How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space
A chiminea is an excellent choice for an outdoor living space as it is more durable than a fireplace and offers a focused, controlled flame. Make sure to choose models made of steel that resist corrosion and can withstand high temperatures.
Also, make sure your model comes with log grates and an ax for safe handling. Ideally, the grate must be removable so you can take care of the fire without having to worry about burning your fingers.
1. Terrain Chiminea Angled Obelisk
This angled obelisk chiminea from Terrain is currently $33 off for a limited period and provides the perfect accent to any backyard. It is made of weather-steel, which is a heat-resistant metal that develops a gorgeous patina that rusts over time. It's light and portable, and also comes with grilling grates, so you can cook your favorite hamburgers while enjoying burning flames.
This chiminea, while not as versatile as the top selection is a great choice to add warmth and ambiance to your backyard. The angled shape is not only visually striking however, it also draws in fresh air to keep the fire going. It also has an easy latch that opens the mouth to allow easy access to put logs in it and closes it when you're finished.
For your safety and longevity you should clean and dust your chiminea. You can also retouch the paint of chimineas made of metal with high-heat paint specifically 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 chiminea made from metal needs a rain cap. This will protect it from heavy rain that could cause water to splash onto the chimney and possibly start an fire. It is also essential to store your Chiminea in a dry place during the winter.
Cast iron chimineas tend to be more expensive, but they are extremely durable and robust. They're also easy to maintain. They are less likely to rust and develop an attractive 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 come with a tank built-in for propane gas or 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 to allow you to cook your food with your Chiminea.
2. Cuisinart Chiminea Lava Rocks
In contrast to boring wood-burning fireplace pits and awkwardly-shaped propane tower heaters, this chiminea provides both stylish fiery ambiance and cozy warmth for your outdoor dining space or patio lounge. A directional heat shield can push up to 40,000 BTUs outwards, bringing warmth to your guests at alfresco dining or sunset cocktails. The elegant painted steel frame and stainless steel base are sturdy, with a tip-over safety switch for extra protection. 8 lbs. 8 lbs. You can alter the flames using the heat control system. Heats up to 200 square feet.
4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea
If you're looking to add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor area, the chiminea is a great alternative. These wood-burning chimines can generate more heat than a standard fire pit and their chimneys that are vertical draw smoke away from seating. There are a variety of styles and sizes to choose from, some of which are modernized versions of traditional clay models, while others are vintage-inspired designs made of cast iron or steel that develops an attractive patina over time. Contrary to traditional fire pits for wood burning, chimineas are typically safe for use on wooden decks as long as they're properly placed and protected from stray sparks.
There aren't many chimineas with a design that looks modern, but this model by Kelly Clarkson Home is unique with its sleek lines and gray tone-ontone 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's among our largest and tallest chimineas, and weighs just a bit more than 30 pounds. This means that it will require less than one person to move it from your patio. It's also among the smallest chimineas on our list, making it a great option for small spaces like cement balconies or postage stamp-sized urban patios.
This obelisk chiminea that is angled is a stylish and affordable alternative from Terrain that's currently on sale. It's slightly smaller and broader chiminea terracotta than our other obelisk-shaped one constructed of weatherproof steel. The dark oxidized finish will develop an aged patina over time. The large opening allows for easy construction of a big fire and the chiminea includes a mesh cover as well as a log screen a poker and a grate to use for cooking.
Though chimineas aren't as popular as fireplaces with built-in outdoor units, they're an excellent option to enhance your patio and making your backyard more cozy and inviting. These fire pits will be your most-loved outdoor activity because of their unique design.