate
What We Like
- One of the lighter grates we tested
- Helped maintain the second-hottest fire
- Angled rods kept logs mostly in place
What We Don’t Like
- Ember retainer can get clogged, restricting airflow
Specs
- Material Steel
- Available widths 18, 21, 24, 30, and 36 inches (we tested the 24-inch model)
- Weight 16 pounds
Our Ratings: Construction 4/5; Efficiency 4/5; Overall Look 4/5; Price 4/5
Considering its low price, the Pleasant Hearth fireplace grate is one of the better buys we found. However, it does have its drawbacks.The Pleasant Hearth grate has a thinner construction than others we tested, using .5-inch bars instead of larger .75-inch bars, and the difference in the overall look is noticeable. However, the smaller bars do make for a lighter, more easily transportable final product. It’s a nice choice for a small fireplace grate.
The Pleasant Hearth grate holds wood well and keeps a hot fire. We did notice some log movement during our testing; While none of the logs fell completely off of the grate, there was some movement. If logs were piled too high or were unstable, there could potentially be a problem. Another drawback was the ember retainer at the bottom. This device successfully retained coals and prevented them from falling to the hearth floor, but this inadvertently choked the airflow, causing the fire to burn out faster than it might have otherwise. Despite these issues, the Pleasant Hearth grate is a really solid choice for the money.
Get the Pleasant Hearth fireplace grate at Amazon, Lowe’s (30-inch only), Ace Hardware (21-inch only), or The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Grate Wall of Fire 21-Inch M-5 Fireplace Grate
What We Like
- Highly efficient; keeps fire burning for long periods
- Has a unique, appealing design
- Can handle more logs than traditionally shaped grates
What We Don’t Like
- Unique benefits come at a higher cost
Specs
- Material Steel alloy
- Available widths 21 inches
- Weight 30 pounds
Our Ratings: Construction 5/5; Efficiency 5/5; Overall Look 5/5; Price 3/5
Offering a different take on the fireplace grate, this vertical fireplace grate from Grate Wall of Fire features the unique design of most self-feeding fireplace grates. The grate fits at the back of the hearth and pins a stack of logs between it and the fireplace’s back wall, making it an ideal firewood grate. This configuration forces the logs at the top of the stack to fall into the flames as the logs at the bottom burn and crumble.
Because of this setup, we discovered when testing that we could fit a lot more wood in a fire with this grate than any other. Because of its ability to hold the most fuel, the Grate Wall had the longest burning time of any other grate we tested. Overall, this is a very heavy-duty fireplace grate.
In addition to eliminating the need for any tending, this vertical fireplace configuration burns more efficiently, creating more heat and leaving fewer unburned pieces. Since the grate forces that logs to be positioned at the back of wood-burning fireplaces, there’s less opportunity for smoke to escape into the room. It can also act as a fireplace rack for wood. This vertical fireplace grate doesn’t resemble a standard fireplace grate, so those who prefer a classic fireplace look may not like it. Another downside is the price.
What our tester says: “Though this grate is expensive, its high-quality construction means that a customer would likely only ever have to buy it once. Still, it’s pricey for sure.”—Mike Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Grate Wall of Fire fireplace grate at Amazon or Grate Wall of Fire.
Best Round
Amagabeli Round Wrought-Iron Fire Grate
What We Like
- Can also be used outside in round firepits
- Rods and legs are strong, durable
- 3.5-inch clearance promotes plenty of airflow
What We Don’t Like
- Can sink into ground without solid support beneath
Specs
- Material Wrought iron and steel
- Available widths 12, 16, 20, 24, 27, 32, 36, and 40 inches
- Clearance 3.3 inches
Our Ratings: Construction 4/5; Efficiency 4/5; Overall Look 4/5; Price 4/5
This round fireplace grate from Amagabeli offers a different take on the typical rectangular fireplace grate. The grate is shaped like a wheel, and its 12 metal 0.7-inch-thick bars look like spokes extending from the center of the grate. The bars are angled upward to contain burning logs, preventing them from rolling off. This design makes it easy to start a fire that produces an ample amount of heat.
Four large legs elevate the grate 3.3 inches off the ground, allowing for plenty of airflow under the burning logs. Because its steel bars are protected by weather-resistant enamel paint, it works great for outdoor fire pits.
We tested this grate outside and were thrilled with the results. The grate holds wood off the ground and keeps the air flowing to create a hot fire that lasts hours. The only thing we didn’t like was that when loaded with wood, the weight caused the grate to sink into the ground. Overall, it’s a nice choice for an outdoor fireplace grate.
Get the Amagabeli round fireplace grate at Amazon or Amagabeli.
More Great Options
We got to test a few of the best fireplace grates, but there are several others on the market that might meet your needs. Here are a few others that we’ve come across that have the components we expect to find in quality products, and based on their great reviews, we hope to test them ourselves someday.
Best Large
SteelFreak 36-Inch Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate
What We Like
- Wide design allows for maximum capacity of logs
- Solid .375-inch bars and tempered construction
- 6.5-inch height allows for maximum air circulation
- Wide size variety offered to fit any hearth
What We Don’t Like
- Very pricey compared to similar fireplace grates
- Some users report limited longevity
Specs
- Material Steel
- Available widths 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33 inches
- Weight 23 pounds
Whether it’s Christmas, a chilly night, or a time of celebration, this SteelFreak fireplace grate is a great choice for anyone looking to burn wood in a hearth. Measuring 36 inches in length, this heavy-duty all-steel grate is extra wide and can hold several longer fireplace logs, providing maximum capacity inside a fireplace or a larger fire.
Made in the United States, this SteelFreak fireplace grate is constructed with locally sourced materials and has a tempered design to avoid warping and wear and tear over time. Plus, the .375-inch-thick bars provide added durability, providing owners a lifelong fireplace grate for open wood-burning fireplaces.
Get the SteelFreak fireplace grate at Amazon or SteelFreak.
Best for Outdoors
InnFinest 23-Inch Fireplace Log Grate
What We Like
- Hexagonal design is suitable for holding several logs
- Angled bars prevent logs from falling out
- Tall construction allows for maximum airflow
- Comes fully assembled and ready to use
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier and pricier than other fireplace grates
Specs
- Material Solid steel
- Available widths 18 inches, 23 inches
- Weight 22 pounds
Steel bars with a hexagonal design and large size make this fireplace grate from InnFinest work well for outdoor fireplaces. It consists of eight 0.75-inch-thick bars in a V formation to prevent logs and debris from falling out of the grates. At 23 inches long by 15 inches wide, it can support a large load of logs, such as those typically found in an outdoor fireplace.
Each of these durable grate’s angled bars ensures the wood stays in the fireplace while also helping to keep the fire going by directing logs toward the center. A little more than 8.5 inches tall, it has plenty of airflow to promote a good burn. Plus, this model comes fully assembled and ready to use.
Get the InnFinest fireplace grate at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Fireplace Grates
We considered several factors when choosing the best fireplace grates, including quality of construction, design, weight, and size. We chose only grates constructed from a single piece of forged iron or steel. With regard to design, we featured grates with at least 3 inches of clearance from the hearth floor to ensure ample airflow. We also favored grates with curved tines that secured the logs while also helping feed them to the flames.
We tested the grates by building fires on them and burning. After we loaded them to capacity with logs and lit them, we timed how long it was until the fire burned out completely. We also used a high-temperature digital thermometer to test how hot the fires burned. Our final test included doing a visual inspection of the grate after the fire burned and the grate had cooled.
What to Consider When Choosing a Fireplace Grate
Before buying a fireplace grate, shoppers will want to understand the difference between each type and learn how size, shape, and material affect performance. All of these factors play an important role in selecting the best fireplace grate for a home. Here is a closer look at all of these factors and features along with other important characteristics to help shoppers find the right fireplace grates.
Types of Fireplace Grates
There are three types of fireplace grates: bar, basket, and vertical. Bar varieties have parallel steel bars that are welded to four legs and elevate the logs a few inches off of the hearth. Basket fireplace grates are typically made from a single piece of cast iron. While they’re typically more expensive, they can also hold much more wood securely. Vertical fireplace grates hold a bundle of logs in a 90-degree angle, pinning them against the rear of the hearth and dropping a fresh one down onto the embers as older ones burn, limiting the amount of smoke that can escape.
Size
A fireplace grate must fit inside the firebox of the fireplace. While a grate that’s too large won’t fit, a grate that’s too small won’t be able to hold enough logs to maximize the fireplace’s potential.
Fireboxes don’t come in standard sizes, so measure the firebox of a fireplace and pay attention to the dimensions of the grate when shopping. You’ll want to measure the height, width, and depth of the firebox to ensure a proper fit.
You should also measure the width in both the front and the back, as fireplaces typically taper from the front of the firebox to the back. A fireplace log grate shouldn’t fit in the box like a glove; instead, it needs about 3 inches of clearance between it and the fireplace on all sides.
Shape
Most fireplace grates have bars that curve upward on the front and back. This curved design is intentional, and it serves two purposes: It prevents logs from rolling off while also directing unburned ones toward the embers in the middle of the grate. As the logs burn in the fireplace, gravity guides them to the middle of the hearth, helping them burn more efficiently without the need to push the logs back into place with a poker. Most fireplace grates also taper from the front to the back to match the typical shape of a hearth for a better fit.
Material
Steel and cast-iron grates are suitable options for a fireplace. Cast-iron grates are typically made from one solid piece of metal. By contrast, steel-bar grates are usually made from multiple pieces of extruded square tubes that are welded together.
Because of their single-piece construction, cast-iron grates are more durable than steel varieties, and they have excellent heat-retention properties. Cast-iron fireplace grates are also considerably heavier and more expensive than steel fireplace grates. Steel fireplace grates are cheaper but won’t last as long. Some models have an enamel coating that makes them suitable for use in outdoor fireplaces and fire pits.
Legs and Bars
Structurally, fireplace grates consist of bars that cradle the logs and legs that support the bars, elevating them off the base of the hearth. Most grates consist of six or seven bars. The more bars, the more securely the fireplace grate can support the wood. These bars are typically curved to keep logs at the center of the grate while also preventing them from shifting and rolling out of the hearth. Most fireplace grates have four legs to support the bars. The legs elevate the logs about 3 to 4 inches off the floor of the hearth, allowing for ventilation, which promotes a good burn.
Mesh Bottom
Some fireplace grates have a steel mesh or grille-like bottom. This feature prevents small pieces of burning wood from falling through the grate and landing on the hearth. Because the mesh catches much of the ash the fire produces, it makes the fireplace grate much easier to clean.
Fireplace grates that have a mesh bottom help keep a fire together, promoting a more robust, hotter burn. How the mesh is patterned typically depends on the metal used (typically steel or cast-iron varieties) to make the fireplace grate and whether the grate itself will be used to burn coal or wood.
The Advantages of Owning a Fireplace Grate
A fireplace grate for a wood-burning fireplace offers several advantages. Airflow is key to achieving a good burn in a wood-burning fireplace. Grates facilitate airflow by raising the wood off the hearth by 3 to 4 inches, allowing oxygen to circulate below the logs.
Designed to endure for many years, lifetime fireplace grates reduce the amount of tending needed to keep the fire burning while also making it safer. The curved tines of a grate push the logs toward the burning embers, so the user doesn’t have to do it manually. The bars also help contain shifting logs, reducing the risk that a burning log can roll into the room.
- Grates create airflow to promote an efficient burn.
- Grates self-feed the fire, reducing the need for tending.
- Grates hold the logs in place, reducing the risk of a fire hazard.
Tips for Buying and Using Fireplace Grates
A fireplace log grate isn’t simply about improving the aesthetics and performance of a fireplace; it’s also about safety. Fireplace grates help keep the logs and the fire contained, reducing the chances that an ember or burning log can escape the firebox. A fireplace grate should fit the firebox well and have about 3 inches of buffer on all sides.
Fireplace grates must be moved periodically to sweep up the ash that accumulates underneath. Shoppers should purchase a grate that’s light enough to lift and maneuver in and out of the hearth’s firebox.
To load a fireplace grate properly, place two timbers on the grate followed by tinder and kindling. Additional logs can then be placed on top of the tinder and kindling. A fireplace grate should never be overloaded, as too much wood could cause logs to roll off and into the room.
- Purchase a fireplace grate that fits the hearth.
- Make sure the fireplace grate is light enough to move for cleanup.
- Load the grate properly.
FAQs
Our guide tried to address every question or concern shoppers may have about buying the best fireplace grate. Often, some shoppers may still be left wondering whether a cast-iron grate is better than a steel one, or they may have additional maintenance-related questions. Here are answers to the most common questions about fireplace grates.pers may have about buying the best fireplace grate. Often, some shoppers may still be left wondering whether a cast-iron grate is better than a steel one, or they may have additional maintenance-related questions. Here are answers to the most common questions about fireplace grates.
Cast-iron fireplace grates are the best metal for a fireplace grate. These grates eliminate the need for welds that can potentially fail and also retain heat better than steel.
Fireplace grates are measured in length and depth. A fireplace grate usually needs about 3 inches of free space around all sides to promote proper airflow.
To clean a fireplace grate, remove any ash or soot buildup with a dry rag. Water should not be used because it can cause rust.
Yes, a wood-burning fireplace can be used without a grate. A grate simply allows a fire to burn more efficiently while making it easier to manage.
While there is no set height, a good fireplace grate will have at least 3 inches of clearance beneath it to allow for maximum airflow. A grate that’s highest point is at least 10 inches off the ground will keep wood held in tight.
For safety and the best burning fire, wood should be stacked uniformly, running lengthwise down the grate.
Larger grates can hold more wood, and as such, they’ll produce longer-burning fires. However, the most important reason to consider size is to be sure the grate fits properly into your fireplace or fire pit; if it’s too small, the fireplace won’t be maximized in terms of the heat it can produce or the ambiance, but if the frate is too large it will burn inefficiently or be dangerous.
Meet the Tester
Mike Larson is a professional journalist and DIYer in Pittsburgh. With three fireplaces in his 100-year-old house, fireplace grates are often in use. As a product tester, he likes to use a method and criteria that reveal the value of the product as a whole in a way that helps other DIYers and craftspeople.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.
