How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space
A chiminea is a great option for an outdoor living space since it's more durable than a fireplace and has a concentrated controlled flame. Choose models made from metal to resist the effects of rust and high temperatures.
Make sure your stove includes a log grate as well as a poker to ensure safe handling. The grate should be removable, allowing you to tend the fire without burning your fingers.
1. Terrain Angled Obesisk Chiminea
Terrain's angled obelisk-shaped chiminea is currently priced at $33 less for a limited time. It makes the perfect addition to any backyard. It's made from weather-steel, which is a heat-resistant metal that develops a gorgeous patina that rusts as time passes. It's lightweight and portable, and comes with a grilling grates so you can cook your favorite hamburgers while enjoying crackling flames.
This chiminea, although not as versatile as the top selection is a great choice for adding warmth and ambience to your backyard. The angled shape not only looks stunning, but it also helps to keep the fire burning. It also features a convenient lock that allows you to effortlessly place logs into the fire, and then close the mouth when finished.
Like any other outdoor wood-burning fire pit, it's crucial 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 to help keep off rust and prolong the lifespan of your investment.
In addition to cleaning out the ash and dust, you'll also want to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions. A chiminea made of metal requires a rain cap. This will shield it from rain that is heavy, which could cause water to splash onto the chimney and cause an fire. It is essential to store your chiminea in a location that is dry during winter.
Cast iron chimineas are usually more expensive than other types, however they're durable and sturdy. They are also easy to maintain. They're less prone to rust than steel, and they tend to develop a beautiful natural patina as time passes. However they can be quite heavy so you'll either need an incredibly strong back, or help in moving them onto your patio or deck.
You can also choose a chiminea which burns gas if you don't want to carry large piles or wood around. Many of these models come with a built-in propane gas tank or connect to your natural gas line. Certain models, such as our top pick by the Blue Rooster Company include a grill grates, fire poker and other cooking accessories.
2. Cuisinart Chiminea Lava Rocks
Contrary to the dull look of wood-burning fire pits and awkwardly shaped propane tower heaters, this chiminea provides fashionable, fiery ambiance as well as warm comfort for your outdoor dining area or patio lounge. 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 durable, with a tip-over safety switch for added security. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included. These trap and disperse heat for warmth and atmosphere. You can alter the flames with the control system for heat. The More Help heater can reach 200 square foot.
4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea
When you're looking to bring ambiance and warmth to your outdoor space, a chiminea is an excellent alternative. These wood-burning vessels produce more heat than a traditional fire pit, and their vertical chimneys draw smoke away from seating. There are many designs and sizes to pick from, including modernized versions of clay models and others being vintage-inspired designs made of cast iron or steel, which develops a handsome patina over time. Unlike regular wood-burning fire pits Chimineas are usually safe for use on wooden decks as they are properly placed and shielded from sparks.
There aren't many chimineas that look contemporary, but this model by Kelly Clarkson Home is unique with its sleek lines and gray tone-ontone finish. It has a large opening that makes it easy to load logs. It also has a mesh cover and a log screen. The grill is grate that can be used to cook food over the flame.
The curved legs of this chiminea might not be ideal for uneven surfaces but they can withstand the weight of the chiminea. It's among the tallest and widest chimineas we have in our collection, and weighs just over 30 pounds--meaning it doesn't require a lot of people to move it around your patio. It's also among the lightest chimineas that we have on our list, making it an excellent choice for small spaces such as cement balconies or postage stamp-sized urban patios.
This obelisk chiminea that is angled is another fashionable and affordable option from Terrain which is currently on sale. It's a little larger and shorter than the other obelisk chimineas on our list, and is made of weather-resistant steel and a dark oxidized finish that will gradually develop a rustic patina over time. The wide opening makes it easy to build a big fire and the chiminea includes a mesh cover, a log screen, a poker, and a grate to cook on.
Although chimineas may not be as popular as built-in outdoor fireplaces they're a great option to enhance your patio and making your backyard feel more welcoming and warm. With their unique design and practical features, these multi-purpose fire pits will be your new favorite way to enjoy the outdoors.