When winter begins to bite and the fireplace sees more action it becomes important to have the right fireplace tools to hand to ensure fire-tending goes as smoothly as possible. Some people feel that only original antique fireplace tools will suffice and although widely available their prices have risen disproportionately especially those of French antique fireplace tools and the Colonial style produced by fireplace tools blacksmiths. In response to this rise in price and demand modern manufacturers such as Cahill fireplace tools and Horseshoe fireplace tools have started producing fireplace tools to the old classic designs as well as more contemporary fireplace tool models.
As with any accessory market that of fireplace tools consists of basic essential items and those that border onto the novelty side. Starting with the more essential items a fireplace screen that keeps the sparks at bay from the carpets and furniture and also keeps pets and children out of the fire is a must. Made in many styles, both traditional and modern they have various hinged panels and even doors to allow easy access to the fire.
Andirons and grates are seen as essential fireplace tools for keeping burning logs off the hearth. Andirons are usually a pair of metal bars with decorative front shafts that hold the logs whilst grates not only hold the logs but also prevent them from rolling forward. Once again traditional and contemporary designs are widely available especially from Western fireplace tools.
Next and still in the essential category are firetool sets. These contain a shovel, brush and poker held together in a wall rack or floor stand, whilst some designs have three pronged tongs instead of a poker to make moving logs easier. These tongs are available separately. Many designs are used in these fireplace tools from brushed stainless steel and brushed satin nickel contemporary ones to colonial wrought iron traditional models. Some retailers market the above essential items together as a complete fireplace tool ensemble that is a fireplace screen matching firetool set and a matching log holder that can double up as a magazine rack.
Moving onto the less essential fireplace tools there are bellows to pump oxygen into a flickering fire, firelighters to make lighting easier, firewood racks, log carriers/baskets, decorative damper pulls and ash vacuums. For those who want to increase the sensual appeal of their open fires, CD's of authentic fire crackling sounds are available for the stereo complemented by scented logs placed on the fire. Now arriving from Europe are BBQ's that are fireplace inserts as well as rotisseries for open hearth cooking and the traditional American popcorn popper. When not using the fire the effect of an open fire can be gained by the use of fireplace candelabras. These give a glow and warm feeling especially when used in conjunction with a stained glass fireplace screen.
Clearly, fireplace tools, especially the more essential items, help create a safe environment around the fireplace, but with sales of gas powered stoves up over 500% since 2000 is there still a big demand for them? Well yes as fireplace tools are now increasingly seen as design items, a simple way to liven up an otherwise drab stove area. Consequently a recent magazine survey counted up to 600 styles of andirons and over 2500 different firetool sets available in the USA . Once again the World Wide Web offers the easiest way to track down those fireplace tool discount dealers offering the best deals on contemporary fireplace tools, hand forged wrought iron fireplace tools, tools for cooking in the fireplace and wall mounted fireplace tools.
