This unique shaped outdoor fireplace offers heat from its rounded base, whereas the narrow chimney funnels smoke away from people sitting around it. Chiminea comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes and materials. Some of them even allow you to cook things like marshmallows, and hotdogs as well. To choose the best as per your requirements, you have to consider these key factors… Material – Chimineas are made with different materials like clay, cast iron, steel, or cast aluminum. Let’s know about them in detail. Choose them as per your requirement.
Terracotta / Clay Models – A traditional material that provides a rustic look & style. Need a lot of maintenance, period seasoning, and more prone to breaking/cracking. Mostly wood is used as fuel. Cast-Iron Models – A robust, and long-lasting model that let burn charcoal or wood for a longer time. It is less prone to fragile, yet heavy, and more prone to rust when exposed outdoors. Stainless-Steel Models – Affordable, portable, and lighter option that suits perfectly for outdoor heating. Won’t heat up and not last longer than cast iron or clay. Cast-Aluminum – It won’t rust which makes the deck stay stain-free. Lighter, portable, and easy to maneuver. Uses both gas and wood as their fuel. With its versatility, it comes in a wide variety of sizes and designs.
Fuel Type – Most chimineas are wood-burning, while some modern versions run on natural gas (connect home’s natural gas line) and liquid propane (bought in tanks at any hardware store). Make sure to check the user manual/manufacture recommendations on the model while choosing the fuel to use on your chiminea models. Size of Burn Area – The opening or mouth of the chiminea has to be wide enough to fit preferred fuel (wood/charcoal/propane/gas) inside the chiminea without much difficulty. It can easily handle a large fire. Apart from these factors, there are various factors to consider, which we mentioned in the detailed “Buying Guide”. Also, we have provided a list of some best-selling chiminea models in the market. Read on to know how to select the best chiminea, as per your requirement.
7 Best Chimineas Of 2023
7 Best Chimineas Of 2023 Reviews
1. Bali Outdoors Chimenea
Bali Outdoors is one of the most popular brands of patio accessories, like a chiminea that has a high user rating because of the various things it offers to its users. The Bali Outdoors chiminea is present in the 1st position in this article because of its size and design that makes it a highly practical option for a lot of users out there. You get a dimensions rating of 22-inch x 22-inch x 20 inch with this chiminea, making it one of the most compact options out there that can be easily placed in any patio quite easily. Another great thing about this chiminea is that unlike other options in its class, you get a cast iron construction with it. When you combine it with its 1-year long warranty, you can expect it to easily last for a long time. Since you get an included ashtray with it, removing ash is quite easy. Best Features:
Dimensions of 22 inch x 22 inch x 20 inch Made out of cast iron Comes with a 1-year long warranty
Pros:
Small and compact form factor Great build quality Includes an ashtray
Cons:
Not the tallest model
2. B H & G C0. Chiminea
B H & G CO. or Better Homes and Gardens Company makes a wide range of decoration pieces, including various kinds of chimineas that make for a great option for your backyard patio. B H & G CO’s chiminea is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is one of the largest options in this article. You get a dimension rating of 22.8-inch x 22.8-inch x 45.7 inch with this chiminea. Not only that, but it even offers a 360-degree grill on the sides that offers a great view of the fire inside it that can be made by burning any wood of your choice. Since this chiminea is made out of cast iron, it is highly durable, especially when combined with its nylon cover that protects the iron from rain or any other possible moisture. Another great thing about it is that it gets a bronze finish that makes it look quite antique and unique compared with other options out there. You also get a 1-year long warranty with it for peace of mind. Best Features:
Dimensions of 22.8 inch x 22.8 inch x 45.7 inch Made out of cast iron Comes with a 1-year long warranty
Pros:
Bronze finish for an antique look Offers a pretty large size Comes with a nylon cover
Cons:
A bit on the expensive side
3. Better Homes & Gardens Chiminea
As mentioned earlier, Better Homes and Gardens makes a lot of chimineas due to which we are here with another offering that is quite similar to the previous one in various ways. This Better Homes and Gardens chiminea is present in the 3rd position in this article as it offers a great antique look. It is completely made out of cast iron for high strength and proper heat retention. When combined with its bronze finish, this cast iron construction also offers a great antique look to the user that makes it a great pick for users who want a chiminea for decorative purposes. Just like the previous B H & G CO chiminea, this one also comes with a 1-year long warranty. And since you get a nylon cover along with a cast iron construction, you can expect it to last for a long time. Talking about its dimensions, you get the same 22.8-inch x 22.8-inch x 45.7-inch dimensions in it. Best Features:
Dimensions of 22.8 inch x 22.8 inch x 45.7 inch Made out of cast iron Comes with a 1-year long warranty
Pros:
Quite a durable chiminea Large design with bronze finish Offers a nylon cover
Cons:
Not ideal for cooking
4. Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea
Deckmate Outdoor Chimenea we have here is a perfect decor that would elevate your class and living standards. Your backyard or your patio are the ideal choices for placing this sturdy yet antique-looking decor. It is made of the best quality cast iron which is naturally tough and can retain heat efficiently. It is combined with a high-temperature paint finish by which you are getting a decor that is not only captivating to look at but delightful to stay close to. Furthermore, you can look at the fire inside the chimenea with a 360-degree view through a nicely done wire mesh spark screen. The chimenea comes with a large sliding door to add fuel to it. There is an ash catcher to the bottom that can be detached for easy cleaning. Along with the chimenea, you will be receiving a log grate and fire tool in the package. Best Features:
Decent 21 x 21 x 51.6 inch dimensions Made of cast iron Full 360-degree view
Pros:
Captivating antique look High-temperature paint finish Easy to maintain
Cons:
Warranty details are not mentioned
5. BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Chimenea
BALI OUTDOORS is a reliable brand in the section of outdoor grills and chimenea. Their wood burning chimenea has the most stylish looks which enhances your outdoor area. Unlike many other products, this chimenea comes with robust cast iron construction which is actually pretty new take over the traditional ones. It comes with four sturdy legs which elevates the fireplace and also assures stability. It has a smart design which enables the smoke to divert in the upward direction and not from the sides. It has a round wire mesh screening which enables visibility in all directions. This chimenea is easy to assemble and disassemble whenever you want. Best Features
Heavy-duty cast iron Sturdy and easy to hold Mesh wire screening Elevated fireplace
Pros
Easy to assemble Smokes in up despite wind direction Stylish design Blends into any interior
Cons
No warranty details mentioned
6. Sunnydaze Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit Chiminea
Sunnydaze has been providing its amazing indoor and outdoor products for the past 8 years. Their chiminea is a combination of modern and cultural char. It is amazing design blends easily into any house décor easily. It is made up of heavy-duty cold-rolled black steel which can withstand most of the weather conditions. It has a thick steel wood grate which keeps the logs elevated and also assures proper airflow. Its rain cap and flue grill are easy to clean and maintain. The smoke will be directed up through the tall top so you can enjoy the warmth freely without any issues. It has 19 inches diameter partially enclosed design which makes the chiminea safe and suitable for smaller outdoor spaces. with its handy fire poker to remove the leftover on the chiminea. It is backed by a 1-year warranty for worry-free usage. Best Features
Suitable for backyard, patio, and deck Elevated firewood space Smoke directed up Beautiful 360-degree fire view Durable and robust construction
Pros
Stylish and classic design Heavy-duty chiminea Corrosion resistant Easy to assemble Can easily withstand harsh weather conditions
Cons
A bit larger compared to other models. Build quality could have been better.
7. Esschert Design Chiminea
Esschert is another small brand that specializes in developing reliable chimineas that are perfect for outdoor use. This is one of the smallest chimineas on our list with dimensions of 15.75 x 14.96 x 27.95 inches. The compact size makes this chimney a great addition to your small terrace, patio, or deck. Furthermore, the chiminea is lightweight with only 46.2 lbs for maximum portability. The chiminea features a durable cast iron construction that is built to last. It has a small-sized mouth opening using which you can add wood logs up to the size of 14 inches. There are ventilation holes present on the 8.5-inch pipe to promote the burning. It comes with a removable rain lid for covering the mouth opening. Best Features
Dimensions of 15.75 x 14.96 x 27.95 inches Made of durable cast iron No assembly required
Pros
Lightweight and compact Maximum portability Comes with a removable rain lid
Cons
Prone to rusting No warranty information
Buying Guide for the Best Chiminea:
Not knowing how to choose your best chiminea from the above list of products, then take a look at this chimineas’ buying guide. You can find all the essential information that helps you to pick the perfect one, as per your requirement. Let’s check out what are the factors to consider while buying the chiminea.
1. Material:
Chimineas are made with different materials like clay or traditional terracotta, cast iron, cast aluminum, steel or copper. Since, each material offer different benefits, which makes you consider the material of chiminea and pick the right one as per your need and home décor. For example, steel is inexpensive, strong, and durable option, but more prone to damage from the outside elements. Terracotta offers a rustic vibe, yet easy to break. While cast iron is a heavy option and retains heat for a longer time, but can rust easily if exposed outside. You came to know more about these materials in detail in the below Types of Chimineas.
2. Fuel Type:
Usually, chimineas are wood-burning that requires a constant supply of wood sticks/wood pellets/logs or charcoal to keep the chiminea lit continuously. These days, some modern chimineas run on natural gas (connect to home’s natural gas line) or liquid propane (available in tanks at any hardware store). But be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and choose the right fuel to fill on their model for its proper functioning.
3. Size of Burn Area:
Most people prefer to use a chiminea that can handle a larger fire. For this, the chiminea should have a wide mouth or opening to fit the preferred fuel without much difficulty. So, check out this option while shopping for a chiminea.
4. Chiminea Size:
Based on your home décor and space availability, you have to check the size of a chiminea before making its purchase. Choosing a large chiminea will look impressive, yet may overwhelm a small patio or little decking area in both heat output and size. If you don’t want your family or guests to swelter in a small garden, then sizing down the chiminea (small size) is the best option. In case, if you have a lot of outdoor space to play and entertain with your friends or guests, then consider buying a modern oversized chiminea to keep everyone warm in chilly evenings and makes a striking centerpiece.
5. Shape:
We generally notice traditional clay chimineas with a round base and a narrow vertical chimney on top. But these days, chimineas come with more modern angular designs, in which the metal varieties are more contemporary and modern styles. Most models appear in black. But repaint the chiminea regularly to clear patina or aged rust and thereby to prevent end-up with the neutral color. Besides deciding on the shape of an aesthetic standpoint, you have to consider the size of the base, why because awkward or small shaped based won’t fit full-size logs and thereby makes it hard to fuel the fire.
6. Function:
Heating is a quite common function for all chimineas, but not all models offer you to cook food on them. So, it is up to your choice to decide what type of function/feature you need in your chiminea, either only for the heating purpose or cooking (or) for both functions while shopping for them. For instance, metal versions are perfect for cooking (and heating as well).
7. Build Quality:
Be it either a metal or traditional clay or commercial chimineas, its build quality is a must to consider while shopping for a chiminea. Here we explained how to check the build quality based on the type of material.
Clay Chimineas – Ensure that the clay has no thin spots and won’t be deformed/warped. Tightly secure the chimney’s upper part to the chiminea’s lower oven portion and won’t have patchy seams or weak points. Metal Chimineas – Examine the chiminea thoroughly to ensure that they won’t be dented or dinged. Also, inspect the upper pipe is attached securely with weld or included bolts. Make sure that legs are flat even to the ground properly without any bend. Commercial Chimineas – The commercial chiminea manufacturer evade the normal shaping process with the help of a mold, yet this produce unsightly flashing, which you have to stand off the sides.
This aspect is critical to consider to know the way your chiminea work. A warped chiminea won’t draw air and not burn the fuel effectively like a perfectly shaped chiminea.
8. Fire and Safety Features:
Having kids or pets those who try to come around and touch the boundaries of the chiminea. Then check out these fire safety built-in features to protect them.
Most metal chiminea versions come with screened doors or hatches to keep out tiny hands or paws. While some have fine mesh to avoid coals from coming out of the crackling fire. Spark prevention is a must to use when you are living in a windy area. The fine-meshed screens appear handy. Yet use spark inhibitor caps or specialized caps to sit on the top of the chiminea’s pipe end. The traditional clay chiminea comes with some fire safety features, as they are thicker and less likely to get excessively hot but not like metal versions. Thus, it makes a better option for people having kids provided some sort of safety door. They also won’t have sharp edges. In most cases, dogs or cats try to go underneath the chiminea, if raised up on a base and ensure to check that there is no harmful resides there before operating. Also, toddlers try to crawl underneath, so be sure it is secure and steady and is not easy to knockdown.
9. Accessories and Extras:
Chiminea has three main accessories – a lid (to place over the vent in case of rain), a strange pronged multi-purpose tool, and a grate (to put the fuel on). Looking for models to cook food, then check out the one with at least one grill rack. A few specialized smoker top attachments let you use the chiminea as a smoke source for cold smoking. Some models offer a cover for the entire unit, in case if you won’t select that model, then prefer to purchase your own cover. Some have attachments like mesh covers for opening to deter ashes/ sparks from escaping, spark inhibitors for chimney pipes. Other things you need is to store your charcoal, wood, or whatever fuel you are using. Fireproof gloves are essential to check, as they protect you from burning yourself on any hot surfaces. Moisture will weaken the clay and make it become easily get damaged and risky for the chiminea. So, check out the stands that are specially designed to prevent chiminea off the ground surface, and thereby no moisture seeps into it.
10. Dimensions:
The size/dimensions are essential to consider before making its purchase, to know whether its size will fit perfectly for your patio without making it look odd/awkward. Different chimineas out there offer different dimension ratings like 22 X 22 X 20 inches (OR) 22 X 18 X 48 inches, depending on the model you prefer to purchase. Also, check out the space to place extra wood in larger models to burn for a longer time rather than placing it again and again.
11. Price:
The price range of chiminea will start from $50 and can go up to $2000. The chimineas made with clay and cast iron are much costlier compared to stainless steel and cast aluminum models. Check out the brand, build quality, and construction material before making its purchase. Buy the chiminea that comes within your budget range.
12. Warranty:
Warranty offered on a product will ensure its reliability, and durability. While most options out there come with a 1-year warranty, a few more reliable ones might even offer a lifetime warranty for peace of mind. You can expect such options to last for a long time without any issues.
Types of Chimineas:
As we already mentioned, chimineas are made with a variety of materials. Clay, steel, cast iron and cast aluminum are the most popular materials. Let’s check out the type of chimineas depending on the type of material used in their making.
1. Clay Chimineas –
The first and foremost material used to make chimineas, which becomes popular due to its amazing design and style. Still used type of chiminea in these days but not as popular as cast iron or steel. These clay chimineas need a lot of maintenance, as they have to be protected from harsh winter weather and we can’t use them if they are damp. They are more prone to break/crack and to prevent this, you have to apply heat resistant sealant for at least once a month. Also, season them before use and periodically throughout its lifetime to prevent shattering. Wood is the most preferred fuel for clay chimineas, why because the charcoal makes the material burn too hot and thereby leads to shatters. The caring instructions for clay chimineas vary as per the model. So, consider individual care instructions mentioned in their user manual if you want to use a clay chiminea. Though they are high maintenance items, yet offers some truly authentic appearance, which makes it worth for your effort and time.
2. Cast-Iron Chimineas –
If you are looking for a robust, durable and long-lasting chiminea, then pick the one made with cast iron. It won’t need maintenance as heavy as clay. It can allow you to burn wood, coal or charcoal. They can be heated to a higher temperature without any risk of cracking, which means they burn hotter for a longer time and thereby a perfect option to warm your cold nights. Being a metal, this cast iron is a good conductor of heat that means its outer surface is hot for a longer time. So, keep your children and pets (or other people) away from the chiminea and won’t let them touch those hot surfaces. It is easy to mold cast iron and one can easily find these iron chimineas in different shapes, yet that traditional pot-belly shape is a quite popular one. Though it is coated with a high temperature rust-resistant paint, but when the paint wears over time, the rust sets in. They is no need to store it during winter and can be used even when wet, but it is still worth to purchase a cover for it and require to reseal periodically (not as often as clay). The main cons are that they are heavy, in which you are unable to move them around too often.
3. Stainless Steel Chimineas –
It is a lightweight and affordable option are perfect for those who are new to outdoor heating (or) one living in rented (or) short-term accommodation while moving from one home to another. Usually, they coated with high temperature paint for rust resistance. They have various sizes, shapes, and styles, which can easily switch them out. Though the steel chimineas won’t get as hot as cast iron, they won’t generate high temperatures or heat as large an area. The cost of stainless steel chimineas are inexpensive and won’t last as long as cast iron or clay ones, and prone to damage from the elements.
4. Cast Aluminum –
These are a go-to option for modern users that comes with a sharp price tag and designed to last longer with small/slight upkeep. This aluminum won’t corrode or rust, making your deck remain stain-free, which is not found in clay, steel or cast-iron options. These are lighter, portable, and easy to maneuver compared to clay or cast-iron chimneys. They are available in both wood-burning and gas-burning options, and also can be taken inside if you have proper venting. With its versatility, the cast aluminum comes in a wide range of sizes and designs.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Chiminea:
Proper care and maintenance will extend the lifespan of the chiminea. Here are some basic tips that help you in keeping the chiminea in tip-top shape without much worry.
Make sure to burn the proper fuel/material in the chiminea. Most manufacturers suggest burning hardwoods, which provides a long-time burning but they won’t get excessively hot. Since the usage of lighter fluids or any other quick-starters may become explosive, so avoid using them to lighten your chiminea. Placing some lava rock or sand inside the base of the chiminea will offer two great benefits – insulates the chiminea’s base from the fire’s heat, and makes it much easier to remove charcoal and ashes bits. Remove those lava rocks or sand to empty the built-up ash deposits from the chiminea. Hose the rock/sand off to clear the ash and any charcoal bits (remaining). Then dry out completely by spreading them on a tarp before you put them back inside. Use a cover over the chiminea to protect and keep it dry in extreme weather (while placing outdoors) or empty it and move it inside for the winter if you don’t want to use it during the cold months. The metal chiminea is used year-round, whereas clay chiminea has to place indoors in cold weather. Regular re-sealing of clay chiminea will keep them stay safe from the elements. An acrylic deck sealer will work fine for this purpose. Also, slightly sand the exterior chiminea’s surface and apply an even coat to ensure a smooth surface. Leave it dry thoroughly, as per the sealer manufacturer’s directions. Not having a cover (or) unexpected rain moved in, then quickly make a cover from the tarp and a 5-gallon bucket. Simply, put the tarp over the chiminea, and set the bucket over the chimney top as an extra moisture barrier. Tie-down the edges of the cover/tarp to keep it secure. To deter the build-up of winter moisture inside the chiminea (either made of clay or metal), clean out any ash or sand inside of it. Then fill the base with dry cat sand, as they absorb moisture getting inside. Put a cover over the chiminea to avoid any further moisture. Regular check-ups of the soldered joints in metal chimineas will ensure they are not weakened. In case, if find any signs of corrosion or stains, then sand it off and paint the chiminea with a coating of rust-proof paint to avoid damage.
Safety Tips:
Do you know the chiminea has to place on a flat, non-flammable surface for its proper working? There are various safety tips to follow for safe and effective usage of the chiminea. Take a look at some of those safety tips.
Floor protection is a must for a wood deck patio, even though the chiminea’s bowl (fire bowls) won’t touch the wood deck. Also, keep a bucket of sand (nearby) as a safety to prevent any errant embers or flames, especially when chimineas legs or bowls become hot and sparks may fly out to the wood surface. Place chimineas away from flammable materials or easy to burn things like plants, washing lines, some garden furniture, clothing, roof overhangs, dog toys, etc. Also, prevent your kids, and pets from playing around this chiminea and touching it. In general, the bowl or belly of a stove should resist the heat that fire puts out without cracking. Chimineas are not meant/constructed to handle large fires. So, avoid building large fires inside your chiminea.
Almost all parts of the chiminea become hot, while some material types are more than other types of material. So, we recommend you not to touch anything and always wear fireproof gloves and use a poker while dealing with its BBQ grill.
Conclusion:
Whether you are designing a patio or deck from scratch or just want a great looking addition to a great looking one, a chiminea can be a great option for a lot of users. Apart from looking great, these can even heat up your surroundings during winters and allow you to cook and grill a few basic things on them. Hence, we have presented you with some of the best chimineas in this article. You can also find their major features and options along with a detailed buying guide to pick up the best one. However, if you still cannot decide on one, you can simply pick one for you from our recommendations:
The Bali Outdoors chiminea is the most practical option mentioned in this article because of its size and design. You get a large 360-degree design with a grill that offers a great view of the flame inside. Its dimensions of 22-inch x 22-inch x 20 inch make it one of the most compact options out there. You can go with the Better Homes & Gardens chiminea if you want a slightly larger model because of its dimensions of 22.8-inch x 22.8-inch x 45.7 inch. Just like the Bali one, this also offers a grill on all sides and accessories for possible cooking basic things using this chiminea if you wish to. Although, if you do not have any budget restrictions, the Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea is one of the best options mentioned in this article. Apart from functioning as a fireplace, you also get a grill and oven on top that can be handy for cooking things like pizzas quite easily with its 21-inch x 21-inch x 51.6-inch dimensions.
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