How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space
Chimineas are a great addition to any outdoor living area because it is more robust than a fireplace and creates a controlled, focused flame. Make sure to choose models made of metal to withstand the effects of rust and high temperatures.
Also, ensure that your model comes with a log grate and an ax for safe handling. The grate should be able to be removed in order to take care of the fire without fear of burning your fingers.
1. Terrain Chiminea Angled Obelisk
This obelisk chiminea with an angled design from Terrain is currently $33 off for a limited time and adds the perfect touch to any backyard. It's made of weather-steel, a heat resistant metal that develops a gorgeous patina that rusts over time. It's lightweight enough to be easily carried around, and comes with a grilling grate so you can cook your favorite burgers while enjoying the roaring flames at the same time.
This chiminea, although not as versatile as the top pick but it is a great choice to add warmth and ambiance to your backyard. The angled shape not only looks stunning, but it also helps to keep the fire burning. It also has a convenient latch that opens the mouth to allow easy access to put logs inside, and closes after you're done.
As with any outdoor wood-burning fireplace pit, it's important to clean up the ashes regularly and dust your chiminea to ensure safety and longevity. You can also touch up the paint on metal chimineas using high-heat paints made for fireplaces and grills. This will help to prevent rusting and extend the lifespan of your investment.
You'll want to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, as well as cleaning it out. A metal chiminea needs a rain cap. This will protect it from heavy rain, which could cause water to splash in the chimney and possibly start the fire. It is important to store your chiminea in an area that is dry during the winter.
Cast iron chimineas are typically more expensive than other types, however they're durable and sturdy. They are also easy to maintain. They are less likely to rust and develop an attractive patina over time. They aren't light however, so you'll need to have a strong back or get assistance in moving it on your deck or patio.
Alternatively, you can go for a gas-burning chiminea, if you're not keen on lugging around huge piles of wood. A lot of these models come with a tank built-in for propane gas, or can be connected to your natural gas line. Some models, like our top pick from the Blue Rooster Company include a grill grate, fire poker and other cooking tools.
2. Cuisinart Chiminea with Lava Rocks
Unlike dreary looking wood-burning fire pits and awkwardly-shaped propane tower heaters, this chiminea delivers fashionable, fiery ambiance as well as cozy warmth for your outdoor dining space or patio lounge. A directional heat-shield forces up to 40,000 BTUs outwards, bringing warmth to your guests during alfresco meals or cocktails at sunset. The elegant steel frame is painted and the stainless steel base are durable and come with a tip-over safety switch for extra protection. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included. They trap and disperse heat to provide warmth and atmosphere. You can alter the flames with the heat control system. Heats up to 200 square feet.
4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea
A chiminea can be a great way to bring warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space. These wood-burning vessels produce more heat than a traditional fire pit and their chimneys that are vertical draw smoke away from seating. There are a variety of sizes and styles to pick from, some of which are modernized versions of traditional clay models and others being vintage-inspired models made of cast iron or steel that develops a handsome patina over time. Contrary to traditional fire pits for wood burning Chimineas are usually safe to use on wooden decks as they are properly placed and protected from sparks.
While there's not a lot of modern-looking chimineas available on the full details the market, this model from Kelly Clarkson Home is a standout with its sleek lines and tone-on-tone gray finish. It features a large opening that is easy to fill with logs and includes an edging, a poker and a log screen for safety. The grill grate can be used to cook food on the fire.
Even though the curved legs on this chiminea aren't ideal for uneven surfaces, they're able to support its considerable weight. It's among the highest and widest chimineas we have in our collection, and weighs just over 30 pounds--meaning it doesn't require a lot of people to move it around your patio. It's also one of the tiniest chimineas we have on our list, making it a great choice for small spaces such as cement balconies or postage stamp-sized urban patios.
This obelisk with an angled design is a chic and budget-friendly option available being sold by Terrain. It's a little shorter and wider than the other obelisk-shaped chiminea on our list, and is made from weather-resistant steel with an oxidized dark finish that will gradually develop an aged patina over time. The large opening permits an enormous fire to be constructed. It also has an oblong screen, a log-screen, a poker, and an oven grill.
Although chimineas might not be as popular as outdoor fireplaces that are built into the ground but they are a great way to enhance your patio and make your backyard more inviting and cozy. These fire pits will be your most-loved outdoor activity because of their unique design.