How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space

A chiminea can be a fantastic choice for an outdoor living space since it is more durable than a fire pit and provides a focused controlled flame. Choose models made from metal to resist rust and high temperatures.

Be sure that the model you choose comes with a log grate as well as a poker to ensure safe handling. Ideally, the grate should be removable so you can tend to the fire without having to worry about burning your fingers.

1. Terrain Chiminea, Angled Obelisk

This obelisk chiminea with an angled design from Terrain is currently $33 off for a short period of time and adds the perfect touch to any backyard. It's made from weather steel, a heat-resistant metal that develops an attractive rusty patina over time. It's light enough to be easily carried around, and includes grilling grates so you can cook your favorite burgers and enjoy the crackling flames while you cook.

While not as versatile as our top choice, this chiminea is a good choice if you're in search of a way to bring warmth and ambiance to your backyard. The angled design isn't only striking visually and attractive, but it also draws fresh air to keep the fire burning. It also has a convenient latch that opens the mouth to allow easy access to place logs in it and closes it when you're finished.

Like any other outdoor wood-burning fire pit, it's important to clean the ashes from time to time and dust your chiminea for security and long-term durability. You'll also want to apply a coat of paint to metal chimineas with high-heat paint specifically designed for grills or fireplaces and will help to ward off rust and extend the lifespan of your investment.

In addition to cleaning out dust and ash, you'll also want to make sure that the chimney is clear of obstructions. A chiminea made from metal needs a rain cap. This will protect it from heavy rain, which could cause water to splash onto the chimney and possibly start a fire. It's important to store your metal chiminea in a location that is dry during winter.

Cast iron chimineas are typically more expensive than other types, but they're sturdy and durable. They are also easy to maintain. They're less prone to be rusty than steel, and tend to develop a gorgeous natural patina as time passes. They can be quite heavy, however, so you'll need to have a strong back or get help moving it into place on your patio or deck.

You can also choose a chiminea that burns gas if you don't want to carry large piles or wood around. Many of these models have a built-in propane gas tank or can be connected to your natural gas line. Some models, like our top pick by the Blue Rooster Company include a grill grates, fire poker and other cooking tools.

2. Cuisinart Chiminea with Lava Rocks

This chiminea is a chic alternative to the drab fireplaces that burn wood and the awkwardly-shaped propane tower heaters. It adds ambiance and warmth to your outdoor patio or dining area. A directional heat shield pushes up to 40000 BTUs of warm air to the outside, warming your guests during alfresco lunches or evening cocktails at sunset and dinners with stars. The stainless steel base and sleek painted steel frame are sturdy. A tip-over safety switch comes with it to provide additional security. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included, which absorb and disperse heat for warmth and ambiance. Utilize the adjustable heat control system to alter the intensity of your flames. The heater can reach 200 square foot.

4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea

Chimineas can be a great option to provide warmth and ambiance your outdoor space. These wood-burning vessels are able to emit more heat than conventional fire pits, and their vertical chimneys assist in directing smoke away from seating areas. There are various sizes and styles available as well as updated versions of the traditional clay models, while others are vintage-inspired options in cast iron or steel which develop a beautiful patina over time. Contrary to traditional fire pits for wood burning Chimineas are usually suitable for use on wooden decks so they are properly placed and protected from sparks.

While there's not a lot of modern-looking chimineas on market, this one from Kelly Clarkson Home impresses with its sleek lines and tone-on-tone gray finish. It has a large opening that allows for easy loading of logs. It also has a mesh cover and log screen. The grill grate can be used to cook food on the flame.

The curved legs of this chiminea might not be the best choice for uneven surfaces but they can support its weight. It is one of our tallest and most massive chimineas and only weighs around 30 pounds. This means it will require less than one person to remove it from your patio. It's among the lightest Chimineas we've reviewed. This makes it an ideal choice for smaller areas, like cement balconies or postal stamp-sized urban patios.

This angled obelisk is a chic and affordable option that's being sold by Terrain. It's slightly shorter and wider than the other obelisk chimineas that we have image source on our list, and it's constructed of weatherproof steel with dark oxidized finish that will gradually develop an aged patina over time. The large opening allows you to easily build a big fire and the chiminea includes a mesh cover and a log screen, a poker and a grate to cook on.

Although chimineas may not be as popular as fireplaces with built-in outdoor units, they're an excellent choice to enhance your patio and making your backyard feel more cozy and inviting. With their distinctive design and practical features, these multi-purpose fire pits will become your new favorite method to enjoy the outdoors.