The Best Fireplace Shovel

Buying Guide

There’s nothing like the experience of a wood-burning fireplace. The crackle of the logs, the glow of the fire and the fresh scent of burning wood all combine to create a memorable experience on a chilly night.

But natural fireplaces tend to leave behind messy ash. For safety, it’s best to maintain a 1-inch layer of ash on your fireplace between uses. This insulates the firebox floor from the heat of the fire, while also adding more fuel to the fires you create.

Controlling that ash layer can be easier said than done, however. As your fireplace burns, ash collects below your logs, accumulating without regard to how much you’ll need when your fire burns out. It’s also recommended that you wait until your ashes and embers have completely cooled to remove them.

That’s where a good fireplace shovel can help out. With a noncombustible container and a fireplace shovel, you can safely remove your ashes and store them for later disposal. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that even if your ashes weren’t completely cooled, they’re being stored safely until they are. Make sure to always put a lid on your non-combustible container and store it safely away from your home in case an ember or two slips inside. Storing them in a garage or under a deck isn’t a good idea.

Once you’ve satisfied your safety concerns, you can take a look at the aesthetics of your fireplace shovel. Like many fireplace tools, fireplace shovels often have an antique look to match the nostalgia that comes with wood-based fireplaces. If your shovel features an antique black design, make sure it’s coated in materials that will hold up against the intense heat. This will give you a tool that will last while also looking good.

• Consider where you’ll store your shovel between uses. Some have a strap, allowing you to hang them on a hook. That, of course, means you’ll need to hang a hook somewhat close to your fireplace. You could also have your shovel on a stand on your hearth, possibly as part of a set of fireplace tools.
• A shovel is only one of the tools you’ll use to maintain and use your wood-burning fireplace. Your toolkit should also include a poker, tongs, brush and a blow poke, along with a way to store it all.
• Fireplace shovels often come into contact with the occasional ember, even if you’re careful to ensure your ashes cool before you use it. Heavy-gauge steel construction can ensure your shovel capably handles any cleanup job.
• A fireplace shovel doesn’t have to limit itself to leveling out your ashes. You can also use it for other fireplace cleanup tasks, as well as small jobs around the house like cleaning up items out of your yard.
• Look at the length of the shovel and the handle when choosing a fireplace shovel. Keep in mind that you’ll occasionally have to squeeze around the logs, so a smaller shovel can come in handy, but it will require a little more work if you’re shoveling large lumps of ashes out.
• If you choose a fireplace set with a stand, make sure the base of the stand is sturdy enough to hold all your fireplace tools without being easily bumped over. If you have young children in the house, you might also want to find a way to store your tools out of reach of little hands when you aren’t using them.
• A longer handle can come in handy for avoiding any burning embers or getting around hot logs while you’re cleaning up after use.