Until the early eighteenth century wood was the fuel most commonly used for open fires? Although it will readily burn on the floor of the hearth, large logs were supported by early fireplace supports such as a pair of andirons or firedogs. These antique wood burning fireplace inserts are now collector's pieces.
When timber became scarce in and around towns and cities, it was more economical to burn coal. Coal burns at a higher temperature than wood and needs a good flow of air. Therefore fireplace inserts in the form of wrought iron fire baskets were produced to contain the fuel and concentrate the heat. They also kept the coals clear of the floor, improving air flow and combustion while allowing any ash to fall away. As new types of fuel developed, and a desire to improve the performance of the fireplace by reducing heat lost up the chimney, fireplace inserts were introduced in the form of gas fireplace inserts, electric fireplace inserts, then propane fireplace inserts and more recently pellet burning fireplace inserts.
Returning to the early days of fireplace wood inserts, early wood burning open fires were simply laid in stone - or brick-built fireplaces. In order to protect the masonry at the back of the fire, cast-iron firebacks were introduced. Produced in various sizes, with ornamental tops and decorated with neo-classical subjects, they were very widely used. As a result a great many have survived to the present day. Excellent replicas are also readily available from discount fireplace insert dealers, taken from original designs.
Next in the history of fireplace inserts, dog grates (also known as basket or stove grates) were introduced in the early eighteenth century and were used to burn coal. A freestanding fire basket which incorporated a fireback and had iron or steel bars in front, was supported on legs similar in style to firedogs, hence the name.
By the mid-eighteenth century these fireplaces or grates had been transformed into refined examples of metalwork, with polished steel bars at the front, and decorative steel or brass legs, which were joined by a handsome pierced metal apron. Late eighteenth century designs intended for quality houses followed neo-classical styles and sometimes included Robert Adam motifs. Today this type of grate is found particularly in period- style houses or mansions that have a large brick-built open fireplace. However, modern interpretations are likely to be fireplace gas inserts such as a gas coal-effect or log-effect fire, examples are produced by Buck fireplace inserts.
Fireplace inserts developed in the late eighteenth century as the decline in the use of wood as a domestic fuel, coupled with a better understanding of fireplace technology and the development of mass-produced cast iron, led to a proliferation of novel designs for more efficient fitted grates. When these coal or wood fireplace inserts were in constant use, it was considered that the grate was polished daily with black lead, not a particularly nice substance. Less harmful grate polish is still available, although modern heat-proof paints can now be used to reduce regular maintenance. When looking for new fireplace inserts or used fireplace inserts there are many fireplace reviews available to discover the whereabouts of discount gas fireplace inserts. The World Wide Web also offers many details from traditional fireplace inserts through gas fireplace inserts to electric fireplace inserts and finally to wood or corn pellet fireplace inserts.
