Author
Ellen Eberhardt
There's nothing quite like enjoying a good fire. According to some sources, humans have indulged in the experience for up to 1.5 million years, when the first remnants of human-built fires were found throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe, and staring into dancing flames, it's hard to deny the primal connection.
We've come a long way since the outdoor fire pits of our ancestors, and today, if you're lucky enough to safely host this element indoors, your wood stove or fireplace is probably an important gathering place for family and friends, just as the hearth symbolized the center of the home for centuries. Or at the very least, it's a nice-looking feature in your cabin and a good place for knickknacks.
It was in the early 1800s, that indoor wood-burning fireplaces in the US graduated from heaters and cooking apparatuses to central, decorative elements featured prominently in the main living room. Today, we still treat fireplaces as a point of pride, and often put a fair amount of TLC into their appearance, regardless if whether it's a wood-burning or gas fireplace, or, as is the case in many apartments, a completely non-functional one.
Besides traditional ways of decorating the mantel with family portraits, candles, or treasured dishware, the best way to spruce up your indoor fireplace is with high-quality, stylish fireplace-tending tools. If you often build a fire, you know that everything from the andirons to the fireplace screen to a hearth rug needs to be durable and practical, but ideally, they're also good-looking. This fireplace tool buying guide introduces several essential fireplace accessories and tool upgrades that are functional, customer-approved, and will add a bit of aesthetic spice to your own home set up, so you're sure to impress your guests—and yourself—around the fire.
12 Best Fireplace Tools & Accessory Upgrades
Fireplace Tool Sets
Eldvarm Emma Companion Set
The functionality of each piece in this steel fireplace tool set was carefully considered, and a wide range of powder-coated finishes provide some color. The fireplace poker has a brass mouthpiece at the end that acts as a mini-bellow or blower, the brush contains horse hair and tampico bristles, and the fireplace shovel is deep enough to keep a pile of ashes contained when cleaning up.
Price: $695 SHOP NOW
Panacea Fireplace Tool Set
This modern 5-piece fireplace tool set will get the job done at an affordable price. Sturdy and straightforward, it lacks the outdated antique brass and wrought-iron ornamentation found in many a tool set for a look that will compliment any fireplace.
Price: $109 SHOP NOW
Tong & Log Grabber Upgrades
Because not all tools in a tool set can be winners, these fireplace tongs can act individually or as replacements for tongs in a set, especially if you're handling proper cord wood.
Ohio Flame Campfire Tongs
For some heavy-duty tongs that will last you a lifetime, look no further than Ohio Flame's best-selling 30" Campfire Tongs. Made of hand-forged steel by Ohioan blacksmiths and treated with a high heat-resistant black finish, they're poised and ready for both indoor and outdoor fireplaces.
Price: $80 SHOP NOW
GB Home Heavy Duty Tongs
At just $13, these log tongs are well-worth the price. Made of cast iron, the wide handles are designed for single or double-handed use, and the scissor action accommodates both small and larger fireplace logs.
Price: $13 SHOP NOW
Log Carriers
White Duck Outdoors Diamond Shape Canvas Firewood Log Carrier
Made of premium waxed industrial-strength canvas, you can't go wrong with this classic, rugged, log holder. Reinforced corners and cross-stiched web handles ensure load-bearing strength, and padded handles, a host of earthen tones, and an oily wax coating finish them off with style. The price is pretty impressive, too.
Price: $20 SHOP NOW
Oxgut Hose Co. Multi Purpose Carrier
Tote firewood with this unique log carrier made of recycled fire hoses from Oakland, CA fire trucks. The heavy-duty handles, straps, and water-resistant textile makes carrying heavy loads a breeze but's also used by rock climbers and surfers to shlep gear.
Price: $168 SHOP NOW
Log Baskets
Garrett Wade Galvanized Steel Bushel Basket
Better than a log rack for storing logs, kindling, and more, it doesn't get more classic than this galvanized steel basket. Drop-down handles make for easy portability and its rust and rodent-resistant design will keep your firewood protected. Plus, a water-tight seal means it can double as a spacious drink cooler in the warmer months.
Price: $30 SHOP NOW
Eldvarm Emma Fireplace Basket
If you're really looking to add some serious style to your set up, the Emma Basket is a good choice. Made of heavy, durable steel with a powder-coated finish in a variety of colors, and completed with solid brass details and a handsome waistcoat of hand-stitched leather, this baby is designed to stay put and look good.
Price: $765 SHOP NOW
Nice-to-Have Fireplace Accessories
Estwing Fireside Friend Axe
Anyone who makes fire understands how much work it can be. Estwing's Fireside Friend takes some of the load off, with a clever design that makes wood-splitting easy. Of more than 2,000+ 5-star reveiws on Amazon, one customer's account remarked, "This is the best wood splitting device ever conceived by man." Although the standard blue coating isn't our favorite, the special edition black has a slick look for a bit more money. Or, check out the Gränsfors Small Hatchet for a more traditional style.
Price: $34 SHOP NOW
Plow & Hearth Extra Long Matches
Replace your lighter, eliminate one more bit of plastic in your life, and add a bit of drama to fire-lighting with Plow and Hearth's Extra Long Matches. At 11" in length, they're the perfect size for safely reaching under a fireplace grate and lighting up a wood stove, grill, or candles. Plus the sturdy tube packing will look at home on your mantel.
Price: $15 SHOP NOW
L.L. Bean Fireplace Gloves
Protect your hands and forearms when tending a fireplace or wood-burning stove with these popular gloves from L.L. Bean. They're strong enough to handle logs and fire pokers, and stylish enough to hang on the mantel. For a more unique alternative, check out Snow Peak's Campers Mittens.
Price: $79 SHOP NOW
Plow & Hearth Deluxe Galvanized Ash Bucket
When clearing away ash, this double-bottom, 28-gauge galvanized sheet iron bucket will be your best friend. Finished with a black-powder coated finish and wooden handle for safe handling, taking out the ash never looked so good.
Price: $40 SHOP NOW
Published 10-27-2022
