Getting a fire pit grate can be hard work and even by the end of the day, the product you might get might end up frustrating you along the way. Knowing what’s good and what’s not is the key to purchasing a fire pit grate you will use for a very long period of time.
What is a Fire Pit Grate?
A fire pit grate is one of the most important factors one has to consider when setting up a fireplace or fire pit. This important safety feature helps it burn with a more smooth operation. A grate gives the fire pit a strong uphold for the fire to burn while it also helps to safeguard naked or open fire.
If it’s your first time using a fire pit grate, you will find out that it sits directly over the ash pan. The grate also functions as a filter for the resulting ash which is gotten directly from the firewood burning from above. When this process takes place, the fire burns more efficiently and delightfully. This prevents the fire to act wildly thereby saving you more money because less fuel is being used in the burning process. It also increases the height of the fire due to the fact that the fire pit grates allow the fire to take in oxygen. Airflow is a great factor that is required for a fire to burn evenly.
Unfortunately, the market is flooded with inferior and fake products. Allow us to guide you on the steps to go through before you purchase a fire pit grate, what to look out for, and my top products list that I consider as the best fire pit grates any user can get in the online space.
- Best Round Fire Pit Grate: SteelFreak Wagon Wheel Firewood Grate
- Best for the Money: Sunnydaze Round Outdoor Grate
- Best with Legs: Titan 28″ Wagon Wheel Fire Grate
- Best Steel Fire Pit Grate: SteelFreak Classic Round Grate
- Best Large Fire Pit Grate: Amagabeli Black Wrought Iron Fireplace Log Grate 30 inch
- Best with Mesh: Walden Fire Pit Grate Round
- Best Outdoor Fire Pit Grate: Pleasant Hearth OFP28WG
Things to Consider when Choosing a Fire Pit Grate
When purchasing a fire pit grate, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you get the best product out there for your specifications. To the first start with, fire pit grate comes in two types; steel bar grates and cast iron grates. Take a look at your fire pit and its size and fuel requirements before you make any purchase.
Materials
As I stated above, fire pit grates comes in two types and these two types of grates rely dependently on the type of material used in constructing these types of grate:
Steel Bar Grates – these types of grate materials are only used or recommended for burning wood. When you take a look at these types of grates, they look like they have heavy steel bars across each bar. The holes between these types of bars are very wide that’s why it is required to use only firewood on this type of grate. On the other hand, the holes can’t hold smaller fuel like charcoal when if it is placed on a fire pit grate, it might end up passing through the bar. For this reason, they are designed only to hold bulky wood.
Cast Iron Grates – on the other hand, these types of grates are manufactured and designed to hold coal for burning. They can also be used with firewood, Logs, and lighter fuel source.
Size
When it comes to this factor, it is the most important thing one has to consider because if you don’t take this factor seriously, your fire pit grate might frustrate you along the line. Fire Pit grates that are small can jeep falling into the base of the fire pit. One which is too big won’t even fit at all in the system. To get your correct size, make sure you always measure your fire pit about three times to be sure of the actual size. This applies mainly to steel bar grates because the number of bars is affected by the size of the fire pit.
Easy-to-maintain finish
Lastly, I talk about an easy-to-maintain feature. When selecting a fire pit grate, try and go for the one with an easy-to-maintain coating. This is because the fire pit grates can get too crowded and the constant heaping of ash can destroy the fire pit grate or cause the surface of the grate to burn.
Benefits of a Fire Pit Grate
The benefits of a fire pit grate outweigh the harm it may cause this making this product a must-have if you own a fire pit grate. The benefits of a fire pit grate are very numerous and for a start, I can say this product or device provides good insulation. They are mostly made out of metal which helps encourage burning and efficient energy practices.
When heat is retained through terminal mass, this tends to keep the room or environment hotter while also monitoring the flame of the fire. At the same time, fire pits also help create a warm and evenly distributed environment.
The design of the pit system also creates its own filtration system. Due to the closeness created by the bars and the grids, filtration takes place meaning that big sizes of ash are broken down before they hit the bottom of the fire pit. The result is a pit that is much easier to clean. This does not only makes maintenance a breeze but also increases the life of your fire pit system.
Also, the increased airflow which is caused by a fireplace grate results in better air circulation which is observed throughout the fire pit system. In a simple sense, this means that air flows more graciously up into the chimney which can prevent smoke from choking the environment.
1. SteelFreak Wagon Wheel Firewood Grate
- Dimensions (Inch): 28 x 28 x 7
- Weight (Pounds): 19.84
- Material: 1/2″ square solid steel bars
Key Features and My Experience
SteelFreak Wagon Wheel Firewood Grate for Fire Pit has been known to maximize user’s fire pit experience. This product is made by SteelFreak and they are a small family-owned brand that is known to operate just on the outskirts of Cartersville, Georgia. The company made it its mission to give its customers and prominent users the best possible way to enjoy their fire pits.
This fire pit grate is built to last, last more than most products in the market today. The company uses heavy-duty square-shaped bars of steel to make sure it lasts longer than expected. SteelFreak also designed its product with innovative wheel and spoke shape lifts which makes sure that the fire you are setting up has enough airflow to burn through. The tips of this grate itself are raised to ensure that the logs are contained safely on top.
My Overall Impression
The SteelFreak Wagon Wheel Firewood Grate for Fire Pit is a perfect tool if you want to use fire pit grates for a very long period of time. Although it is very costly, it is actually worth the price because the company promises its users the best experience if they purchase their products.
- It is made in the United States.
- The ribs are made up of thick steel bars.
- It comes in different sizes.
- The support ring is made out of heavy-duty thick steel bars.
- It has an innovative design that keeps logs safely in the pit.
- The coating peels off easily.
- It is expensive.
2. Sunnydaze Round Heavy-Duty Steel Fire Pit Grate
- Dimensions (Inch): 36 x 36 x 4
- Weight (Pounds): 22.8
- Material: Sturdy steel metal
Key Features and My Experience
Second, on this list is the Sunnydaze Round Heavy-Duty Steel Fire Pit Grate. As most users would know, Sunnydaze is one of the leading producers and manufacturers of high-quality tools and pieces of equipment for gardens and homes. The company took it a step further to conduct research around the world and they also travel the globe to find the most creative product for your home. Their scientists and experts make high-quality products using high-quality materials and innovative manufacturing processes which leave each user with a beautiful but efficient product.
This grate itself is a simple product which when you look at it, you wouldn’t believe it would handle the job which gets thrown at it. It comes in various sizes which can range from about 12 inches to 40 inches in diameter. The best part of this product is the smooth circular design and the beautiful but elegant finish.
My Overall Impression
The Sunnydaze Round Heavy-Duty Steel Fire Pit Grate is affordable and it is surprising that a product with this price range can handle weights of up to 200 pounds. It works well with pans and pots placed on top of it but the reverse is the case when food is directly placed on top of it. It might also rust quickly if not taken care of.
- It is made with heavy-duty materials.
- The finishing is elegant.
- It is a good and solid product.
- This product is durable and long-lasting.
- It can resist high temperatures.
- You always need to use warm water for cleaning after use to avoid rusting.
3. Titan 28″ Wagon Wheel Fire Grate
- Dimensions (Inch): 28 x 28 x 6
- Weight (Pounds): 38
- Material: Raw Steel
Key Features and My Experience
We don’t really know much about the Titan 28″ Wagon Wheel Fire Grate but all I can say is that the 28″ wagon wheel grate is a perfect addition to your fire pit at home or at your backyard. This product is manufactured and constructed to stay at least 4″ off the ground so that air can pass even underneath which means more fire and less smoke.
The grate is designed with a heavy-duty steel structure and it is also made in such a way that it will last, last through years of constant use. Thanks to the durability gotten from the heavy-duty steel material. All users have to do is just place the Titan 28″ Wagon Wheel Fire Grate in the fire pit or you can just design and keep this grate in a way that it can be used alone and you are ready to use.
My Overall Impression
The Titan 28″ Wagon Wheel Fire Grate is designed to last for the last time. It is also made and manufactured for large fire pits and this heavy steel product is very much durable and can hold a reasonable allow of log weight. It has a classic finish but it has been known that the paint peels off but it can still be used as normal.
- It comes in different sizes.
- Constructed with heavy-duty steel.
- Designed to lift the grate 4” off the ground for increased airflow.
- Features curved edges to keep the logs from rolling out.
- It is sturdy in nature.
- The paint peels off over time.
4. SteelFreak Classic Round Grate
- Dimensions (Inch): 36 x 36 x 4.5
- Weight (Pounds): 29.4
- Material: 1/2″ square solid steel bars
Key Features and My Experience
Made in the United States, the SteelFreak Classic Round Fire Pit Grate is the second product on this list which is manufactured and produced by the company, SteelFreak. As I said above, the company has been known and proven to greatly improve the customer’s wood-burning experience and when it comes to the SteelFreak Classic Round Fire Pit Grate, it is no different.
This fire pit grate features crossbars and center legs which gives it a sturdy feeling and also improves the longevity of the product. The product itself is designed in a classic round style which greatly enhances the airflow of your fire. The product also allows the wood to stay at least 4½” off the ground while also keeping it intact inside the fire pit.
My Overall Impression
The SteelFreak Classic Round Fire Pit Grate is a great choice for new users or people who just started using fire pit grates as well as those who really don’t want any issues with elevation and height. The finish of this product is very attractive and if cared for properly, it would last for years. I do recommend it.
- It is made in the United States.
- It is made with heavy-duty steel bars.
- Its design is very sturdy due to the center legs.
- The product doesn’t fit.
5. AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME Black Wrought Iron Fireplace Log Grate
- Dimensions (Inch): 26 x 11.2 x 7.5
- Weight (Pounds): 25.6
- Material: 1″ x 3/4″ solid steel bar rods
Key Features and My Experience
The AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME Black Wrought Iron Fireplace Log Grate is manufactured from a heavy-duty broadened metal that is joined together in the form of crossbars for improved strength and durability. The product also has a lot of spaces so that airflow can move underneath the wood fuel while it holds a for ember up above the floor of the fire pit to get a complete burn.
The process used in manufacturing this product is electro-forging meaning that it would last for a lifetime. The 4 strong legs underneath hold the grate well even with the weight of the firewood.
My Overall Impression
The AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME Black Wrought Iron Fireplace Log Great as we all know is a sturdy fire pit grate but it is recommended for people who want to start minimal fires because the coating of the finish would burn off quickly. Nevertheless, it is a nice product.
- It has a solid structure.
- It comes in various sizes.
- It is made with solid steel rod bars.
- It comes with a 3 months warranty.
- The product is delivered in the wrong size.
- The coating burns off quickly.
6. Walden Premium Heavy Duty Steel Grate for Outdoor Fire Pits
- Dimensions (Inch): 29.5 x 29.5 x 4
- Weight (Pounds): 41
- Material: 1/2″ steel
Key Features and My Experience
Known as the ”backyard people”, Walden Backyards is a company with just one mission, ”to start a backyard movement”. They want to help families spend time together and make memories that’s why they invented the Walden Premium Heavy Duty Steel Grate for Outdoor Fire Pits. The product has a very sensible design and it is built to be elevated 2″ so that any coal that burns through will be caught at the base.
This fire pit grate is built with a ½” steel which is capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. It comes only in one size and the 29.5″ diameter can fit fire pits that measure about 30″ in diameter.
My Overall Impression
If you want your fire to burn better, if you don’t want any unnecessary smoke or if you need a simple grate for your wood log, consider getting the Walden Premium Heavy Duty Steel Grate for Outdoor Fire Pits. But be careful so that the leg doesn’t pop right up.
- It is coated with a high-temperature powder coating.
- It is built to last long.
- It is made of heavy-duty steel.
- Its innovative design produces a thicker and hotter flame.
- Its legs have a shoddy weld job.
7. Pleasant Hearth OFP28WG 1/2″ thick 28″ Steel Grate
- Dimensions (Inch): 28 x 28 x 7.33
- Weight (Pounds): 15.18
- Material: 1/2″ solid steel rods
Key Features and My Experience
This ideal 28” round cast iron fire pit grate is perfect for occasional use. Users can make use of this product during holidays and festive seasons. It is very strong, strong enough to hold massive logs of wood and to withstand heat for a long period of time. The Pleasant Hearth OFP28WG 1/2″ thick 28″ Steel Fire Pit Grate is coated with a high-temperature paint so that the product does not rust easily.
What I do not like about this product is that the space between the grate hold and the floor is much smaller affecting the rate at which the fire burns.My Overall Impression
If you look at the Pleasant Hearth OFP28WG 1/2″ thick 28″ Steel Fire Pit Grate, you will find out that this is a high-quality product. If you don’t mind about the smoke or you just want a moderate fire, this product is the one for you. I recommend.
- It is made of heavy steel bar rods.
- It is designed in a way to keep logs inside the grate.
- It is sturdy and will last long.
- The grate sits very low towards the ground.
Comparison Table
| Product | Dimensions (inch) | Weight (pounds) | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| SteelFreak Wagon Wheel Firewood Grate | 28 x 28 x 7 | 19.84 | 1/2" square solid steel bars |
| Sunnydaze Round Outdoor Grate | 36 x 36 x 4 | 22.8 | Sturdy steel metal |
| Titan 28" Wagon Wheel Fire Grate | 28 x 28 x 6 | 38 | Raw Steel |
| SteelFreak Classic Round Grate | 36 x 36 x 4.5 | 29.4 | 1/2" square solid steel bars |
| Black Wrought Iron Fireplace Log Grate 30 inch | 26 x 11.2 x 7.5 | 25.6 | 1" x 3/4" solid steel bar rods |
| Walden Fire Pit Grate Round | 29.5 x 29.5 x 4 | 41 | 1/2" steel |
| Pleasant Hearth OFP28WG | 28 x 28 x 7.33 | 15.18 | 1/2" solid steel rods |
FAQ
Conclusion
A fire pit grate is a required tool to have if you want your outdoor fires to burn better. These products tend to lift or elevate the logs which might result in better burning and a hotter flame. Also which such a tool, you don’t need to move logs around. Just add fuel on top of each other if you want to. With these products, users would enjoy benefits that would make their fire pit a memorable one.
1. Woodland Direct
2. Install-It-Direct
3. Dengarden
