Best Fireplace Grate in 2020 | Review of the Top 7 and Buying Guide

by Last Updated July 15, 2020

A fireplace grate is a necessity in a home with a fireplace. This is what would help the fire burn efficiently, keep the air circulating through it, and hold the logs in place so that the fire continues to burn. As the colder months come closer, you must have a fireplace grate before you start lighting the fireplace.

There are multiple things to consider before you buy one. What material should it be made of, do you need a small fireplace grate or a large one, what type of fireplace grate do you need, how much clearance is required, etc. are all equally important things. Do not let all that overwhelm you- because you are now at the right place to find answers to all these questions.

We will first talk about some of the best fireplace grates in the market- what these have to offer, how much value for money will you get for each and what makes them a suitable choice.

Dmitry Leiko
Author and Today's Expert

Hi there! Dmitry Leiko here, I am the author of the article you've just read, and I write reviews for Expert Bestazy, how you've might guess. I'm passionate about a lot of things, from fishing to reviewing the newest gadgets, I especially adore writing and doing this thorough reviews on absolutely different products, as I've tested a lot of them myself and every time doing long research and advising with experts in a particular field to find the best of the best, I hope you'll find good use of these reviews! :)

Dmitry Leiko
Preview
Amagabeli Fireplace Log Grate 24 inch Wide Heavy Duty Solid Steel Indoor Chimney Hearth 3/4 Bar Fire Grates for Outdoor Kindling Tools Pit Wrought Iron Wood Stove Firewood Burning Rack Holder Black
Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer - 1/2” Heavy Duty Cast Iron -Heat Treated for Hottest Fires - Retainer for Cleaner More efficient fire - Weld has (18")
Pleasant Hearth - 3/4" Premium Solid Steel Fireplace Grates, Black, 18-Inch
HY-C Liberty Foundry G800-27-BX Fire Grate, 27" W x 15" D x 7" H, Black
SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate - Made in The USA (27 Inch)
Name
Amagabeli Fireplace Log Grate 24 inch Wide Heavy Duty Solid Steel Indoor Chimney Hearth 3/4 Bar Fire Grates for Outdoor Kindling Tools Pit Wrought Iron Wood Stove Firewood Burning Rack Holder Black
Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer - 1/2” Heavy Duty Cast Iron -Heat Treated for Hottest Fires - Retainer for Cleaner More efficient fire - Weld has (18")
Pleasant Hearth - 3/4" Premium Solid Steel Fireplace Grates, Black, 18-Inch
HY-C Liberty Foundry G800-27-BX Fire Grate, 27" W x 15" D x 7" H, Black
SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate - Made in The USA (27 Inch)
Dimensions
24 x 11.2 x 7.5 inches
16 x 11.5 x 4 inches
18 x 12 x 7 inches
27 x 15 x 7 inches
27 x 14 x 6.5 inches
Weight
19.4 pounds
6.05 pounds
17.5 pounds
29 pounds
17.15 pounds
Our score
3.9
3.6
3.6
3.5
3.8
Preview
Amagabeli Fireplace Log Grate 24 inch Wide Heavy Duty Solid Steel Indoor Chimney Hearth 3/4 Bar Fire Grates for Outdoor Kindling Tools Pit Wrought Iron Wood Stove Firewood Burning Rack Holder Black
Name
Amagabeli Fireplace Log Grate 24 inch Wide Heavy Duty Solid Steel Indoor Chimney Hearth 3/4 Bar Fire Grates for Outdoor Kindling Tools Pit Wrought Iron Wood Stove Firewood Burning Rack Holder Black
Dimensions
24 x 11.2 x 7.5 inches
Weight
19.4 pounds
Our score
3.9
Details
Preview
Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer - 1/2” Heavy Duty Cast Iron -Heat Treated for Hottest Fires - Retainer for Cleaner More efficient fire - Weld has (18")
Name
Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer - 1/2” Heavy Duty Cast Iron -Heat Treated for Hottest Fires - Retainer for Cleaner More efficient fire - Weld has (18")
Dimensions
16 x 11.5 x 4 inches
Weight
6.05 pounds
Our score
3.6
Details
Preview
Pleasant Hearth - 3/4" Premium Solid Steel Fireplace Grates, Black, 18-Inch
Name
Pleasant Hearth - 3/4" Premium Solid Steel Fireplace Grates, Black, 18-Inch
Dimensions
18 x 12 x 7 inches
Weight
17.5 pounds
Our score
3.6
Details
Preview
HY-C Liberty Foundry G800-27-BX Fire Grate, 27" W x 15" D x 7" H, Black
Name
HY-C Liberty Foundry G800-27-BX Fire Grate, 27" W x 15" D x 7" H, Black
Dimensions
27 x 15 x 7 inches
Weight
29 pounds
Our score
3.5
Details
Preview
SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate - Made in The USA (27 Inch)
Name
SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate - Made in The USA (27 Inch)
Dimensions
27 x 14 x 6.5 inches
Weight
17.15 pounds
Our score
3.8
Details

1. Amagabeli Fireplace Log Grate 24 inch – Detailed Review

Sale
Amagabeli Fireplace Log Grate 24 inch Wide Heavy Duty Solid Steel Indoor Chimney Hearth 3/4 Bar Fire Grates for Outdoor Kindling Tools Pit Wrought Iron Wood Stove Firewood Burning Rack Holder Black
  • Daily burning: Fireplace log grate decorative measures 24in long x 11.25in wide x 7.5in high, liberty foundry fireplace grate clears 4in under wrought iron crossbar. lift the firewood off the chimney floor and hearth allowing air to better circulate. Thick steel structure fire place log holder rack will last a lifttime.
  • Thick steel construction:7 steel bars, V-shape fire wood rack hold fire logs and kindling close to fire white birch logs for easy lighting. Wide bars wood burning fireplace tools make it more surface and easier to hold wood, coal burning securely.
  • Solid structure: 24 inch wrought iron firewood log buring grates is crafted from thick and solid 3/4 inch square bar steel. well made metal wood rack allows the air to circulate around the logs.
  • No assembly required:This small sturdy, heavy duty fire place log grate suitable for both indoor decorative wood burning fire places and outdoor durable fire pit grate.
  • Customer care: We are dedicated to provide premium products for you and offer impeccable customer care to you. Don’t wait any longer and just enjoy your ideal products today!

Those looking for a sturdy steel freak fireplace grate, this one by Amagabeli does not disappoint. It has ¾” bars that are strong enough to hold large quantities of firewood with ease. The paint and coating on this fireplace grate are non-toxic and do not wear off or burn even after continuous burning. The front and back feet with 24” and 20” widths respectively offer sufficient space for most small to medium fireplaces.

This grate is also easy to use. It comes assembled and you do not have to do any assembly with it. The wrought iron composition makes it suitable for burning daily without any damage or dip in quality. Amagabeli also has dedicated customer support, so in case you face any issues you can be sure of getting help from the manufacturer. This grate is designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. With this cast iron fireplace grate, you get a quality product along with great customer support from the manufacturer.

Pros and Cons

  • Non-toxic coating free of any fumes  
  • Sturdy construction, can be used with heavy wood
  • Wide steel bars hold coal and wood securely
  • Assembly not required, simply unpack and use
  • Front legs too wide for some users
  • 4-inch clearance off the ground coals too high from the wood

2. Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer – 1/2” – Detailed Review

Rocky Mountain Goods Fireplace Grate with Ember Retainer - 1/2” Heavy Duty Cast Iron -Heat Treated for Hottest Fires - Retainer for Cleaner More efficient fire - Weld has (18")
  • Heavy duty cast iron grate can hold the heaviest of logs and wood
  • Ember retainer makes for a cleaner and hotter fire as all wood is burned
  • High end weld guaranteed to last
  • Heat treated metal does not warp or melt like lesser quality grates - Made for the hottest fires
  • Lifetime warranty

This cast iron fireplace grate from Rocky Mountain Goods is made using heat-treated metal, which means you can be sure of using it with the hottest of fires continuously without any issues. Rocky Mountain also backs it with a lifetime warranty. This fireplace grate has an ember retainer which helps the fire burn hotter and cleaner. You can use this to hold wood and logs without any compromise on its structural integrity.

It is important to note that though the width is specified as 27”, it is 22” if measured on the area where firewood is placed. The 27” measurement is from the rear legs. Thus, it will hold less firewood than what you would expect from a 27” wide grate. However, apart from that- this is a quality product and gives you quite the value for money at the price point. If you need a small fireplace grate that will last for several years, then this is a good one to consider.

Pros and Cons

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Amber retainer for cleaner fire
  • High quality treated metal 
  • Powder-coated finish for durability
  • The base grate is 22” and not 27” as specified 
  • Smaller, may not be able to withstand large loads 

3. Pleasant Hearth – 3/4″ – Detailed Review

Pleasant Hearth - 3/4" Premium Solid Steel Fireplace Grates, Black, 18-Inch
  • 5 bars
  • Heavy duty steel construction with 3/4" solid bars
  • Lifts firewood off the chimney floor allowing air to circulate
  • Design to safely contain firewood, ideal for most wood burning fireplaces
  • Heat resistant black finish

This heavy-duty cast iron fireplace grate from Pleasant Hearth comes with ¾” thick bars that make it the ideal choice for most wood-burning fireplaces. The design ensures that the fireplace is safely contained in it. However, the lack of legs at the center hampers the stability to a certain extent. The finishing of this fireplace grate is with heat resistant materials to allow it to hold a variety of burning firewood without any issues.

This fireplace grate comes with a lifetime warranty by the manufacturer.  The firewood is lifted off the floor to provide more air circulation for a cleaner fire. It has been tested to ensure that the grate does not warp. The black finish also makes it a fit into almost any type of decor. This fireplace grate will suit almost all types of fireplaces that use a wood fire regardless of their size or construction type. Thus, if you are looking for a quality product with a lifetime guarantee, then Pleasant Hearth has just that for you. 

Pros and Cons

  • Black finish with heat resistance 
  • Can be used for a variety of wood-burning fireplaces
  • Lifetime warranty 
  • Different size variants available
  • Height of legs too high 
  • No legs in the center grate affect the stability 

4. HY-C Liberty Foundry G800-27-BX Fire Grate – Detailed Review

HY-C Liberty Foundry G800-27-BX Fire Grate, 27" W x 15" D x 7" H, Black
  • Measures 27” (front) x 23” (back) x 15” (depth) with a 4” cast-on leg clearance
  • Crafted with heavy-duty cast iron, Designed with long-term durability in mind equipping you with long-term performance - feel the difference of a Liberty Foundry grate right out of the box
  • Provides maximum airflow under the fire to encourage efficient burning while conquering frustrations caused by poorly drafting chimneys
  • Lifts wood off the firebox floor and securely holds it above ash build-up, allowing air to circulate freely and fan your flame
  • Designed with optimized depths enabling easy wood loading while safely containing the hottest of fires

This is one of the best fireplace grates with a basket-style design that HY-C  has to offer. The 27” front width provides you sufficient storage to store many logs for a long-lasting fire. It has a heavy-duty cast-iron construction that adds to the durability and stability of this cast-iron grate. The 4” clearance is there to ensure airflow for an efficient fire.  Further, this also keeps the wood above the firebox floor so that you can fan the flame without any ash blowing.

The basket design is one of the biggest advantages of this getting this heavy-duty fireplace grate. You can safely load wood on it as the fire burns. You have multiple options in terms of width- including 20”, 24” and 27” variants. There is some manual assembly required in it, and you cannot use it out of the box. HY-C also backs this foundry fire grate with a 1-year limited warranty.

Pros and Cons

  • 4” leg clearance for increased airflow
  • Wood kept above ash buildup makes it easy to fan the fire
  • The design allows for safe and easy loading of wood 
  • Basket-style construction provides safety and holds logs securely
  • 1-year limited warranty only 
  • Requires manual assembly 

5. Panacea Products Corp 18″ – Detailed Review

If you are looking for a compact fireplace grate, than the one from Panacea fulfills your requirements. This is an 18” wide fireplace that is made using wrought iron. It has a 5-bar design that can easily hold small to medium load for a longer fire. All the bars are made using wrought-iron which adds to the durability of this affordable fireplace grate. It has a hexagonal design which makes it easy to position this grate and keep stable. 

This compact fireplace is a good choice for smaller homes and when you have limited space in the fireplace. If you are looking for a heavy-duty grate, then this is not the right pick. Panacea provides a durable product with an affordable price tag. No assembly is required and you can use this fireplace grate out of the box. Do note that there are no manufacturer-backed warranties or guarantee with this product. 

Pros and Cons

  • Hexagonal structure for greater stability
  • Black powder coating makes it suitable for continuous fires
  • 18-inch compact length
  • Wrought-iron provides durability
  • Clearance of 6” is too high for small fireplaces
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty use 

6. SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate – Detailed Review

SteelFreak Heavy Duty Steel Fireplace Grate - Made in The USA (27 Inch)
  • 27 inches wide
  • 14 inches deep
  • Heavy duty all-steel construction
  • Wider in front than in back to better fit the majority of fireplaces, which are tapered
  • SteelFreak grates are Proudly Made in the USA

SteelFreak’s 27” steel grate comes with an all-steel construction that provides you with a heavy-duty and high-quality fireplace grate. This grate has a 4-leg structure which imparts additional stability and makes it suitable for supporting a heavy load of logs. Further, the wide bars with more surface hold the wood more securely. The iron crossbar has an ideal clearance to make it easier to clean and allow optimum airflow.

This made in the USA fireplace grate lasts longer and has minimal smoke formation due to the electro-forging process used in its manufacturing. ¾” thick square bars on the log burning grates are sufficient to hold even the heaviest of loads. If you are looking for a premium product that does not use any recycled material and lasts longer, then this may just be the right one for you. Despite its high-quality material and construction, SteelFreak only backs it with a limited 4-month warranty. 

Pros and Cons

  • All-steel construction
  • Recommended for wood fireplace and stove
  • Ideal clearance- not too high or low
  • Made in America with high quality and craftsmanship
  • No warranty/guarantee from the manufacturer
  • Quality of legs could have been better

7. SteelFreak Heavy Duty 13 x 10 Inch Steel Grate – Detailed Review

SteelFreak Heavy Duty 13 x 10 Inch Steel Grate for Wood Stove & Fireplace - Made in The USA
  • 13 inches wide
  • 10 inches long
  • Heavy duty all-steel construction
  • Perfect for wood stove or fireplace
  • SteelFreak grates are Proudly Made in the USA

This Steel Freak Fireplace Grate is made using an all-steel construction and is designed for heavy-duty use. The heavy-duty fireplace grate is made in the USA and you can see that in its durability and craftsmanship. You can use it in a wood fireplace as well as a wood stove. The dimensions are made to be compact and are recommended for small to medium stoves and fireplaces.

The grate is made of 1×3/8 inch steel bars. The all-steel design is what helps this steel grate last longer than grate made of other materials. To help it perform as a heavy-duty product, this grate has center legs to add to the overall stability. The 4-inch clearance is just the right one to allow optimum airflow while maintaining an efficient burning of the logs. If you are looking for a compact stove made of high-quality steel and not recycled wrought or cast iron, then Steel Freak has just the right thing for you. 

Pros and Cons

  • All-steel construction provides more durability
  • Sturdy and compact for small fireplaces
  • Higher quality than wrought and cast iron
  • Ideal clearance for a clean fire
  • Paint may melt after several fires
  • 13” not sufficient for larger fireplaces 

Fireplace Grate Buyer’s Guide

Now that you have an idea of some of the best fireplace grates in the market, you must know what to look for as you compare them. Our short guide ahead will help you learn about the most important features and considerations while searching.

Type of Grate

The first thing to consider is the type of grate you require. There are 3 main types- cast-iron, steel, and fireplace grate heater. A cast-iron grate would be ideal for charcoal or wood, but a steel-grate is only suitable for wood. Grate heaters are tube-shaped that are recommended for use with wood and used when you need to provide heat at higher temperatures. There are other variants like enclosures, rack-style, boxed models, etc., but these 3 are the most common ones.

Grate Size

The size of the grate depends on the fireplace size. The most common sizes range from 21” to 30”, but you can get smaller (13”) or larger grates as well. Fireplace sizes are not standard across homes, so you must measure the fireplace at your home before you decide the size required. 

Grate Shape

The shape is key to keeping the fire burning properly and getting the right amount of heat. Different shapes of grates have different uses- some are self-feeding with more height and depth to ensure that logs do not fall out. There are smaller gates with less depth and capacity designed for more compact fireplaces. Do pay attention to the grate, its capacity, the support it provides and how it can keep the logs in place.

Mesh Bottom

A mesh bottom ensures that the wood does not fall and provides better support when the logs burn. While it is not a necessity, a mesh or ember bottom is good to have feature.  

Number of legs 

The number and thickness of legs provide structural stability and allow it to withstand a higher load without sagging. Over time, fireplace grates can sag due to excessive exposure to heat and weight. A grate with additional legs along the center allows more stability and increases the life of the grate.

FAQ

How long does a fireplace grate last?
A good quality fireplace grate can last for years without any issues. Most of the fireplace grates we reviewed above also come with a lifetime warranty/guarantee. If you buy a high-quality steel or cast-iron fireplace, you can be sure of it lasting for years.
What is the best type of fireplace grate?
Depending on the type and size of the fireplace, there are different grates that may be the best choice. To get the best fireplace grate, choose one that fits the fireplace, is able to hold the logs securely and provides for enough airflow for a clean fire.
Can a fireplace grate help reduce smoke from the fire?
A well-designed fireplace grate will help the fire burn with minimal smoke. It will also direct smoke into the chimney so that it does not go into your home.
How much distance is required between the grate bottom and the fireplace floor?
To allow air circulation and to lift the wood above, there should be some clearance in the fireplace grate. The ideal distance is around 3-5 inches, anything more than that may make it hard for the fire to burn.

Conclusion

Finding the best fireplace grate may not be an easy process. However, when you take care of all the basic points that we covered in our buying guide, you will be able to get a better idea of what to look for. If you are looking to get a fireplace grate Amazon or on any other e-commerce store, do pay attention to the reviews of the product and the manufacturer. This will help you to ensure that you get what you expect.

A fireplace grate is a must-have for a good and safe fireplace. Some of the best fireplace grates including those that we reviewed will help you get value for your money and a safe fireplace. Consider everything from the brand’s reviews to the material, size, and construction to ensure that you make the right choice.  Pick one of these to get a quality product that will easily last several years and give you excellent performance each day.

Fireplace Grate: Bestsellers

Bestseller No. 1
Bull Lonestar Select 30-Inch Grill on Cart (BG-87001), Propane
  • Freestanding propane gas grill
  • Heavy-duty 304 stainless steel, 14-gauge construction; (4) stainless steel burners
  • Dual-lined hood locks in your heat and flavors with a thick, safe-to-touch grill hood; A heavy-duty grill thermometer is included to help you track your cooking temperatures until your food is cooked perfectly
  • 210 square-inch warming rack to meet any indirect cooking needs
  • Overall dimensions: 53 x 23 x 48.5 inches (W x D x H)
Bestseller No. 2
Stardrops - The Pink Stuff - The Miracle All Purpose Cleaning Paste
  • WORKS LIKE A MIRACLE ! -The Pink Stuff paste made cleaning easier like never before, While saving you time, space & money Lasts way longer than any other liquid detergent
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  • NO SCRATCHES -Stardrops Paste wont leave any scratches or any streak. Works Instantly -removes stains from Rust, Pen, Marker, Crayons, Paint, Permanent Marker
  • Sparkling streak free shine
SaleBestseller No. 3
GoodCook AirPerfect 15.75" Insulated Nonstick Carbon Steel Pizza Pan with Holes
  • 15.75" PIZZA PAN: Designed with a perforated edge and even-heating technology to reduce moisture and ensure a perfectly crispy crust when making homemade pizza
  • VERSATILE USES: Great for baking your own homemade pizzas, frozen pizzas and leftover slices
  • EFFICIENT DESIGN: Convenient cutting guides make it easy to serve perfectly even slices, while the molded feet on the bottom keep the hot pan elevated and off the countertop
  • NONSTICK COATING: Nonstick coating provides excellent release, allowing for clean up to be quick and easy
  • MADE OF DURABLE CARBON STEEL: Our pizza pan is made of nonstick carbon steel for a premium grade construction that resists warping to provide a high quality baking experience for years to come
Dmitry Leiko
Author and Today's Expert

Hi there! Dmitry Leiko here, I am the author of the article you've just read, and I write reviews for Expert Bestazy, how you've might guess. I'm passionate about a lot of things, from fishing to reviewing the newest gadgets, I especially adore writing and doing this thorough reviews on absolutely different products, as I've tested a lot of them myself and every time doing long research and advising with experts in a particular field to find the best of the best, I hope you'll find good use of these reviews! :)

Dmitry Leiko