Best Fire Tongs : Review And Buying Guide
Brandon Forder Apr 24, 2024 9:02 PM
An open fire, whether in the shape of a fireplace indoors or a fire pit outside, creates the ideal setting for a relaxing evening.
The use of fireplace tongs, however, makes managing your fire much simpler. Tongs for the fireplace allow you to add or rearrange burning logs without risking burns (or coal). This helps maintain a high temperature for the fire, reduces ash, and enhances the overall experience.
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Materials
Coated Carbon Steel
Almost all fireplace tongs are made of carbon steel since it is a common, inexpensive metal that also happens to be very sturdy. Superior durability is provided at a low cost.
The material's sole real drawback is that it rusts quite easily. For this reason, it's crucial to powder coat or use a high heat resistant coating on any set of carbon steel fireplace tongs you purchase. This coating does an excellent job of protecting the steel from rust and keeping its surface in good condition.
The material is excellent in every way, and we have no reservations about recommending it for common applications.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the clear winner when it comes to high-end materials because it is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Stainless steel's complete lack of rustiness is a result of the chromium it contains, making it ideal for use in the great outdoors.
And its strength is comparable to, and even exceeds that of carbon steel in some cases. It also doesn't need a protective coating and is very low-maintenance. The material's higher cost compared to regular carbon steel is the only drawback. This is the highest quality material for fireplace tongs available and is definitely worth the cost.
Style
You'll need to select not only the material, but also the design of your tongs. You can choose between a scissor and a pincher.
Fireplace tongs in the shape of a pair of scissors are designed to dig into the logs for a firm hold. There may be performance difficulties because of the design's requirement for more hinges and a thinner overall build. Fireplace tongs with a pincer design are more sturdy and need less maintenance because of their thicker construction and lack of hinges.
In order to grasp a piece of wood, pincher tongs have to be opened all the way, which is a disadvantage. Consequently, scissor tongs may be more user-friendly, but they aren't as sturdy or dependable.
Length
Fireside tongs should be of sufficient length to prevent burns when manipulating hot wood. Overly much weight is concentrated at the tips of the tongs if they are too long, making it more difficult to move and position logs.
Standard length for fireplace tongs is between 26 and 42 inches. These tongs are long enough to keep your hands away from the fire but short enough to be easily maneuvered around the logs.
Weight rating
A good pair of tongs should be able to effortlessly lift even the heaviest of logs or coals. So that you know exactly how much you can lift with your tongs, several companies include a weight rating. For most situations, you'll want to choose tongs that can support at least 15 pounds.
Manufacturers who don't specify how much weight their tongs can lift should probably be avoided. It's safe to assume that the tongs have a maximum weight capacity of around 5 pounds, therefore you might want to avoid using them.
Handle
Likewise crucial is the fireplace tongs' handle. Even when the tongs are hot, you should be able to hold on to the handle with relative ease. Some fireplace tongs include heat-resistant coatings on their handles, making them safer and less painful to use.
Design
One should also think about the fireplace tongs' design. The curved or angled jaws of some tongs make it simpler to catch and move around logs. For repositioning wood already in the fireplace, another set of tongs with straight jaws may be more convenient. It's recommended that you try out a few various layouts to find the one that works best for you.
Price
Finally, think about how much the fireplace tongs will cost you. Find a pair that is well-made and sturdy without breaking the bank. Try to choose high-quality tongs that don't break the bank.
Why do You Need Fireplace Tongs?
The truth is, a lovely fire can be created without the use of fireplace tongs at all. However, they do simplify the procedure significantly.
As the wood in a fire burns down, the log will move around frequently. There will be less oxygen, more smoke, and more ash as a result of this. Putting the logs in a tight stack will easily stop this from happening. The use of fireplace tongs makes such positioning a breeze.
Spark screens for outdoor fire pits can be removed with fireplace tongs. Even if you wear heat-resistant gloves while doing this, your arm or leg could still get burned on the lid if it swings open.
Also, chimineas make it easy to add or remove firewood without having to risk a fast dive into the extreme heat. Having fireplace tongs on hand is common sense if you have a fire that burns wood.
Do I need to get fireplace tongs if my fireplace tool set includes a pair?
Most sets of fireplace tongs are made of brass and have a weight limit of 5 pounds. The heat from the flames can make it difficult to shift the wood. Sets of tongs typically don't have the same durability as purchasing individual tongs.
Should I have any other fireplace accessories to use with the tongs?
Many helpful implements exist for controlling your fireplace. To safely handle hot logs, you may also need a pair of tongs and a number of other essential instruments. A pointed poker can stoke the fire and shift logs that merely need to be nudged into place. If you need to pick up some embers or throw a log into the fire, fire-resistant gloves will save your hands from getting burned.
In conclusion, a safe and effective fireplace can only be maintained with the correct fireplace tongs. Choosing the best set of tongs requires thinking about how you'll be using them, as well as the tongs' material, length, handle, design, and cost. If you have the correct fireplace tongs, you may securely and efficiently move logs and other items about the fire without risking injury to yourself or others.
