Fireplace Grate

[arlen]

I have a conventional masonry red brick fireplace, and I use fire place grates to raise the wood above the log lighter, so I can start my fires the lazy way.

I have used metal 3/4" thick 1/2" thick, and cast iron. They last about two months if I am burning a lot of wood.

What do you folks do do you use a grate if so what kind ? and how long does it last ?

Thanks David :monkey:

 

[Mike Van]

Lose the grate David, just a set of andirons to keep logs from rolling out is all you really need. You'll get better fires if you let a bed of ash build up on the hearth.

 

[cord arrow]

I purchased a "lifetime grate"...wasn't cheap but it's on it's second season.

I figure that's about a lifetime for a grate...I use a grate because I'll occasionally put a few chucks of kettle coal in the stove...this grate is high and my air is low...works well.

If it's gone two seasons in my stove...main heat source...not to mention burning coal...with no sagging yet...

I'd say it would be a good fireplace grate.

 

[cord arrow]

I'm not sure THIS is this place...but it's very similar, and the price is about the same.

 

[modn]

Lose the grate David, just a set of andirons to keep logs from rolling out is all you really need. You'll get better fires if you let a bed of ash build up on the hearth.

How about on a Majestic insert? It has a lining on the bottom but should I add 1" firebrick? I sell them so it wouldn't be a big deal to get. I usually get about 2 years on a grate. But then again I guess there really isn't any difference except for the wood actually laying on the coals.

 

[Rookie1]

Its a catch 22. You need air circulation around grate to keep it from melting. But as already stated you need bed of coals to keep a good fire. Ive got a heavy steel one in my fireplace and its 2 yrs old and looking good.

 

[Hlakegollum]

I burned up a Fuego grate every couple years for $50 each, then used cheap $10 ones, this year no grate, has been fine, easier to shovel the ashes out. No grate for me!

 

[modn]

I burned up a Fuego grate every couple years for $50 each, then used cheap $10 ones, this year no grate, has been fine, easier to shovel the ashes out. No grate for me!

I guess I'm an idiot......never even thought about NOT using a grate. Probably not as fun to get a fire going and it was nice to have the wood elevated. When this one is gone, it's gone for good!!

 

[arlen]

Mike Van Quote Lose the grate David, just a set of andirons to keep logs from rolling out is all you really need


Ok what are Andirons ?

Will the fire be easy to start in a bed of cold ashes ?

Thanks David

 

[arlen]

Majestic Insert

modn quote "How about on a Majestic insert? "


What is a Majestic insert ?

Is it a 500 lb insert you put into your fireplace ?

I sure like the look and feel of a brick fireplace, I know it isn't very effecient. It heats up half of our home and uses a lot of wood. I have scrounged up about 10 cords and the weather is pretty mild [ Southern California ]

David

 

[modn]

modn quote "How about on a Majestic insert? "


What is a Majestic insert ?

Is it a 500 lb insert you put into your fireplace ?

I sure like the look and feel of a brick fireplace, I know it isn't very effecient. It heats up half of our home and uses a lot of wood. I have scrounged up about 10 cords and the weather is pretty mild [ Southern California ]

David

Basically a metal fireplace with fire brick panels on the inside. You build around it and face the front with stone, or brick. Has triple wall or insulated pipe for a chimney.

 

[arlen]

I'm not sure THIS is this place...but it's very similar, and the price is about the same.

Thanks i had a grate that was 3/4" thick before It lasted a lot longer the the 1/2" thick cheapo grates at HD and Lowes. I may try not using a grate at all and see how it works. Thanks David

 

[Hlakegollum]

You are lucky they even let you have a fire in Calif!

With an insert you would use about 2 cords a year, so what, I say burn away!

 

[Rookie1]

Mike Van Quote Lose the grate David, just a set of andirons to keep logs from rolling out is all you really need


Ok what are Andirons ?

Will the fire be easy to start in a bed of cold ashes ?

Thanks David

Andirorns are them two big metal things on each side of the opening. Old fireplaces used them all the time. Google them.

 

[Mike Van]

David - They look like these http://cgi.ebay.com/Solid-brass-FED...ryZ79648QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem And I always felt a fire started better & lasted longer when it was right on the ash, rather than up on a grate. The ash somehow makes a better fire? Even in a stove, if you clean it right out, the first few fires are crappy until some ash gets built up. Give it a try -

 

[Lumberzack]

We have a cast iron heat board against the back of the firebox. We build " tepee" fires and keep the fire burning that way. I've tried the grates. I really think we get more heat this way.