How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space
A chiminea makes a great addition to an outdoor living space because it is more robust than a fireplace and produces a controlled, focused flame. Look for models made of metal to resist corrosion and stand up to high temperatures.
Also, ensure that the model you choose has a log grate and an ax to ensure safe handling. The grate should ideally be removable, allowing you to manage the fire without burning your fingers.
1. Terrain Chiminea, Angled Obelisk
This obelisk-shaped chiminea angled from Terrain is currently on sale for $33 for a limited period and is the perfect addition to any backyard. It is made of weather-steel, a heat resistant metal that develops a gorgeous patina that rusts with time. It's lightweight enough to be portable and comes with grilling grate so that you can cook your favorite burgers while enjoying the roaring flames at the same time.
This chiminea, while not as versatile as the top choice but it is a great choice for adding warmth and ambience to your backyard. The angled design not only looks great, but will help keep the fire burning. Plus, it features a convenient latch that opens the mouth for easy access to put logs inside, and closes after you're done.
For your safety and longevity you should regularly clean and dust your chiminea. You can also paint the paint on metal chimineas using high-heat paint specially designed for fireplaces and grills. This will help to keep the chiminea from rusting and increase the life of your investment.
In addition to removing dust and ash, you'll also want to make sure that the chimney is clear of obstructions. A chiminea made from metal should be fitted with a rain cap to protect it from heavy rain which could cause water to splash onto the chimney and potentially start a fire. It's also important to store your chiminea in a dry location during the winter.
Cast iron chimineas tend to be more expensive, but they're extremely durable and robust. They're also simple to maintain. They're less susceptible to corrosion than steel, and they often develop a gorgeous natural patina as time passes. They can be very heavy, however, so you'll need a strong back or get assistance in moving it on your deck or patio.
Alternately, you can opt for a gas-burning chiminea, if you don't want to carry around huge piles of wood. Many of these models have an inbuilt tank for propane gas or be connected to your natural gas line. Certain models, such as our top pick from the Blue Rooster Company include a grill grate, fire poker, and other cooking accessories.
2. Cuisinart Chiminea with Lava Rocks
In contrast to boring wood-burning fireplace pits and awkwardly shaped propane tower heaters, this chiminea delivers both stylish fiery ambiance and warm comfort for your outdoor dining space or lounge on your patio. A directional heat shield can push up to 40000 BTUs outwards, bringing warmth to your guests for alfresco meals or evening cocktails. The elegant steel frame is painted and the stainless steel base are sturdy and come with a tip-over safety switch to provide additional protection. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included. These trap and disperse heat to provide warmth and ambience. Make use of the heat control system that can be adjusted to control the flame. The heater can reach 200 square feet.
4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea
If you're looking to add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor area, the chiminea is a great option. These wood-burning vessels can project more heat than conventional fire pits and their chimneys that are vertical aid in directing smoke away from seating areas. There are various sizes and styles to choose from as well as updated versions of traditional clay models while others are vintage-inspired options made of steel or cast iron that develop a gorgeous patina as time passes. Contrary to traditional fire pits for wood burning, chimineas are typically safe for use on wooden decks as long as they're properly placed and shielded from sparks.
While there aren't a lot of contemporary-looking chimineas on the market, this model by Kelly Clarkson Home is a standout with its sleek lines and tone-on-tone gray finish. It has a large opening that is easy to fill with logs. It also comes with an edging, a poker and a log screen for safety. A grill grate is also included for cooking food over the fire.
The bent legs of this chiminea might not be suitable for uneven surfaces, but they are strong enough to support the weight. It's one of our tallest and largest chimineas and only weighs just a bit more than 30 pounds. This means it won't require more than one person to remove it from your patio. It's one of the lighter Chimineas we've reviewed. This makes it a good choice for smaller spaces, like cement balconies or large urban patios that are the size of a postage stamp.
This obelisk chiminea with an angled design is a stylish and affordable option from Terrain that's currently on sale. It's a little shorter and wider than our other obelisk-shaped one, and made from weather-resistant steel. The dark oxidized finish will acquire a rustic patina over time. The wide opening allows you to easily build an enormous fire. The Suggested Site Chiminea comes with a cover made of mesh and a log screen, a poker and a grate to use for cooking.
Although chimineas aren't as popular as outdoor fireplaces built into the ground, they are a great way to enhance your patio and make your backyard more comfortable and inviting. With their unique design and practical features, these versatile fire pits are sure to become your new favorite way to enjoy the outdoors.