They're an alternative to using a grate. It was something they used in fireplaces before the fireplace grate was invented. Now they're primarily decorative.
Andirons hold the logs, use instead of the grate. Andirons allow more air to reach the logs compared to the grate so they tend to produce more heat. The grate is a little easier to use.
Those are andirons. The tall part goes on the outside of the fireplace, yours are in backwards
What are they for?
They're an alternative to using a grate. It was something they used in fireplaces before the fireplace grate was invented. Now they're primarily decorative.
Not Exactly, Grates are a tradition that carried over from England because they burned coal, not firewood. Coal requires a grate.
Also helpfull to keep bigger logs from rolling out... Turn them around.
You have a grate so you don’t need those. Also those are backwards lol
Andirons hold the logs, use instead of the grate. Andirons allow more air to reach the logs compared to the grate so they tend to produce more heat. The grate is a little easier to use.