How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space
Chimineas are a great addition to an outdoor living area because it is more durable than a fireplace and creates a controlled, focused flame. Make sure to choose models made of metal to resist corrosion and withstand high temperatures.
Also, ensure that the model you choose has an grate for logs and an ax to ensure safe handling. Ideally, the grate must be able to be removed so that you can tend to the fire without having to worry about burning your fingers.
1. Terrain Angled Obelisk Chiminea
This angled obelisk chiminea from Terrain is currently on sale for $33 for a limited 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 and portable, and includes grilling grates, so you can cook your favorite hamburgers while enjoying the crackling flames.
This chiminea, while not as versatile as the top selection but it is a great choice to add warmth and character to your backyard. The angled design is not only striking visually and attractive, but it also draws in fresh air to keep the fire going. It also comes with a convenient lock that allows you to effortlessly place logs into the fire, and then close the mouth when done.
Like any outdoor wood-burning fire pit, it's essential to clean up the ashes regularly and dust your chiminea for security and longevity. You should also touch up the paint on metal chimineas using high-heat paint that's designed specifically for fireplaces or grills and will help to ward off rust and extend the life of your investment.
You'll want to ensure that the chimney is free of obstructions, in addition to cleaning it out. A chiminea made from metal should be fitted with a rain cap to protect it from rain that is heavy which could cause water to splash into the chimney, which could cause an fire. It is important to store your chiminea in an area that is dry in the winter.
Cast iron chimineas tend to be more expensive, however they are extremely durable and robust. They're also simple to maintain. They are less likely to rust and develop a beautiful patina with time. However, they can be heavy so you'll require an incredibly strong back, or help moving them onto your patio or chiminea fireplaces deck.
You can also choose a chiminea that burns gas for those who don't want carry huge piles of wood around. Many of these models come with a propane gas tank built-in or can be connected to your natural gas line. Some, such as our top model from the Blue Rooster Company, even include a grill grate as well as a fire poker to allow you to cook your food with your Chiminea.
2. Cuisinart Chiminea Lava Rocks
Unlike dreary looking wood-burning fire pits and awkwardly shaped propane tower heaters, this chiminea delivers both stylish fiery ambiance and warm and cozy ambience for your outdoor dining space or lounge on your patio. A directional heat-shield forces up to 40,000 BTUs outwards, bringing warmth to your guests during alfresco meals or evening cocktails. The sleek painted steel frame and stainless steel base are sturdy with a tip-over security switch for added protection. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included, which trap and disperse heat for warmth and ambience. You can alter the flames using the control system for heat. It can heat up to 200 square feet.
4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea
Chimineas can be an excellent method to bring warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space. These wood-burning chimines can generate more heat than a standard fire pit and their vertical chimneys direct smoke away from seating. There are various sizes and styles available and some are modern versions of classic clay models, while others are vintage-inspired models in cast iron or steel which will develop a beautiful patina over time. Contrary to traditional fire pits for wood burning Chimineas are usually safe for use on wooden decks so long as they're properly placed and protected from stray sparks.
While there's not a lot of modern-looking chimineas on market, this model from Kelly Clarkson Home makes a strong impression 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 a log screen. The grill is grate that can be used to cook food over the fire.
Though the curved legs on this chiminea don't work for uneven surfaces, they're capable of supporting its substantial weight. It's among our tallest and largest chimineas, and it only weighs a little over 30 pounds. This means it will not require more than one person to move it from your patio. It's also one of the lightest chimineas on our list, which makes it an excellent choice for smaller spaces such as cement balconies and postage stamp-sized urban patios.
This obelisk chiminea with an angled design is another fashionable and affordable option from Terrain which is currently on sale. It's slightly larger and shorter than our other obelisk-shaped chiminea, and made of weather-resistant steel. The dark oxidized finish will develop a rustic patina with time. The large opening permits an enormous fire to be built. It also has the option of a mesh screen, log-screen, a poker, and an oven grate.
Although chimineas aren't as well-known as built-in outdoor fireplaces, they're a great option for adding a touch of elegance to your patio and making your backyard more cozy and inviting. With their unique design and practical features, these multi-purpose fire pits are bound to become your new favorite way to enjoy the outdoors.