How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space
A chiminea is an excellent option for outdoor living space because it is more durable than a fireplace and has a concentrated controlled flame. Look for models made of metal to resist corrosion and withstand high temperatures.
Also, make sure your stove comes with an grate for logs and an ax to ensure safe handling. Ideally, the grate must be removable so you can manage the fire without having to worry about burning your fingers.
1. Terrain Chiminea Angled Obelisk
Terrain's obelisk-shaped chiminea that is angled is currently $33 cheaper for a limited period of time. It makes the perfect accent for any backyard. It's made from weather-steel, which is a heat-resistant metal that develops a gorgeous rusty patina with time. It's light and portable, and includes grilling grates so that you can cook your favorite hamburgers while enjoying the burning flames.
The chiminea, though not as versatile as the top choice, is a great option to add warmth and character to your backyard. The angled design not only looks great, but will help keep the fire burning. It also comes with a convenient lock that allows you to effortlessly place logs into the fire and closes the mouth when finished.
As with any outdoor wood-burning fireplace pit, it's important to clean up the ashes regularly and dust your chiminea for security and longevity. You can also paint the paint of chimineas made of metal using high-heat paints designed for grills and fireplaces. This will help prevent rusting and extend the lifespan 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 from metal needs a rain cap. This will protect it from heavy rain, which could cause water to splash in the chimney and possibly start a fire. It is also essential to store your chimney in a dry area during the winter.
Cast iron chimineas can be more expensive, however they're extremely durable and robust. They're also simple to maintain. They are less likely to rust and develop an attractive patina over time. However they are heavy, so you'll either need an incredibly strong back, or help in moving them onto your patio or deck.
Alternately, you can opt for a gas-burning chiminea, if you don't want to carry around huge piles of wood. Many of these models come with a propane gas tank built-in or can be connected to your natural gas line. Some, like our top model from the Blue Rooster Company, even include a grill grate as well as a fire poker, so you can cook with your Chiminea.
2. Cuisinart Chiminea with Lava Rocks
This chiminea is a chic alternative to the dull wood-burning firepits and awkwardly-shaped propane tower heaters. It'll add ambiance and warmth to your patio or outdoor dining area. A directional heat shield can push up to 40,000 BTUs of warm air to the outside, warming your guests for outdoor lunches, sunset cocktails and starlit dinners. The elegant painted steel frame and stainless steel base are sturdy with a no title tip-over security switch for added protection. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included. These absorb and disperse heat for warmth and ambience. You can adjust the flames using the control system for heat. Heats up to 200 square feet.
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 a typical fire pit, and their vertical chimneys direct smoke away from seating. There are many designs and sizes to pick from, with some being modernized versions of clay models and others being vintage-inspired designs constructed of cast iron or steel that develops an attractive patina over time. Chimineas are able to be installed on wooden decks. They are safe to use, unlike traditional fireplaces that burn wood.
There aren't many chimineas with a design that looks modern, but this one by Kelly Clarkson Home is unique with its sleek lines and gray tone-ontone finish. It features a large opening that's easy to fill with logs and includes a poker, mesh cover and a log screen to ensure safe use. A grill grate is included for cooking food on the fire.
Even though the curved legs on this chiminea may not be ideal for uneven surfaces, they are strong enough to support its massive weight. It's among the tallest and widest chimineas in our selection, and it weighs just 30 pounds, meaning it won't require multiple people to move it around your patio. It's also one of the lightest chimineas on our list, which makes it a great choice for smaller spaces such as cement balconies or postage stamp-sized urban patios.
This obelisk chiminea that is angled is another fashionable and affordable alternative from Terrain that's currently on sale. It's a bit shorter and wider than our other obelisk-shaped chiminea, and made of weatherproof steel. The dark oxidized finish will develop a rustic patina with time. The large opening allows an enormous fire to be built. It also comes with a mesh screen, a log-screen, a poker and an oven grill.
Although chimineas may not be as popular as fireplaces with built-in outdoor units, they're a great option for adding a touch of elegance to your patio and making your backyard feel more inviting and cozy. These fire pits will become your preferred outdoor event due to their distinctive design.