How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space

A chiminea is an excellent option for outdoor living space since it's more durable than a fireplace and offers a focused, controlled flame. Make sure to choose models made of metal to withstand corrosion and high temperatures.

Make sure your stove includes a log grate and a poker to ensure safe handling. Ideally, the grate should be removable so you can take care of the fire without fear of burning your fingers.

1. Terrain Chiminea Angled Obesisk

This angled obelisk chiminea from Terrain is currently $33 off for a limited period and provides the perfect accent to any backyard. It's made from weather-steel which is a durable metal that develops a beautiful patina of rust as time passes. It's lightweight and portable, and includes a grilling grates so you can cook your favorite hamburgers while enjoying the fire that is blazing.

Although it's not as versatile as our top pick, this chiminea is a good option if you're looking for a way to add warmth and ambiance your backyard. The angled design isn't just visually appealing however, it also draws in fresh air to keep the fire burning. Additionally, it has a handy latch that opens the mouth to allow easy access to put logs in it and closes it after you're done.

Like any other outdoor wood-burning fire pit, it's essential to clean the ashes from time to time and dust your chiminea for security and long-term durability. You'll also want to finish the paint on metal chimineas by using high-heat paint that's designed specifically for grills or fireplaces; this will help ward off rust and extend the lifespan of your investment.

You should make sure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, in addition to cleaning it out. A chiminea made from metal should be fitted with a rain cap to protect it from heavy rainfall that could cause water to splash onto the chimney and potentially start an fire. It's also important to keep your terracotta chiminea in a dry place during winter.

Cast iron chimineas and fire pits can be more expensive, but they are extremely durable and robust. They're also easy to maintain. They're less likely to be rusty than steel, and they often develop a beautiful natural patina with time. However they are heavy, so you'll require an incredibly strong back, or help moving them onto your deck or patio.

You can also select an chiminea that burns gas in case you don't want to transport large wood or piles of it around. Many models have a built-in tank for propane gas, or can be connected to your natural gas line. Some, like our top choice from the Blue Rooster Company, even include a grill grate and fire poker to allow you to cook with your chiminea.

2. Cuisinart Chiminea Lava Rocks

Contrary to the dull look of wood-burning fire pits and awkwardly-shaped propane tower heaters, this clay chiminea provides both stylish fiery ambiance and warm comfort for your outdoor dining space or patio lounge. A directional heat shield pushes up to 40000 BTUs outwards, warming your guests at alfresco dining or cocktails at sunset. The stainless steel base and the sleek painted steel frame are robust. A tip-over safety switch is also included for additional protection. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included, which trap and disperse heat to provide warmth and atmosphere. You can adjust the flames by using the heat control system. It can heat up to 200 square feet.

4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea

If you're looking to add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space, Chimineas are a great option. These wood-burning vessels produce more heat than a standard fire pit and their chimneys that are vertical direct smoke away from seating. There are many styles and sizes available as well as updated versions of traditional Clay Chiminea large models while others are vintage-inspired options made of steel or cast iron which will develop a beautiful patina as time passes. Chimineas can be installed on wooden decks. They are safe to use unlike traditional fireplaces that burn wood.

There aren't many chimineas that look contemporary, but this model by Kelly Clarkson Home is a standout with its sleek lines and gray tone-on-tone finish. It has a large opening that is easy to fill with logs and includes a poker, mesh cover and a log screen to ensure safety. The grill grate can be used to cook food on the flame.

Though the curved legs on this chiminea don't work for uneven surfaces, they are able to support its considerable weight. It's among the highest and widest chimineas we have in our collection, and weighs in at just over 30 pounds, which means it won't require multiple people to move it around your patio. It's one of the tiniest of the chimineas on our list. This makes it a great option for smaller spaces, 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 budget-friendly option available on sale from Terrain. It's a bit larger and shorter than the other obelisk chiminea on our list, and is constructed of weatherproof steel with dark oxidized finish that will slowly develop a rustic patina with time. The wide opening allows for the creation of a large fire built. It also comes with a mesh screen, a log-screen, a poker, and an oven grates.

Although chimineas may not be as popular as outdoor fireplaces built into the ground but they are a great option to improve your patio and make it more inviting and cozy. These fire pits will become your preferred outdoor event due to their distinctive design.