The tool set
The Fireplace Companion, in Solid Wrought Iron
Shovel, tongs, poker and brush on a forged stand, made to order in France — composition, sizing and finishes designed for real use by the fire.
The available configurations
Tongs, shovel, brush
3 pieces
The poker is traditionally less common than the other two in modern households.
+ Poker
4 pieces
The most common configuration in retail.
+ Ash bucket
5 pieces
For intensive use or a large hearth.
A made-to-order fireplace tool set (sometimes called a "garniture de cheminée," see our article on this nuance) is designed from the start for real use by the fire, not just as decoration.
Companion set, garniture, or "valet de cheminée"
Depending on the region and the retailer, this same set of tools (shovel, tongs, poker, brush on a stand) is also called a "valet de cheminée" or "valet de feu" in French — a third name for the same object, alongside "serviteur" and "garniture" de cheminée. Looking for an antique-style model instead? See our antique-style fireplace tool set page, which distinguishes a new reproduction from a secondhand piece.
Reference points
Dimensions observed on real models
No standard sets the size of a fireplace tool set: these figures are taken from products actually sold in retail, to give an order of magnitude before you confirm your own in your quote.
| Model | Stand | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level set | 20 × 20 × 65cm, ~4kg | ~50cm |
| Full 5-piece set | 66 × 23cm at the base | ~72cm |
| Wood-handled model (Swiss reference) | 73cm stand | — |
| Antique piece (c. 1880) | 72cm stand | — |
Composition
What each tool is for
Poker
Stirs the fire and repositions logs in the embers — the tool most exposed to direct heat.
Tongs
Let you move a log or ember without bringing your hand near the flame.
Shovel
Removes cooled ash once the fire is out, not during active burning.
Brush
Sweeps the hearth and ash residue after the shovel.
Finish
A finish designed for embers, not just for looks
Most "high-temperature" paints sold at DIY stores are in practice capped around 200°C — fine for a part that gets warm by radiation, not for a tip that touches embers. A flue-rated paint, formulated for stoves and flues, tolerates up to 600°C.
For comparison
What you'll find at DIY retailers
Named references identified at DIY retailers give a sense of the entry- and mid-range segment: the Dixneuf Brio (4-piece, steel) around €44.90, the Le Marquier Elaia around €71.90, the Devaux Atole (marketed as "made in France") around €99.90. These pieces are thin steel, not solid wrought iron, and their painted finish is most often capped around 200°C.
Frequently asked questions
What we get asked most often
What stand height should I choose?
Retail sets are most often between 60 and 75cm tall, with tools 50 to 75cm long — these are reference points observed on the market, not an official rule tied to your fireplace's size. To be confirmed in your quote based on your installation.
Do I need a poker?
Not necessarily — a 3-piece version (tongs, shovel, brush) is enough for everyday use. A poker is mainly useful if you stir the fire often or reposition logs while burning.
Can I order a custom configuration?
Yes — that's the point of a made-to-order forged set: piece count, finish and height are all confirmed in your quote.
What is the manufacturing lead time?
Generally 4 to 6 weeks between quote confirmation and delivery, depending on the workshop's schedule and the chosen finish.
How do I care for a forged set day to day?
It depends on the finish: blackened & waxed steel needs occasional re-oiling, a flue-rated paint needs almost no upkeep as long as it isn't scratched — see our finishes and care page for the detail.
Why not a cheaper retail set?
Entry-level sets (thin steel, often a paint capped at 200°C) cost less but don't tolerate repeated direct contact with embers as well as a solid forged piece with a suitable finish. It's a choice about sturdiness and longevity, not just looks.
Contact
Let's talk about your project
The workshop replies with a first estimate within 48h.