Frequently Asked Questions

Fireplaces

What is the difference between a gas fireplace and a gas insert?

A gas insert is a type of gas fireplace. Inserts are designed to be installed (inserted into) existing woodburning fireplaces. They are easy to operate and provide efficient heat even when the power is out.

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What is a zero-clearance gas fireplace?

These are also called built-in fireplaces. They are designed to be framed into remodeling or new construction projects. Direct Vent technology makes it easy to add a beautiful fire and the efficient warmth of a gas fireplace.

Why are direct vent fireplaces better than ventless fireplaces?

Along with the byproducts of combustion that are released into the home, ventless fireplaces produce lots of water vapor which can be as much as 1 gallon every 3 hours leading to mildew and mold issues. Direct vent fireplaces vent moisture and byproducts of combustion to the outside of the home.

Does a gas fireplace require electricity?

Most gas fireplaces use electricity for ignition or blower operation. The good news is that gas fireplaces are also designed to work when the power is out with a built-in battery backup using regular household batteries.

What is involved in replacing a gas fireplace?

Depending on the location in the home and desired finishes, it can be relatively simple or more complex. If you bring in pictures and general room measurements our experts can give you a good idea. To get a headstart, check out our Fireplace Checklist.

What is a gas log set?

A gas log set is a decorative gas burner with logs. The flame is very realistic and there are many log styles to choose from including choices that are not logs at all (such as spheres and crushed glass). Different than gas inserts, they are not efficient – most of the heat is lost up the chimney.

How often does my gas fireplace need to be serviced?

Manufacturers suggest annual service for gas fireplaces. As a backup heat source in the event of a power outage, this helps to ensure your unit is in working order when you most need it.

Does my fireplace have a battery backup for when the power goes out?

Most modern fireplaces have battery backup systems – it is important to understand how to use this feature and have the proper sized batteries on hand so that you are prepared in the event of a power outage.

Why won't my fireplace light?

This issue could be a range of things, the simpler ones being the remote needs fresh batteries, or the gas for the fireplace was inadvertently turned off. Our helpful Service Team can help you troubleshoot any such issues.

Why is my remote control not working?

The remote may need fresh batteries or it may need to be resynced with module.

How long will the batteries last?

Batteries can last two to three months depending on if the remote is being used in the on/off mode or in the thermostat mode (where it is constantly communicating).

What does cloudy or white glass on my fireplace mean?

The glass likely needs cleaning; when fireplaces first light there is condensation which leaves behind residue. Fireplace glass conditioner is a good cleanser and it makes it easier to clean the next time.

Why does my gas fireplace have a burning or creosote smell when I'm burning it?

New fireplaces require that they are cured and should be burned on high without the fan and with the windows in the home open for period of time based on the manufacturers’ instructions. It could also be that the chimney was not cleaned prior to install.

Can my gas fireplace with a standing pilot be changed to electronic ignition?

No, the fireplace is tested and listed with the system it was shipped with. Any alterations will void the warranty and lead to safety concerns.

Can I put different logs in my gas fireplace?

The fireplace is only approved to use the logs that it came with, adding other logs will lead to operational issues including sooting. There are manufactures that offer more than one log choice for their fireplaces – in that case, it may be possible to purchase an optional set.

Are there custom made fireplaces?

We do sell a line of custom and semi-custom fireplaces with a variety of shapes and sizes possible. We also have custom surrounds available for gas inserts installed in woodburning fireplaces.

Will adding a gas fireplace or insert increase the value of my home?

According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, adding a fireplace to home can increase the resale value of the home by as much as 6-12 percent.

BBQ & Outdoor

Are stainless steel BBQ grates better than cast iron?

Stainless grates are easier to clean, are very durable, and heat up faster. Cast iron grates require more maintenance especially in the PNW where they are subject to rust. They also take longer to warm up but provide even heat and have natural non-stick properties. Cast Stainless can be the best of both worlds.

What is the advantage of a ceramic infrared burner over a standard one?

Ceramic infrared burners reach over -degree temperatures (on average, double the capacity of a standard burner) and are great for searing all types of meat, seafood, and vegetables. It is common to also have a standard burner to either finish or do a part of a reverse sear process.

Can I install my patio heater, fire table or BBQ on a covered patio?

Yes, but it is important to review the manufacturer’s guidelines in the manual as well as local codes. There are commonly overhead, sidewall, and combustible floor clearance restrictions as well as ventilation requirements (the number of sides of the structure that are required to be open for proper air flow).

Can I use any glass media or rocks for my gas fire pit?

We recommend that you use the manufacturer’s approved media or other fire rated after-market products. Use of improper media can be dangerous.

Can you cook food over a fire table?

Gas fire tables are tested and listed as decorative appliances and are not approved for cooking. That being said, it is not uncommon for people to cook marshmallows over the flame. It is important to keep the media and gas ports clean.

Can I use a patio heater outside in any kind of weather?

Proper design and location are important. Patio heaters are susceptible to wind and wind turbulence.

Does an outdoor fireplace need to be cleaned more often than an indoor one?

Indoor fireplaces need to be cleaned and serviced annually. Outdoor fireplaces, depending on weather, leaves, needles, and moisture should be inspected and cleaned frequently.

Kitchen

What are the advantages of a dual fuel range over an all-gas range?

Dual fuel ranges are designed for those who want the responsive, hands-on experience of an open flame on the stovetop, but also prefer the dry, even heat of an electric oven as well as convection cooking.

What is the difference between a gas cooktop and an induction cooktop?

Induction cooktops and induction ranges work by generating an electromagnetic field below the glass cooktop surface, which causes magnetic cookware sitting on top to heat up. Chefs and home cooks prefer gas for responsiveness and visual gauge of temperature via view of the flame height. Gas cooktops also provide backup cooking in the event of a power outage.

What is a convection oven?

A convection oven is an oven that has fans to circulate air around food to create an evenly heated environment. The increased air circulation causes a fan-assisted oven to cook food faster than a conventional non-fan oven, which relies only on natural convection to circulate the hot air.

Are gas stoves or cooktops available with a downdraft?

Yes, both gas cooktops and ranges are available with downdraft.

Do cabinets need to be a certain height away from my stove?

Yes, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions for clearances adjacent to your cooktop or range. Also, there are requirements for ventilation hood clearances both from the maker of the hood as well as the manufacturer of the appliance.

Can I convert my electric stove to natural gas?

No, the fuel type is designated by the manufacturer and there is not an approved or safe means to make this kind of conversion.

Do I need to vent my gas stove with a hood?

Yes, most local codes require ventilation for cooking appliances, whether gas or electric.

How often should I clean my kitchen ventilation hood?

Every 3 months. More frequently with heavy use or less frequently depending on use and types of food cooked.

Does a microwave/ventilation hood work just as well as a normal ventilation hood?

If they are vented to the outside, they can be effective, but generally move less air than a dedicated hood. Charcoal types that aren’t vented to the outside are not very effective.

Are dish drawers better than conventional dishwashers?

The main benefits of drawer dishwashers are that they provide flexibility and energy savings for households where it may be a while before they are ready to run a full load. The upper drawer also offers the convenience of not having to bend low to load the dishwasher.

General

What is the difference between natural gas and liquid propane?

Propane is manufactured gas that is pressurized. It is also heavier than air which means that it requires additional caution when using it. Propane and Natural Gas appliances are not interchangeable without a conversion by an expert and some manufacturers do not permit conversion of one to the other.

Where can I pay my NW Natural utility bill?

You can pay your utility bill online, by , by mail, or in person at a number of local retailers. Here is a link that provides additional information:

Contact us to discuss your requirements of cusom cast iron fireplace supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

https://www.nwnatural.com/account/pay-my-bill

Do you offer free parking at your location?

Yes, we have off-street, free parking with 10 spots in the front of our store and additional parking behind the building.

This Article has been approved by our on staff NFI Certified Specialists & Master Hearth Professionals

With Northline Express you can save up to 65% Off Fireplace Grates!

Who would have thought a fireplace grate could have so many options? With our large selection believe us when we tell you that anyone could get overwhelmed if you didn't know exactly what you were looking for. We are going to try and answer any questions you may have, as well as inform you about the different types of fireplace grates, why you should use a grate, and how to get the most out of your fireplace grate.

There are three main types of fireplace grates; steel bar used for wood, cast iron generally used for wood or coal, and grate heaters for wood which produce heat back into the home. Coal cannot be used on the steel bar grates simply because the bars are spread too far apart, and the coal would fall through. Wood on the other hand can be burned on a steel grate or a cast iron grate, however they tend to hold the embers on the grate blocking the air from reaching the wood. Cast iron grates tend to last longer than the average steel bar grate with the exception of very heavy steel bar grates. The best steel bar grate available is a Lifetime Fireplace Grate. Lifetime Fireplace Grates are guaranteed by the factory to last a lifetime and will be the last grate that you will ever buy. Grate heaters are tubular (hollow) grates that once hot will blow warm or hot air back into the home. While not quite as efficient as a fireplace insert, they are about one forth the price and do a great job of pumping heat into your home.

See our selection of over 90 fireplace grates styles! Choose from a variety of steel fireplace grates, cast iron fireplace grates, fireplace grate heaters, and lifetime fireplace grates. A grate is sure to make lighting fires in your fireplace a breeze and keep your fireplace operating with efficiency throughout burning sessions.

So, you're probably left asking which fireplace grate is right for me?

Which actually opens up a couple other things to ask yourself:

First, how often do you have fires?

Rare Burner - If your grate will be used for rare occasions only, like holidays, birthdays, and special celebrations, then a lighter duty grate will do just fine.

Frequent Burner - If you are burning once a month or more, than a middle to high grade grate should be considered.

Daily Burner - If this is you then you probably already know that you need the thickest, heaviest grate you can afford.

Also consider the type of wood being burnt. Hardwoods like, Maple, Oak, Beachwood, etc. burn hotter than softer woods, adding stress to your grate and potentially shortening its life.

Are you looking for an indoor fireplace grate or an outdoor fireplace grate?

The environment in which your grate will be used is also a factor, elements such as humidity, rain, or salt can cause the grate material to corrode weakening it over time. Therefore, outdoor grates will need to be a little more heavy-duty or made of more outdoor friendly materials like a stainless steel.

What are firegrates made of?

Fireplace greats are typically made from Steel or Cast Iron.

Lifetime Fireplace Grates

Northline Express customers choose Lifetime Fireplace Grates because they are the last fireplace grate that they would ever have to buy. With a factory guarantee, lifetime fireplace grates will last year after year. Made from durable 1-inch-wide steel, these grates can withstand daily burning for an entire lifetime. These fireplace grates come in a variety of sizes to ensure you find the one that will fit your fireplace best. They have legs that measure 3 1/4" to allow proper airflow for a even burn every time. Choosing a lifetime fireplace grate can save you hundreds of dollars and every lifetime grate ships for free!

Fireplace Grate Heaters

Fireplace Grate heaters are another alternative that we highly recommend. While there is a higher price tag, a grate heater can pay for itself quickly from the heat it produces back into the room. There are various types of these heat exchangers, but the basic principle is the same. Hollow tubing gets hot from the fire and a fan blows heat through the hollow tubes into the room. Some are thermostatically controlled so the fan turns on and off automatically once the tubing gets hot. Expect to Get 10,000 to 40,000 BTUs of heat back into your home from these units which is enough to heat a large room and other parts of the home.

Steel Bar Grates

Watch for poor welds where the top bars meet the legs. The welds should be on the diagonals not on the flats. These welds are going to be the most likely places for the grate to break.Thin steel bars result in short life span, generally 1/2" bars are used and for even the rare user they may not last long if you are burning hardwoods. I always suggest upgrading to at least the 5/8" grate. All grates are going to rust due to heat and moisture. A good chimney cap may help to keep moisture out of the firebox. Our grates are powder coated for initial protection but after several burns this will wear down as well. Last but not least the number of bars in relation to the width are important. One less bar means less heat distribution meaning more stress on the welds.

Cast Iron Grates

Weight, weight, weight, it's all about the weight. Weigh the grates at you local hardware store and compare it to the weight of our grates on line. The heavier the better. As for design, it is really personal preference. No one style is necessarily better than the other. Be aware some cast iron grates are now being made to burn wood so watch for large gaps in the bottom if you are using it to burn coal.

What are Differences Between Steel Bar Grates and Cast Iron Grates?

Steel Bar Grates

About

Steel bar grates are generally separated by the thickness of the bars used for constructing the grate. The general rule of thumb is the thicker the bars the longer it will last. The main things you want to look at are how often you plan on using the fireplace and what type of wood you will be burning.

Rare Burner

If this will be used on a rare occasion only, holidays, birthdays, and special occasions then a lighter duty grate will do just fine.

Frequent Burner

If you are burning once a month or more then a middle to high grade grate should be considered. Also consider the type of wood, hardwoods like, Maple, Oak, Beachwood, etc. burn hotter than softer woods adding stress to your grate. Thicker steel will last longer.

Daily Burner

If this is you then you probably already know that you need the thickest, heaviest grate you can afford. We now offer a Lifetime Grate for those who burn all the time.

Cast Iron Grates

About

Now let's take a look at the cast iron grate. Cast iron grates have small gaps on the bottom to allow your coal or wood chunks to stay on the grate longer burning more completely. The bottom line with cast iron is weight. The heavier the grate the stronger. Again, you can determine what is right for you by the amount you plan on burning.

Rare Burner

If this will be used on a rare occasion only, holidays, birthdays, and special occasions then a lighter duty grate will do just fine.

Frequent Burner

If you are burning once a month or more then a middle to high grade grate should be considered.

Daily Burner

If this is you then you probably already know that you need the thickest, heaviest grate you can afford.

Make Sure You Get the Best Fireplace Grate

Watch for poor welds where the top bars meet the legs. The welds should be on the diagonals not on the flat, as these welds create weak spots and are going to be the most likely places for the grate to break. Thin steel bars result in short life span, generally 1/2" bars are used and for even the rare user and they may not last long if you are burning hardwoods. We always suggest upgrading to at least the 5/8" grate. All grates are going to rust due to heat and moisture. A good chimney cap may help to keep moisture out of the firebox. Our grates are powder coated for initial protection but after several burns this will wear down as well. The number of bars in relation to the width are important. One less bar means less heat distribution meaning more stress on the welds.

Heavy Duty Fireplace Woodstove Grates

Weight, weight, weight, it's all about the weight. Weigh the grates at your local hardware store and compare it to the weight of our grates online. The heavier the better. As for design, it is really personal preference. No one style is necessarily better than the other. Be aware some cast iron grates are now being made to burn wood so watch for large gaps in the bottom if you are using it to burn coal.

What size fireplace grate do I need?

This can depend on a couple things, most importantly the dimensions of your firebox, which we'll will go over next, but don't forget about other details like the size of your logs, (or fuel like coal) smaller pieces might require the size of your bars to be larger or closer together.

How to measure for a fireplace grate?

Measure both the front width and rear width at the floor of your firebox. It's important to get both the front width and rear widths because more often than not the dimension will taper towards the back. You want to make sure that your new grate will fit the front width as well as the smaller rear measurement. Then measure the depth from the front opening to the rear wall of the firebox. Now to get the right grate size, subtract 6" from both the shortest width and the depth dimensions to give you the ideal 3" of space around your grate.

6 Reasons Why you need a Fireplace Grate for your Fireplace

Better quality burn

The wood is lifted off of the floor allowing air to be pulled in from underneath the wood, your fire will be supercharged with air making it hotter and more efficient.

More complete burn

Burned pieces of wood fall to the fireplace floor through the spaces in the grate, creating a bed of super-hot coals. This allows the wood above to be burned from the bottom up, so you don't need to adjust and move the wood once placed on the grate.

Protection of your fireplace floor

The grate keeps the real heat up off the firebox floor protecting your concrete from the extreme heat of the fire. This will add life to your fireplace. The grate keeps the real heat up off the floor protecting your concrete from the extreme heat of the fire. This will add life to your fireplace.

Better drafting

When you lift the fire off of the floor you do two things, lift the fire closer to the chimney and allow air to move under the fire. By doing this you not only supercharge your fire, but you also help it draft smoke and fumes out the chimney instead of into your home. Sometimes a smoking fireplace can be cured by the use of a grate.

Less work

Most fireplace grates have a front and back that curl up. This helps to cradle your firewood to keep it in one location and also helps to continuously force the wood to the middle of the grate. Instead of having to move the wood around all the time you simply add more when needed. This can help reduce hot embers from popping out and burning your floor as well.

Easier to light

Using a grate allows air to get under the wood making the fire much easier to start

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