How to Choose the Best Chiminea for Your Outdoor Living Space

A chiminea fire pit makes a great addition to an outdoor living space because it is more robust than a fireplace and produces a focused, controlled flame. Look for models made of steel to resist corrosion and withstand high temperatures.

Also, ensure that your stove comes with a log grate and an ax to ensure safe handling. Ideally, the grate should be able to be removed so that you can take care of the fire without fear of burning your fingers.

1. Terrain Angled Obelisk Chiminea

Terrain's obelisk-shaped chiminea with an angled design is currently on sale for $33 for a limited time. It makes the perfect addition to any backyard. It's made of weather steel, a heat-resistant metal that develops an elegant rusty patina with time. It's light and portable, and comes with grilling grates so that you can cook your favorite hamburgers while enjoying burning flames.

This chiminea, while not as versatile as the top pick but it is a great choice to add warmth and ambiance to your backyard. The angled shape is not just visually appealing however, it also draws in fresh air to keep the fire going. It also comes with a convenient lock that allows you to easily place logs in the fire and closes the mouth once you're finished.

For your safety and longevity you must regularly dust and clean your chiminea. You can also paint the paint of metal chimineas using high-heat paint made for fireplaces and grills. This can help prevent rusting and extend the life of your investment.

It is important to ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions, in addition to cleaning it. A chiminea made of metal should have a rain cap to protect it from heavy rainfall that could cause water to splash onto the chimney, which could cause a fire. It is essential to store your metal chiminea chimney in a place that is dry in the winter.

Cast iron chimineas and fire pits are usually more expensive than other types of chimineas, but they're strong and durable. They're also easy to maintain. They're less prone to rust than steel, and they tend to develop a gorgeous natural patina with time. However, they can be heavy so you'll require a strong back, or help in moving them onto your patio or deck.

Alternately, you can opt for a gas-burning chiminea if you don't want to carry large wood piles. Many of these models have a tank built-in for propane gas or can be connected to your natural gas line. Certain models, such as our top pick from the Blue Rooster Company include a grill grate, fire poker, and other cooking tools.

2. Cuisinart Chiminea with Lava Rocks

This chiminea offers a stylish alternative to the boring wood-burning firepits and awkwardly-shaped propane tower heaters. It adds ambiance and warmth to your patio or outdoor dining area. A directional heat shield can push up to 40,000 BTUs outwards, bringing warmth to your guests during alfresco meals or cocktails at sunset. The sleek painted steel frame and stainless steel base are sturdy and come with a tip-over safety switch for extra security. 8 lbs. of red lava rocks are included. These trap and disperse heat for warmth and ambiance. Use the adjustable heat control system to alter the intensity of your flames. The heater can reach 200 square feet.

4. Kelly Clarkson Home Chiminea

When you're looking to bring ambiance and warmth to your outdoor area, Chimineas are a great alternative. These wood-burning vessels can produce more heat than conventional fire pits and their chimneys that are vertical aid in directing smoke away from seating areas. There are many sizes and styles available and some are updated versions of traditional clay models while others are vintage-inspired models in cast iron or steel which will develop a beautiful patina with time. Unlike regular wood-burning fire pits Chimineas are generally safe for use on wooden decks as long as they're properly placed and shielded from sparks.

Although there aren't many of contemporary-looking chimineas on the market, this one from Kelly Clarkson Home impresses with its sleek lines and tone-on-tone gray finish. It has a large opening that allows for easy loading of logs. It also includes a mesh cover and a log screen. The grill grates can be used to cook food on the fire.

Even though the curved legs on this chiminea may not be ideal for uneven surfaces, they are strong enough to support its massive weight. It's one of the tallest and widest chimineas we have in our collection, and weighs in at just over 30 pounds, which means it won't require many people to move it around your patio. It's also among the tiniest chimineas we have on our list, which makes it a great choice for small spaces like cement balconies and postage stamp-sized urban patios.

This obelisk chiminea with an angled design is a stylish and affordable option from Terrain that's currently on sale. It's a bit smaller and wider than the other obelisk chimineas on our list, and is made from weather-resistant steel with dark oxidized finish that will slowly develop a rustic patina over time. The wide opening allows for a large fire to be built. It also comes with the option of a mesh screen, log-screen, a poker, and an oven grill.

Though chimineas aren't as popular as built-in outdoor fireplaces they're an excellent 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 will be your new favorite way to relax in the great outdoors.