If you have a fireplace, there a few things you can't do without. A chimney is one, and of course some wood is always a good idea. Aside from the obvious, however, there are a few accessories that will make maintaining and enjoying your fireplace a lot easier. One such utile utensil is a good old fashioned coal carrier.

Using a Coal Carrier with Your Fireplace

When I first heard of a coal carrier, I thought it was something used to carry coal for fuel purposes. It wasn't until I lived in a house with a fireplace that I recognized its true use: carrying and storing hot coals removed from your fireplace. Coal carriers serve an essential function in keeping your fireplace clean and safe, and if you have a fireplace, you should not do without one.

Good coal carriers will be large enough that you can use them for removing coals as well as ash. It is possible to buy a separate ash bucket, but since these are usually not quite as sturdy as you'd want for storing hot coals, the best way to go is to buy a large coal carrier that can do both. Good coal carriers will always have a strong raised bottom that allows you to put hot coals in the bucket without having to worry about burning the bottom or your floor.

Coal carriers can be used to remove ash and coals from your fireplace when it is hot and when it is cold. Why would you want to remove hot coals from the fireplace? If, for instance, you're leaving the house and you don't feel comfortable leaving a fire in the fireplace, you can use your coal carrier to bring the hot coals and logs outside where they can be extinguished.