Best Fireplace Tools and Accessories Recommended by Chimney Scientists

A wood-burning fireplace doesn’t require a closet full of specialized equipment, but having the right tools can make preparing, starting, and maintaining a fire considerably easier. The best fireplace tools solve practical problems, whether that means splitting kindling more safely, getting a stubborn fire started, improving airflow around your logs, or helping manage creosote inside the chimney.

At Chimney Scientists, we work with fireplaces and chimneys every day. We’ve put together six wood-burning fireplace accessories that we recommend for homeowners who regularly enjoy a fire. You certainly don’t need every product on this list. The right choices depend on how you use your fireplace and what you’re trying to accomplish.

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1. Kindling Cracker King

Best for: Preparing kindling

Good kindling makes starting a fire much easier, but splitting small pieces of wood with an axe or hatchet can be awkward. The Kindling Cracker King offers a simpler alternative.

Instead of swinging a blade toward a piece of wood, you place the log inside the cast-iron safety ring over a stationary splitting wedge and strike the wood with a mallet or another blunt object. The King version also has a larger opening than the original Kindling Cracker to accommodate larger pieces of firewood.

Why we recommend it: For homeowners who regularly burn wood, this is our pick for the best kindling splitter because it makes preparing smaller pieces of firewood quick and straightforward. Having plenty of dry, appropriately sized kindling also makes it easier to establish a strong fire without relying on excessive paper or other materials.

Shop the Kindling Cracker King on Amazon

2. Duraflame Cowboy 4.5 oz Indoor/Outdoor Firestarter

Best for: Convenient fire starting

purpose-built firestarter provides a consistent ignition source that can make the process easier.

The Duraflame Cowboy Firestarter is specifically made for starting wood fires. It can be used indoors or outdoors in fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, and campfires, and the wrapper itself is designed to be lit.

Why we recommend it: If you want a simple, no-fuss way to establish a fire, this is our pick for the best fire starter for a fireplace. It’s particularly convenient for homeowners who don’t always have a large supply of small, dry kindling available.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a firestarter indoors.

Shop the Duraflame Cowboy Firestarter on Amazon

3. Bernzomatic TS8000 MAP-Pro Gas Handheld Torch

Best for: Experienced users looking for fast ignition

For homeowners who are comfortable working with a handheld torch, the Bernzomatic TS8000 provides a much more powerful ignition source.

The TS8000 features instant on/off ignition, an adjustable flame, a continuous flame lock, and pressure regulation for consistent operation. That concentrated heat can make quick work of igniting properly prepared kindling.

Why we recommend it: The TS8000 is a useful option for experienced users who want a fast, controlled way to get a fire going. However, it isn’t necessary for the average homeowner, and a traditional firestarter may be the better choice if you’re not already comfortable handling a fuel-powered torch.

Because this is a high-heat tool, read and follow all manufacturer operating, fuel-handling, and storage instructions. Never leave a lit torch unattended or direct the flame toward people or unintended combustible materials.

Shop the Bernzomatic TS8000 on Amazon

4. Model S-5 High Efficiency Smoke-Free Fireplace Grate

Best for: Improving log positioning and airflow

A fireplace grate does more than keep logs off the bottom of the firebox. Proper positioning allows air to circulate underneath and around the fire, supplying the oxygen needed for combustion.

The Model S-5 uses a tall, angled design intended to position logs for better burning while directing more heat toward the room.

Why we recommend it: For homeowners who regularly use a traditional open hearth, this is our choice for the best fireplace grate because its design promotes airflow and keeps burning wood properly positioned for an efficient burn as the fire progresses.

One important distinction: although “Smoke-Free” appears in the product name, no grate can fix an underlying chimney problem. If smoke consistently enters your room, the cause could be related to chimney draft, sizing, blockage, or another issue that requires a professional inspection.

Shop the Model S-5 Fireplace Grate on Amazon

5. INNO STAGE 23-Inch Cast Iron Fireback

Best for: Protecting the firebox and reflecting heat

A fireback is a heavy plate positioned against the rear wall of a fireplace. Traditionally made from cast iron, firebacks serve two useful purposes: they provide an additional barrier between the fire and the rear masonry while absorbing heat and radiating some of that warmth back toward the room.

The INNO STAGE model is a 23-inch cast-iron fireback that includes feet to support the plate inside the fireplace.

Why we recommend it: This is one of the best fireplace accessories for homeowners who want a simple way to protect the back of their firebox while getting more radiant heat from an open fire. It won’t transform an open fireplace into a high-efficiency heating appliance, but it can help direct more usable warmth toward the living space.

Measure your fireplace carefully before purchasing a fireback to ensure the product fits appropriately within your firebox.

Shop the INNO STAGE Cast Iron Fireback on Amazon

6. Cre-Away Creosote Modifier

Best for: Helping manage stubborn creosote deposits

Creosote is a combustible byproduct of wood burning that accumulates inside chimney systems. Depending on burning conditions and the type of deposits present, some creosote can become difficult to remove through ordinary sweeping alone.

Cre-Away is a chimney creosote remover designed to modify these deposits so they can be removed more easily during subsequent cleaning.

Why we recommend it: Cre-Away can be a useful tool when dealing with certain stubborn creosote deposits. However, it’s important to understand what the product can and cannot do. Chemical creosote treatments should never be treated as a substitute for proper chimney inspection and professional cleaning.

If you have significant or glazed creosote buildup, talk with a chimney professional about the appropriate removal method rather than assuming an over-the-counter treatment will resolve the problem.

Shop Cre-Away Creosote Modifier on Amazon

How to Choose the Right Fireplace Accessories

The best wood-burning fireplace accessories should address a specific need you have when preparing, starting, or maintaining your fire. Consider what you’re trying to improve before buying:

• Preparing kindling is difficult: A kindling splitter can make producing smaller pieces easier.
• Your fires are difficult to start: Dry kindling and a purpose-built firestarter can help establish the initial flame.
• You want a fast ignition method: Experienced users may prefer a handheld torch.
• Logs don’t stay positioned well: A properly sized fireplace grate can support the logs while promoting airflow.
• You want more radiant warmth from an open fireplace: A cast-iron fireback can reflect some heat toward the room.
• You have stubborn creosote deposits: Consult a chimney professional about whether a creosote-modifying treatment is appropriate.

Accessories should improve a properly functioning fireplace. They won’t compensate for problems with the fireplace or chimney itself.

Fireplace Accessory Safety Tips

Any product used around an open flame deserves careful handling. Even the best fireplace tools can create unnecessary risks when they’re used incorrectly.

Keep these basic precautions in mind:

• Follow the manufacturer’s directions for every fireplace product you use.
• Measure your firebox before purchasing a grate or fireback.
• Keep combustible materials away from the fireplace opening.
• Use appropriate hand and eye protection when splitting wood.
• Handle torches and fuel cylinders according to the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
• Store firestarters and torch fuel safely and away from children.
• Use a fireplace screen to help contain sparks and embers.
• Keep working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
• Never treat a creosote-removal product as a substitute for chimney cleaning or inspection.

Good Fireplace Tools Still Depend on Good Firewood

No accessory can overcome poor-quality firewood. If you want a fire that starts easily, burns cleanly, and produces consistent heat, begin with properly seasoned wood.

Good wood-burning practices include using dry firewood, splitting kindling into manageable pieces, leaving adequate space between logs for airflow, and gradually adding larger pieces once the fire is established.

Dry wood is particularly important. Wet or improperly seasoned firewood is more difficult to ignite and creates more smoke, which can contribute to creosote accumulation inside the chimney.

In other words, the best fireplace accessories should complement good burning practices rather than replace them.

Fireplace Products Can’t Fix Chimney Problems

A new grate or firestarter might improve your experience, but fireplace accessories can’t correct problems with the chimney itself or fully clean the fireplace and chimney.

Have your system professionally evaluated if you experience problems such as:

• Smoke repeatedly entering the room
• Persistent difficulty establishing chimney draft
• Strong smoky or creosote odors
• Excessive creosote accumulation
• A suspected chimney blockage
• Visible damage to the fireplace or chimney
• Cracks or deterioration in the flue liner

Trying a stronger firestarter or changing your grate won’t solve these underlying conditions. Identifying the actual cause is the safer approach.

Chimney Scientists’ Final Take

The best fireplace tools and accessories are the ones that make a specific part of using your fireplace easier, safer, or more effective. A Kindling Cracker can simplify firewood preparation, a reliable firestarter can make ignition easier, and products like a properly sized grate or fireback can improve how an open fireplace performs.

But you don’t need every accessory on this list. Start by considering how you use your fireplace, identify what could work better, and choose the product that addresses that need.

Most importantly, remember that accessories are only one part of safe wood burning. Proper firewood, good burning practices, and a clean, properly functioning chimney remain the foundation of a safe fireplace.

If you’re unsure whether your fireplace and chimney are ready for the burn season, schedule an inspection or cleaning with Chimney Scientists before lighting your next fire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Tools and Accessories

What fireplace accessories are actually worth buying?

For frequent wood-burning fireplace users, some of the most useful accessories include a quality fireplace grate, fireplace screen, reliable firestarter, and tools for preparing dry kindling. A fireback can also be useful if you want to reflect more radiant heat toward the room. Which accessories are worth purchasing ultimately depends on how you use your fireplace.

Is a fireplace grate necessary?

A grate isn’t necessary for every type of fireplace, but many traditional open wood-burning fireplaces are designed to use one. A properly sized grate supports the logs above the firebox floor and allows air to circulate beneath the wood, helping support combustion.

Does a fireplace fireback actually increase heat?

A cast-iron fireback absorbs heat from the fire and radiates some of that energy back toward the room. This can increase the radiant warmth you feel in front of an open fireplace, although it won’t make an open hearth as efficient as a wood insert or stove.

What is the easiest way to start a wood fire?

Start with dry, seasoned firewood and smaller pieces of dry kindling arranged to allow plenty of airflow. A purpose-built fireplace firestarter can provide the initial heat needed to ignite the kindling, after which you can gradually add larger pieces of wood.

Are fireplace firestarters safe to use indoors?

Use only firestarters specifically labeled for indoor fireplace use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never use gasoline or other fuels that aren’t designed for starting indoor fireplace fires.

Does creosote remover replace chimney cleaning?

No. A chimney creosote remover can help modify certain deposits and make them easier to remove, but it does not replace chimney sweeping or inspection. Significant creosote buildup should be professionally evaluated.

How often should my chimney be inspected?

Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents should be inspected regularly to identify buildup, blockages, deterioration, and other conditions that could affect safe operation. If you use your fireplace regularly or aren’t sure when it was last evaluated, schedule a professional inspection before the next burn season.