Choosing the right fire grate for your fireplace can significantly affect both its appearance and performance. Whether you're restoring a traditional fireplace or looking for a modern way to enjoy a real flame without the mess of burning wood, the right grate must suit your fireplace, available space and chosen fuel.
Modern bioethanol designs have also expanded the possibilities. A contemporary fireplace grate can now transform an existing fireplace into a clean-burning focal point without necessarily requiring a conventional chimney or flue.
But how do you know which option is right for your home?
In this guide, we'll explain what to look for when choosing a fire grate for fireplace use, how to measure your opening, the differences between traditional and contemporary styles, and what you need to know about installation.
What Is a Fire Grate For a Fireplace?
A fire grate for a fireplace is a structure designed to hold and support the fire within a fireplace opening. Traditional grates are typically used with wood or solid fuel, while modern designs can incorporate a bioethanol burner to create a clean-burning alternative.
For a more detailed explanation of what a fire grate is, how it works, and the different types available, read our guide: What Is a Fire Grate? Types, Uses & How They Work.
Do You Need a Flue or Chimney for a Fire Grate?
Not necessarily, but it depends on the type of fire grate and fuel you're using.
Traditional wood-burning fireplaces produce smoke and combustion gases, so they require a suitable chimney and flue system to safely remove those products from the room.
A modern bioethanol fireplace grate, however, works differently. Bioethanol burns without producing the smoke, soot or ash associated with a traditional wood fire. Purpose-designed bioethanol grates can therefore be flueless and chimney-free, provided the specific product is designed and approved for that application.
For example, Woodlark's EcoSmart Fire Grate range converts an existing wood-burning fireplace into a bioethanol fireplace. The manufacturer states that the grates can be used with or without an operational chimney, with no flue or chimney required for the bioethanol burner.
This makes a no-chimney fireplace grate an appealing option for properties where an existing chimney isn't operational or where homeowners want to move away from traditional wood burning.
However, it's important to distinguish between a traditional grate and a purpose-designed bioethanol fireplace grate. Never treat a conventional wood-burning grate as a flueless fireplace.
How to Measure Your Fireplace for a Fire Grate
Finding the right fireplace grate size starts with accurate measurements. Before choosing a model, take the following measurements of your fireplace.
Step 1: Measure the width
Measure the usable width of the fireplace opening at its narrowest point.
Don't simply measure the width of the decorative fireplace surround. The important measurement is the actual space available inside the fireplace where the grate will sit.
Step 2: Measure the depth
Measure from the front edge of the hearth or fireplace opening towards the back wall.
Depth is particularly important for traditional fireplaces and deeper basket-style grates. For contemporary bioethanol models, you'll also need to ensure there is enough room for the complete unit to sit correctly.
Step 3: Measure the height
Measure the available height from the hearth or supporting platform to the lowest point of the fireplace opening.
Remember to account for the height of the selected grate itself.
Step 4: Check the hearth or platform
The surface supporting the grate must be suitable, level, and able to support the weight of the chosen model.
Modern bioethanol fire grates, such as the EcoSmart Fire Grate range, are designed to sit on a level platform.
Step 5: Check the manufacturer's specifications
Once you have your measurements, compare them against the manufacturer's dimensions rather than choosing a grate based solely on its nominal size.
For example, the Grate 30 is 762 mm long, but its overall dimensions are 762 mm long × 330 mm wide × 156 mm high.
Tip: Always allow for the full dimensions of the fireplace grate and follow the manufacturer's installation and clearance requirements before purchasing.
Fire Grate Sizes Compared
Woodlark's EcoSmart range includes three standard Fire Grate sizes, Grate 18, Grate 30 and Grate 36, alongside two Heritage models, Heritage 25 and Heritage 50. Each uses a different burner configuration, so grate size doesn't simply determine heat output.
EcoSmart Fire Grate 18
The Grate 18 measures 457 × 406 × 200 mm and uses an AB8 burner with an 8-litre fuel capacity.
It has a thermal output of 6 kW and is designed to heat an average area of approximately 60 m². Its minimum room-size specification is 116 m³.
This makes it the smallest model in the Fire Grate series while still providing substantial heat output.
EcoSmart Fire Grate 30
The Grate 30 measures 762 × 330 × 156 mm and uses an XL500 burner with a 5-litre fuel capacity.
Its thermal output is 3 kW, with an average heating area of approximately 40 m². The listed minimum room size is 80 m³.
Its longer, slimmer proportions can work particularly well where the fireplace opening is wider than it is deep.
EcoSmart Fire Grate 36
The Grate 36 measures 914 × 330 × 156 mm and uses an XL700 burner with a 7-litre fuel capacity.
It provides a 4 kW thermal output and is designed to heat an average area of approximately 50 m², with a minimum room size of 90 m³.
As the largest standard Fire Grate model, its 36-inch length can make a strong visual statement in a wider fireplace.
EcoSmart Fire Heritage 25
The Heritage 25 measures 631 × 467 × 173 mm and incorporates the square BK5 burner.
It has a 4 kW thermal output and is designed to heat an average area of approximately 35 m², with a listed minimum room size of 70 m³.
Its traditional grate styling suits homeowners who want the look of a classic fireplace with contemporary bioethanol technology.
EcoSmart Fire Heritage 50
The Heritage 50 is the larger model in the Heritage series and uses the linear XL900 burner. The Heritage range combines a traditional iron-grate aesthetic with a contemporary bioethanol fireplace.
Because specifications can vary by configuration, always check the current product specification for the exact Heritage 50 model before purchase.
Traditional vs Contemporary Style Fire Grates
Once you've established the right size and fuel type, style becomes the next consideration.
Traditional Fire Grates
Traditional fireplace grates are often made from cast iron or wrought iron and are designed to complement period fireplaces.
Their appeal comes from their detailing and sense of history. Ornate patterns, decorative feet and classic black finishes can enhance Victorian, Georgian and other heritage-inspired interiors.
Traditional grates are generally associated with wood-burning fireplaces, where the grate supports logs above the hearth.
They're a particularly natural choice when restoring an original fireplace and retaining its period character is a priority.
Contemporary Fire Grates
Contemporary fire grates take the familiar form of a traditional grate and combine it with modern fireplace technology.
A bioethanol fireplace grate, for example, can use a purpose-built burner rather than wood. This eliminates the need to store logs and avoids the smoke, soot and ash associated with traditional wood burning.
EcoSmart's Fire Grate series is designed specifically to convert an existing fireplace into a contemporary bioethanol fireplace, while its Heritage series combines modern bioethanol technology with a more traditional fireplace appearance.
The result is an interesting middle ground: the visual character of a fireplace, with a cleaner and more contemporary approach to creating a real flame.
Installing a Fire Grate: What's Involved?
One attraction of a modern smokeless fire grate is how straightforward the installation is compared with installing an entirely new traditional fireplace.
A purpose-designed bioethanol grate does not require a conventional flue or chimney because the burner doesn't produce the smoke associated with wood combustion. EcoSmart describes its Fire Grate and Heritage ranges as requiring no flue, chimney or vent for the bioethanol system.
The basic concept is relatively simple: the grate sits on a suitable, level platform within the existing fireplace, and the integrated burner provides the flame.
However, "simple" does not mean that every fireplace is automatically suitable.
An appropriately qualified professional must properly disconnect and make safe any existing gas connections or pipelines before installing a bioethanol grate.
The fireplace itself should also be assessed for suitability, dimensions, materials and required clearances. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions rather than assuming that a particular opening can accommodate any model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a fire grate in any fireplace?
No. The suitability of a fire grate for fireplace use depends on the fireplace's dimensions, construction, fuel type and the specific grate being installed.
A traditional wood-burning grate and a modern bioethanol grate have different requirements, so never assume a grate designed for one application can be used for another.
Before purchasing, measure the fireplace opening and check the manufacturer's specifications for the exact model.
Do fire grates need ventilation?
This depends on the type of fire grate.
A traditional wood-burning fireplace requires an appropriate chimney and ventilation system to safely handle combustion products.
Purpose-designed bioethanol fireplaces work differently. EcoSmart states that its bioethanol Fire Grate and Heritage systems require no flue, chimney, or vent, but you must still follow the applicable product requirements, room-size requirements, and installation instructions.
Always check the requirements for the exact appliance you're considering.
How much heat does a fire grate give off?
Heat output depends on the model and burner.
For example, Woodlark's current EcoSmart Fire Grate range includes models with outputs ranging from 3 kW to 6 kW. The Grate 30 provides 3 kW, the Grate 36 provides 4 kW, and the Grate 18 provides 6 kW.
This is why choosing a grate based purely on its physical size isn't enough. Consider the fireplace opening, the room dimensions and the manufacturer's stated heating capacity when selecting a model.
Find the Right Fire Grate for Your Fireplace
Choosing the right fire grate for fireplace use comes down to three key considerations: size, fuel and style.
First, measure your fireplace carefully and establish the available width, depth and height. Next, decide whether you want a traditional wood-burning grate or a contemporary bioethanol solution. Finally, choose a design that complements your room's architecture and character.
If you want the look of a traditional fireplace with modern bioethanol technology, Woodlark Garden Luxury offers contemporary and heritage-inspired options.
Explore our Fireplace Grates collection to discover the EcoSmart Fire Grate range, including Grate 18, Grate 30 and Grate 36.
For a more traditional aesthetic, explore our Heritage Grates collection and discover bioethanol fireplace designs inspired by classic fireplace grates.
Whether you're updating an existing fireplace or creating a new focal point for your home, the right grate can help you enjoy the character and warmth of a real flame while complementing your space's style.