How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space

A chiminea makes a great addition to an outdoor living area because it is more durable than a fireplace and creates a controlled, focused flame. Select models made of metal to resist rust and high temperatures.

Also, ensure that the model you choose has an grate for logs and a poker for safe handling. The grate should be removable so you can take care of the fire without worrying about burning your fingers.

1. Terrain Chiminea Angled Obelisk

This obelisk chiminea with an angled design from Terrain is currently $33 off for a limited period and provides the perfect accent to any backyard. It's made from weather steel, a heat-resistant metal that develops an elegant rusty patina with time. It's lightweight enough to be able to carry around and includes a grilling grate so you can cook your favorite burgers and take pleasure in the crackling flames at the same time.

Although not as versatile as our top choice, this chiminea is a solid choice if you're in search of an option to add warmth and ambiance your backyard. The angled shape is not just visually appealing, but it also draws in fresh air to keep the fire going. It also has an easy latch which opens the mouth for easy access to place logs in it and closes it after you're done.

As with any outdoor wood-burning fireplace pit, it's crucial to regularly clean out ashes and dust your chiminea to ensure security and long-term durability. It is also recommended to finish the paint on metal chimineas by using high-heat paint that's designed specifically for fireplaces and grills; this will help ward off rust and prolong the life of your investment.

You'll want to make sure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, as well as cleaning it out. A chiminea made from metal needs a rain cap. This will shield it from rain that is heavy that could cause water to splash in the chimney, and could cause the fire. It's important to store your metal chiminea in an area that is dry during winter.

Cast iron chimineas are typically more expensive than other types, however they're durable and sturdy. They are also easy to maintain. They are less likely to rust and will develop a beautiful patina with time. They aren't light however, and you'll need a sturdy back or assistance moving it on your patio or deck.

You can also choose a chiminea that burns gas if you don't want to carry large piles or wood around. A lot models have a built-in tank for propane gas 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 on your chiminea.

2. Cuisinart Chiminea Lava Rocks

This chiminea is a chic alternative to the drab wood-burning firepits and awkwardly-shaped propane tower heaters. It will add warmth and ambiance to your patio or outdoor dining area. A directional heat shield forces up to 40,000 BTUs of warm air to the outside and warms your guests during alfresco lunches or sunset cocktails and starlit dinners. The stainless steel base and sleek painted steel frame are sturdy. A tip-over safety switch is included to protect your guests. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included. They trap and disperse heat for warmth and ambience. You can adjust the flames by using the control system for heat. The heater can reach 200 square foot.

4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea

If you're looking to add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor area, a chiminea is an excellent option. These wood-burning fire pits can produce more heat than traditional fire pits, and their vertical chimneys assist in directing smoke away from seating areas. There are many styles and sizes to choose from, with some being modernized versions of clay models, while others are vintage-inspired options constructed of cast iron or steel that acquires a handsome patina over time. Chimineas are able to be installed on wooden decks. They are safe to use unlike regular fireplaces with wood burning.

There aren't many chimineas with a design that looks contemporary, but this model by Kelly Clarkson Home is a standout with its sleek lines and gray tone-ontone finish. It has a large opening that allows for easy loading of logs. It also comes with a mesh cover and a log screen. The grill grate can be used to cook food over the flame.

The bent legs of this chiminea might not be suitable for uneven surfaces, but they can withstand the weight of the chiminea. It's among the tallest and widest chimineas on our collection, and weighs just 30 pounds, meaning it won't require many people to move it around your patio. It's one of the lighter of the chimineas on our list. This makes it an ideal choice for smaller areas, like cement balconies or large urban patios that are the size of a postage stamp.

This obelisk with an angled design is a chic and affordable option that's on sale from Terrain. It's slightly larger and shorter than the other obelisk-shaped chiminea on our list, and it's made from weather-resistant steel with an oxidized dark finish that will slowly develop an aged patina over time. The large opening allows for easy construction of large fires and the chiminea includes a mesh cover as clay chiminea well as a log screen a poker, and a grate to cook on.

Although chimineas might not be as popular as outdoor fireplaces built into the ground, they are a great option to add a touch of elegance to your patio and make your backyard more inviting and cozy. These fire pits will soon become your favorite outdoor event due to their distinctive design.