How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space
A chiminea is a great option for outdoor living space because it is more durable than a fire pit and has a concentrated, controlled flame. Select models made of metal to resist the effects of rust and high temperatures.
Also, ensure that your stove comes with log grates and a poker to ensure safe handling. The grate should be able to be removed so that you can take care of the fire without worrying about burning your fingers.
1. Terrain Chiminea, Angled Obelisk
This angled obelisk chiminea from Terrain is currently $33 off for a short period of time and provides the perfect accent to any backyard. It's made of weather steel, a metal that is resistant to heat that develops an elegant rusty patina with time. It's light enough to be easily carried around, and includes a grilling grate so you can cook your favorite burgers and take pleasure in the roaring flames while you cook.
Although it's not as versatile as our top pick, this chiminea is an excellent alternative if you're looking for ways to add warmth and ambiance to your backyard. The angled design isn't just visually appealing however, it also draws fresh air to keep the fire burning. It also has a convenient latch which opens the mouth for easy access to put logs in it and closes it after you're done.
Like any outdoor wood-burning fire pit, it's crucial to regularly clean out ashes and dust your chiminea for security and longevity. You can also paint the paint of metal chimineas using high-heat paints designed for grills and fireplaces. This will help to prevent rusting and extend the life of your investment.
You should make sure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, in addition to cleaning it. A metal chiminea needs a rain cap. This will shield it from rain that is heavy that could cause water to splash in the chimney and cause a fire. It's also important to store your Chiminea in a dry place in winter.
Cast iron chimineas are more expensive, however they are also durable and sturdy. They're also easy to maintain. They're less prone to rust than steel, and they tend to develop a gorgeous natural patina as time passes. However, they can be heavy and you'll need an incredibly strong back, or help moving them onto your patio or deck.
Alternately, you can opt for a gas-burning chiminea, if you don't want to carry large wood piles. Many of see here these models have a tank built-in for propane gas, or can be connected to your natural gas line. Some, such as our top choice from the Blue Rooster Company, even include a grill grate as well as a fire poker so you can cook on your chiminea.
2. Cuisinart Chiminea Lava Rocks
Contrary to the dull look of wood-burning fire pits and awkwardly shaped propane tower heaters, this chiminea provides both stylish fiery ambiance and warm and cozy ambience for your outdoor dining space or lounge on your patio. A directional heat shield pushes up to 40,000 BTUs outwards, warming your guests for alfresco meals or sunset cocktails. The elegant painted steel frame and stainless steel base are sturdy and come with a tip-over safety switch for extra security. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included. These absorb and disperse heat for warmth and ambiance. You can alter the flames with the heat control system. It can heat up to 200 square foot.
4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea
If you're looking to add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor area, Chimineas are a great alternative. These wood-burning vessels are able to project more heat than conventional fire pits and their chimneys that are vertical help to direct smoke away from seating areas. There are a variety of styles and sizes available, some modern versions of classic clay models, while others are vintage-inspired alternatives in steel or cast iron that develop a gorgeous patina as time passes. Unlike regular wood-burning fire pits, chimineas are typically suitable for use on wooden decks as they are properly placed and shielded from sparks.
Although there aren't many of modern-looking chimineas on market, this one from Kelly Clarkson Home is a standout with its sleek lines and tone-on-tone gray finish. It has a wide opening that allows for easy loading of logs. It also has an open-air cover and log screen. The grill grates can be used to cook food over the flame.
The bent legs of this chiminea may not be the best choice for uneven surfaces, but they can withstand the weight of the chiminea. It's among the highest and widest chimineas in our lineup, and it weighs just 30 pounds, meaning it won't require many people to move it around your patio. It's also one of the smallest chimineas on our list, making it a great option for small spaces such as cement balconies or postage stamp-sized urban patios.
This obelisk chiminea with an angled design is another stylish yet affordable option from Terrain that is currently available for sale. It's slightly smaller and wider than the other obelisk chiminea on our list, and it's constructed of weatherproof steel with an oxidized dark finish that will slowly develop an aged patina over time. The large opening permits an enormous fire to be built. It also comes with a mesh screen, a log-screen, a poker, and an oven grates.
Although chimineas aren't as well-known as fireplaces with built-in outdoor units, they're an excellent option for enhancing your patio and making your backyard more inviting and cozy. With their distinctive design and practical features, these multi-purpose fire pits will become your new favorite way to relax in the great outdoors.