KAWMET W15 / W16 (16.3 kW) (397x342) Cast Iron Grate
KAWMET W15 / W16 (16.3 kW) (397x342) is a cast iron fire grate measuring 397 × 342 mm, intended for KAWMET W15 / W16 rated 16.3 kW fireplace inserts. A replacement part — it fits in place of the original grate with no modification to the firebox.
The grate is the floor of the firebox: it holds the fuel, lets primary air in from below and drops the ash through into the ash pan. How freely it flows decides whether the wood gets oxygen evenly across its width — a clogged or burnt-through grate means a fire burning on one side, a smoking pane and a loss of output that is easily mistaken for a chimney fault.
Key features — W15 / W16
- Dimensions 397 × 342 mm — firebed area approx. 1360 cm²
- Fits KAWMET W15 / W16 rated 16.3 kW fireplace inserts
- Material: cast iron — unlike steel it does not warp when heated
- A wear part, replaced without dismantling the appliance
- Manufacturer: KAWMET, Poland
Which models this grate fits
The grate is intended for the KAWMET W15, KAWMET W16 fireplace inserts. These models share the same seat dimensions, which is why they take a common grate. Mind the output rating: this grate fits the 16.3 kW version, not the other output variants of the same series — their fireboxes differ in size.
If you are unsure of the model, the surest check is the measurement: take the old grate out of the cooled firebox and measure it. This one is 397 × 342 mm — if yours matches to within a few millimetres, it is the same part. A smaller grate will shift in its seat, a larger one will not go in.
When to replace the grate
A grate wears out faster than the rest of the firebox and is a replaceable part — that is normal service life, not a fault. It qualifies for replacement when a bar cracks across, when the bars are visibly burnt and thinned, when warping stops it sitting flat in its seat, or when the fire burns unevenly despite an evenly stacked load.
What shortens its life most is accumulated ash: a layer of ash under the grate cuts it off from the cooling air and raises the temperature of the bars. Emptying the ash pan regularly extends grate life more than anything else. The second killer is thermal shock — dousing embers with water, or leaving the door wide open in freezing weather.
The replacement itself is simple: once the firebox has cooled and the ash has been cleared, the old grate lifts out and the new one goes in — with no need to dismantle the insert.
How do I check whether the grate fits my firebox?
Measure the old grate once the firebox has cooled — this one is 397 × 342 mm. A match to within a few millimetres means the same part. Check the appliance model name as well; the grate is assigned to models W15 / W16, the 16.3 kW version.
How can I make the grate last longer?
The most important thing is emptying the ash pan regularly. Ash left under the grate cuts it off from the cooling air, and overheated cast iron wears out much faster. Beyond that: do not douse embers with water, do not force a poker through a hot grate, and do not overload the firebox beyond the recommended charge — excess wood means a higher temperature than the manufacturer allowed for.
KAWMET grates are cast in Poland, at the works in Zadąbrowie. Your nearest representative will confirm availability and purchase terms.
