Andirons
A pair of andirons or firedogs consists of uprights with beams behind them on which the fire in the fireplace is stoked. It is an ancient way of stoking a fire. The beams keep the fire in its place and create better aeration of the fire. Later, a grate was also placed on the andirons or fire dogs creating a fireplace grate. This keeps the aeration in place longer, and you can also lift the fire with smaller logs. Andirons or firedogs also have a decorative function; they often look beautiful in the fireplace. Below you can select 300+ vintage and antique andirons and fire dogs by depth, height, price, age and style. Read also: 10 Tips for choosing a fireplace grate or andirons
Depth of the andirons
Make sure that the andirons are not deeper than the fireplace, because the fire should not go outside the fireplace. The uprights or legs of the andiron or fire dog can be a bit outside the fireplace, as long as the fire stays inside the fireplace. This is the main requirement for the andirons. On our website, you can select andirons by depth.
Height of the beams of the fire dog
The higher the beams of the andirons, the more aeration below the wood is possible. This can greatly improve the draft of the fireplace.
Ratio of andirons to fireback
A fireback is the cast iron plate placed against the back of the fireplace to protect the back wall from the heat of the fire and, as a heating element, to radiate the heat of the fire into the room. It's nice when the fireback and the andiron or fire dog are in proportion. With a large fireback, you can build a bigger fire, and larger andirons will fit. The reverse is true for a small fireback. But, of course, this is also a matter of personal taste.
Andirons or firedogs with a grate
If you are placing a grate on the andirons, please note the following when choosing the grate. The grate cannot be deeper than the beams of the andirons. Measure this carefully. The width of the grate is the maximum width of the fire; make sure it is not wider than the fireback. Also, note the bar density of the grate. Smaller logs will fall through the bars if the bars are far apart. Of course, aeration from below must remain possible. The combination of bars and a grate also offers the possibility of concealing the burner bed in a gas fire, making the gas fire look more like a real wood-burning fireplace. Pay attention to the requirements of the burner bed and its construction.
The style of the andirons or fire dogs
Andirons can be centuries old and follow the fireplace and house styles. It is often nice to choose antique andirons or firedogs in style, such as neoclassical andirons in a neoclassical fireplace. But contrast can also be beautiful. For example, imposing andirons can make a simple fireplace very interesting. Conversely, simple andirons in an imposing fireplace can create a nice balance. Also, antique andirons or fire dogs can add atmosphere to a modern fireplace. The most important thing is to make a conscious choice. Also, pay attention to the combinations of the fire accessories in the fireplace, such as a fireback and fire dog. On our website, it is possible to select andirons by style.
Get advice
If you have any doubts about the right andirons or firedogs, it is always possible to contact us (see below). With the measurements of the fireplace and possibly a picture, we can certainly give a bit of good advice. Read also: 10 Tips for choosing a fireplace grate or andirons