Stove Grates & Bars – How to Inspect, Clean, and Replace Them

The fire grate and bars in your stove sit directly beneath the fuel and endure some of the highest temperatures during combustion. Unsurprisingly, they’re considered consumable parts, and most manufacturers do not cover them under warranty. Prolonged use, over-firing, or improper riddling can lead to cracks, warping, or complete failure of individual bars—impacting airflow and fuel efficiency.

Regular inspection and occasional replacement are essential to keep your stove running at its best.

1. Let the Stove Cool and Empty the Chambers

Before performing any checks, make sure your stove is completely cold.

• Remove the fire fence or log bar at the front.
• Empty the firebox, ash chamber, and ash pan of all ash or unburnt fuel.

A clear chamber allows you to safely inspect the grate and see if airflow was being restricted by ash buildup or damaged components.

2. Check for Damage or Excessive Wear

Look closely at the fire grate or fire bars for:

• Cracks or breaks in individual bars
• Warping—particularly sagging downwards
• Sections of the grate that are missing entirely
• Ash leaking through where bars have failed
• Riddling mechanism not operating smoothly

Some stoves feature interlocking or removable grate bars. If yours does, you can often rotate or reposition the bars to even out wear and extend the life of the full set.

3. Riddling System Maintenance

If your stove has an external riddling handle, check that it moves freely and still agitates the grate properly.

• Apply stove-safe lubricant to the handle pivot or linkages if it feels stiff
• Remove any ash buildup that may be obstructing movement
• If riddling motion feels uneven, a bar may be misaligned or cracked

In some cases, replacing the full riddling grate is the most effective solution - especially if bars are fused together or the mechanism is badly worn.

4. Replace Damaged Parts

If any components are broken, warped, or missing, it's time to fit replacements.

• Always check the exact model and part number before ordering
• For stoves with modular fire bars, replace the full set if the new bars don’t match the old ones (mixing old and new can cause poor riddling action)
• Install parts carefully to avoid damaging surrounding components
  

A damaged or blocked fire grate restricts airflow, reduces combustion efficiency, and can cause damage elsewhere in the stove. Inspecting your fire grate and bars regularly helps ensure optimal heat output and extends the life of your stove.