Walden Wagon Wheel Steel Fire Pit Grate

A fire grate is a raised metal platform designed to be placed within an outdoor fire pit. It raises the firewood above the fire pit's base, improving air circulation. This enhanced airflow contributes to the creation of a more intense and efficient fire, while also minimizing smoke. Additionally, the use of a fire pit grate permits ashes to fall below the platform, simplifying the process of cleaning out the fire pit.

You should measure the inside diameter of your outdoor fire pit to determine what size fire grate you will need. Then, subtract a few inches (usually between 2 and 6) from that measurement. Doing so will guarantee that the fire grate maintains sufficient clearance from the sides of the fire pit, enabling proper airflow and accommodating the expansion of the metal grate within the fire ring. For instance, if your fire pit measures 32” in diameter, you should aim for a fire pit grate ranging between 26” and 30”.

A fire pit grate enhances your outdoor fire pit experience in multiple ways. First, it enhances airflow by lifting the firewood above the ground, which results in a hotter, cleaner burn with reduced smoke. Second, it establishes a designated area for ashes to gather beneath, simplifying the task of cleaning your outdoor fire pit. Lastly, a fire grate offers a stable base for your logs, facilitating fire maintenance and ensuring a more consistent burn over the course of the evening.

It's not advisable to directly place your fire pit grate on grass. Even though your fire grate raises the base of the fire, the intense heat emanating from it can scorch or possibly ignite the grass, especially if it's dry. For safety reasons, it's preferable to build a fire pit on a non-flammable surface, such as gravel or a concrete slab, or within a designated fire pit ring. If you must use your fire pit on grass, laying a thick layer of sand underneath the grate can offer some protection. However, it's crucial to never leave the fire unattended and ensure it is completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Although it's possible to construct a fire directly on the base of your outdoor fire pit, using a grate enhances air flow, resulting in a more intense, cleaner burning fire with reduced smoke. The grate also raises the fire, providing a better view of the flames. A quality fire grate facilitates fire maintenance and contains ashes below for effortless cleanup.

Both the Original Fire Pit Grate and the Wagon Wheel Steel Fire Pit Grate are constructed from durable steel and are designed to elevate the firewood while promoting airflow for a more intense and cleaner-burning fire. The Original Fire Pit Grate features a flat top surface, providing ample space for stacking firewood, and offers the option of a welded-on ember catcher for improved burning. It is available in a smaller 24" size, suitable for use in compact outdoor fire pits. On the other hand, the spoke-style Wagon Wheel Fire Grate is slightly taller and is offered in larger sizes, up to 35", making it a preferred choice for larger fire pits.

Not everyone uses an ember catcher with their outdoor fire pit, but those who have one consider it a worthy investment. An ember catcher is a tight mesh over your fire grate that keeps smaller embers from falling to the ground, promoting a more consistent fire and a hotter burn. This can be beneficial because it offers a cleaner hotter burn and makes clean-up easier, as the firewood is more fully combusted. So, while an ember catcher isn't essential for every fire pit grate, it offers meaningful advantages for managing your fire and keeping the fire pit area safe. Some Walden fire grates come with a built-in ember catcher, while all others will easily accommodate our Universal Ember Catcher.