Strong, sturdy choice that is easy to store when not in use and backed by excellent customer service.
Made of highly durable, rust-resistant wrought iron. Suitable for use indoors or with campfires, fire pits, and other outdoor applications. They fold for easy storage. Customer service is extremely responsive if issues arise.
For larger logs, they don’t open as wide as some buyers would like.
High-quality iron design that offers durability and strength for a budget-friendly price earn these our expert's approval.
Made of reinforced wrought iron that resists rust. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Can hold logs up to 12 inches thick as well as small sticks.
Some users find that they are a little too short.
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These are a good choice if you need a set you can operate with one hand.
Includes a spring handle and 3 prongs to get a good hold on a piece of wood. Able to pick up heavy logs. Good construction. Rubberized handle to help protect your hands from hot metal.
The handle on this large set may be a little difficult for people with smaller hands to use.
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An affordable and practical set that makes moving logs simple and safe.
A nice length at 26 inches. Heavy-duty. A nice set. A good price for a design that works well. Rounded design helps to make it easy to grab and pick up logs. Can pick up wider logs than some others.
The product is a little heavier than others at over 9 pounds.
An excellent option for anyone who needs the appropriate strength and grip for both their home setup and their campfire.
Made of durable powder-coated steel. Scissor design folds for easy transport and storage. Keeps a strong grip on logs for safe repositioning. Works well for camping and firepits.
It isn’t the best tool for lifting heavy logs.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
There’s nothing quite like sitting in front of a roaring fire on a cold night. Safely lighting and maintaining a fire in your fireplace requires the right tools, and fireplace tongs can make the entire process much easier.
Like kitchen tongs, fireplace tongs are made of a heat-proof material that allows you to handle hot items. In particular, they’re used to add wood to a fire or adjust burning logs in a fireplace. Moving the logs helps the fire maintain its heat and cuts down on ash for easier cleanup. Some fireplace tool sets include a pair of tongs, but they’re often flimsy and cheaply made. For the most durable, easy-to-use fireplace tongs, you’ll need to get an individual pair.
Fireplace tongs can be made of a few different materials, and some are more durable than others. Let’s take a look:
In addition to choosing a material, you will need to decide what style of tongs you prefer. They’re typically available in two types: scissor and pincher.
Scissor-style fireplace tongs bend inward slightly to dig into the logs for a secure grip. The design calls for more hinges and thinner overall construction, which can lead to performance issues. Pincher-style fireplace tongs have a thicker build and fewer hinges, so they’re more reliable and don’t require as much upkeep.
One drawback to pincher tongs is that they must be opened fully to grab a piece of wood. As a result, scissor tongs may be easier to use, though they aren’t as strong or reliable.
Fireplace tongs should be long enough to allow you to safely handle burning logs. However, if they’re too long, they can make it more difficult to move and position logs because they put too much weight at the ends of the tongs.
Fireplace tongs generally measure between 26 and 42 inches. Tongs that fall in this range are long enough to put distance between you and the flames but not so long that you have difficulty moving the logs.
You want a pair of tongs that are strong enough to lift heavy logs or coals without issue. Many manufacturers provide a weight rating for their tongs so you know exactly how much you can lift. In general, a pair of tongs that can handle at least 15 pounds is desired.
If a manufacturer doesn’t include a weight rating for their tongs, it may be a sign that they can’t handle much weight. It’s a good assumption that the tongs could only handle about 5 pounds at once, so it may be best to avoid them.
Fireplace tongs should have comfortable, ergonomically designed handles that are easy to hold and maneuver. Most have one-size-fits-all handles designed to fit in most hands well. If you have very large or very small hands, you may need to look around for a pair that’s a good fit for you.
Clean your fireplace tongs by using a dry brush or cloth to remove soot. Steel wool pads are effective for particularly stubborn stains. You should also rub down the tongs with vegetable oil after cleaning to help build up a protective coating.
Fireplace bellows: Amagabeli Garden and Home Large Fireplace Bellows
Fireplace bellows deliver air to your fire to help feed it and increase its heat. This one from Amagabeli Garden and Home features a durable zinc cast nozzle and a hanging cord for easy storage.
The most affordable fireplace tongs are usually made of brass or another weaker material. They typically can’t handle more than 10 pounds, and durability is iffy. Expect to spend between $8 and $20 for tongs like these.
Mid-range fireplace tongs are typically made of carbon steel and range from 26 to 42 inches in length. The weight limit for these sits at 15 pounds or higher. You can also find some stainless steel tongs in this price range, though they tend to be on the short side. These tongs generally cost between $20 and $35.
The most expensive fireplace tongs are usually made of stainless steel and range from 26 to 42 inches in length. They also have a weight limit of 15 pounds or greater. These tongs typically cost between $35 and $55.
A. When a fire is active, it’s normal for the logs to shift and move as they burn. Depending on how they move, there may be a reduction in airflow, increased smoke, or a larger amount of ash. By keeping the logs in a neat, compact pile, you can reduce the smoke and ash and keep the fire burning evenly.
Tongs are also an important safety tool. They’re a must-have if any pieces of wood fall out of the fireplace or fall against the fireplace screen.
A. Fireplace tongs that come in a set are often made of brass and can’t handle more than 5 pounds at a time. That can make it difficult to move burning logs around. Tongs that come in sets usually don’t last as long as tongs sold separately, either.
A. There are plenty of tools that come in handy for managing your fireplace. When it comes to handling hot logs, you may want to pair your tongs with a couple of key tools. A poker is a pointed tool that can stoke the fire and move logs that only need a slight adjustment. Fire-resistant gloves are helpful because they protect your hands if you need to pick up burning embers or toss a log into the fire.
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