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.
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## 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](https://garniture-de-cheminee.fr/en/articles/fireplace-tool-set-vs-garniture-de-cheminee/) ) 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](https://garniture-de-cheminee.fr/en/antique-style-fireplace-tool-set/) page, which distinguishes a new reproduction from a secondhand piece.

> Dimension reference points built from sets actually sold in retail, not an official rule specific to this workshop — to be adapted to your fireplace.

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
        1
### Poker

Stirs the fire and repositions logs in the embers — the tool most exposed to direct heat.
       2
### Tongs

Let you move a log or ember without bringing your hand near the flame.
       3
### Shovel

Removes cooled ash once the fire is out, not during active burning.
       4
### 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.

> See our [finishes and care](https://garniture-de-cheminee.fr/en/finishes-and-care/) page for the detail of the three options (blackened & waxed, high-temperature paint, flue-rated paint).

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.

> Market reference gathered in 2026 (subject to change), not this workshop's prices — see our [full pricing grid](https://garniture-de-cheminee.fr/en/pricing/) for a made-to-order forged set.

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.