How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space

A chiminea is an excellent option for outdoor living space since it is more durable than a fire pit and has a concentrated controlled flame. Make sure to choose models made of metal to resist corrosion and stand up to high temperatures.

Also, ensure that the model you choose has log grates and an ax to ensure that you are safe when handling. Ideally, the grate must be removable so you can tend to the fire without worrying about burning your fingers.

1. Terrain Chiminea, Angled Obelisk

This obelisk chiminea with an angled design from Terrain is currently discounted to $33 for a limited period and provides the perfect accent to any backyard. It's made from weather steel, a heat-resistant metal that develops a cool rusty patina over time. It's lightweight and portable, and includes grilling grates, so you can cook your favourite hamburgers while enjoying the crackling flames.

The chiminea, though not as versatile as the top pick is a great choice for adding warmth and ambience to your backyard. The angled design isn't only visually striking however, it also draws in fresh air to keep the fire burning. Additionally, it has a handy latch that opens the mouth to allow easy access to put logs inside and closes it after you're done.

Like any other outdoor wood-burning fire pit, it's crucial to clean up the ashes regularly and dust your chiminea to ensure safety and longevity. It is also recommended to apply a coat of paint to metal chimineas by using high-heat paint that's designed specifically for fireplaces or grills and will help to ward off rust and prolong the life of your investment.

In addition to cleaning dust and ash, you'll also want to make sure that the chimney is free of any obstructions. A chiminea made of metal should have rain caps to shield it from rain that is heavy that could cause water to splash onto the chimney, which could cause the fire. It is important to store your chiminea in an area that is dry during winter.

Cast iron chimineas are typically more expensive than other types of chimineas, but they're strong and durable. They're also easy to maintain. They are less likely to rust and will develop a beautiful patina with time. They can be very heavy, however, so you'll need a strong back or get assistance in moving it on your deck or patio.

You can also choose a chiminea which burns gas in case you don't want to carry large piles or wood around. Many of these models have a propane gas tank built-in or connect to your natural gas line. Some, such as our top model from the Blue Rooster Company, even come with a grill grate and fire poker so you can cook your food with your chiminea.

2. Cuisinart Chiminea Lava Rocks

This chiminea offers a stylish alternative to the drab wood-burning firepits and awkwardly-shaped propane tower heaters. It'll add warmth and ambience to your outdoor patio or dining area. A directional heat shield pushes up to 40,000 BTUs of warm air to the outside and warms your guests for outdoor lunches, evening cocktails at sunset and dinners with stars. The stainless steel base and the sleek painted steel frame are sturdy. A tip-over safety switch is included for additional protection. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included. These absorb and disperse heat for warmth and ambiance. Use the heat control system that can be adjusted to control the flame. Heats up to 200 square foot.

4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea

Chiminesas are an excellent method to add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space. These wood-burning vessels can produce more heat than standard fire pits and their vertical chimneys help to direct smoke away from seating areas. There are many sizes and styles to choose from as well as updated versions of the traditional clay models, while others are vintage-inspired models in steel or cast iron that develop a gorgeous patina over time. Contrary to traditional fire pits for wood burning Chimineas are generally 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 on market, this model from Kelly Clarkson Home is a standout with click hyperlink its sleek lines and tone-on-tone gray finish. It has a large opening that makes it easy to load logs. It also has a mesh cover and a log screen. The grill grates can be used to cook food over the flame.

The curved legs of this chiminea might not be suitable for uneven surfaces but they can withstand the weight of the chiminea. It's among our tallest and largest chimineas and only weighs around 30 pounds. This means that it won't require more than one person to take it from your patio. It's also one of the smallest chimineas that we have on our list, making it an excellent choice for small spaces such as cement balconies or postage stamp-sized urban patios.

This obelisk chiminea that is angled is another stylish yet affordable option from Terrain which is currently on sale. It's a bit larger and shorter than the other obelisk-shaped chiminea that we have on our list, and is made from weather-resistant steel with a dark oxidized finish that will gradually develop a rustic patina over time. The large opening allows for easy construction of an enormous fire. The chiminea comes with a mesh cover and a log screen, a poker and a grate for cooking.

Though chimineas aren't as popular as built-in outdoor fireplaces, they're an excellent choice for adding a touch of elegance to your patio and making your backyard more cozy and inviting. With their distinctive design and practical features, these versatile fire pits are sure to be your new favorite way to enjoy the outdoors.