How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space
A chiminea is a wonderful addition to any outdoor living space because it is more durable than a fireplace, and creates a controlled, focused flame. Look for models made of steel to resist corrosion and stand up to high temperatures.
Be sure that the model you choose comes with a log grate as well as a poker to ensure safe handling. The grate should ideally be removable, allowing you to work on the fire without burning your fingers.
1. Terrain Chiminea Angled Obesisk
Terrain's angled obelisk-shaped chiminea is currently on sale for $33 for a limited time. It makes the perfect accent piece for any backyard. It's made of weather-steel, which is a heat-resistant metal that develops a beautiful patina that rusts as time passes. It's light enough to be easily carried around, and includes grilling grate so that you can cook your favorite burgers and enjoy the crackling flames at the same time.
While not as versatile as our top pick, this chiminea is a good alternative if you're looking for an option to add warmth and ambiance your backyard. The angled shape is not only visually striking however, it also draws fresh air to keep the fire burning. It also has an easy latch which opens the mouth for easy access to put logs inside and closes it when you're finished.
To ensure safety and longevity, you should regularly clean and dust your chiminea. You can also touch up the paint of chimineas made of metal using high-heat paint made for fireplaces and grills. This will help to stop rust and extend the lifespan of your investment.
It is important to make sure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, as well as cleaning it. A metal chiminea needs a rain cap. It will shield it from rain that is heavy that could cause water to splash onto the chimney and possibly start an fire. It's also important to keep your chiminea in a dry location during the winter.
Cast iron chimineas tend to be more expensive, however they are also durable and sturdy. They're also easy to maintain. They're less susceptible to corrosion than steel, and they tend to develop a gorgeous natural patina over time. However they can be quite heavy so you'll require an incredibly strong back, or help in moving them onto your deck or patio.
Alternately, you can opt for a gas-burning chiminea, if you're not keen on lugging large wood piles. Many of these models have a tank built-in for propane gas, or can be connected to your natural gas line. Some, such as our top pick from the Blue Rooster Company, even include a grill grate and fire poker so you can cook your food with your Chiminea.
2. Cuisinart Chiminea Lava Rocks
Contrary to the dull look of wood-burning fire pits or awkwardly shaped propane tower heaters, this chiminea delivers both stylish fiery ambiance and warm and cozy ambience for your outdoor dining area or patio lounge. A directional heat shield can push up to 40,000 BTUs outwards, bringing warmth to your guests at alfresco dining or evening cocktails. The sleek painted steel frame and stainless steel base are sturdy, with a tip-over safety switch for extra protection. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included. These trap and disperse heat for warmth and atmosphere. You can alter the flames using the control system for heat. It can heat up to 200 square feet.
4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea
If you're looking for a way to bring ambiance and warmth to your outdoor area, Chimineas are a great option. These wood-burning vessels can produce more heat than a traditional fire pit and their vertical chimneys direct smoke away from seating. There are many sizes and styles to pick from, including modernized versions of clay models and others being vintage-inspired options constructed from cast iron or steel that acquires a beautiful patina with time. Unlike regular wood-burning fire pits, chimineas are typically safe for use on wooden decks as long as they're placed correctly and shielded from sparks.
There aren't many chimineas that look contemporary, but this model by Kelly Clarkson Home is unique with its sleek lines and gray tone on tone finish. It features a large opening that allows for easy loading of logs. It also has a mesh cover and a log screen. The grill is grate that can be used to cook food on the fire.
Though the curved legs on this chiminea may not be ideal for uneven surfaces, they're capable of supporting its substantial weight. It's among the tallest and widest chimineas in our collection, and weighs just 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, which makes it a great option for small spaces such as cement balconies and postage-stamp-size urban patios.
This obelisk chiminea that is angled is another stylish yet affordable alternative from Terrain that's currently on sale. It's a little larger and shorter than the other obelisk-shaped chiminea on our list, and is made of weather-resistant steel and a dark oxidized finish that will slowly develop a rustic patina with time. The wide opening makes it easy to build an enormous fire. The Chiminea comes with a cover made of mesh, a log screen, a poker, this post and a grate for cooking.
Although chimineas aren't as well-known as fireplaces with built-in outdoor units, they're an excellent choice for adding a touch of elegance to your patio and making your backyard more welcoming and warm. With their unique design and practical features, these versatile fire pits are bound to be your new favorite way to relax in the great outdoors.