Add Some Ambiance and Heat Outside with the Best Chimineas
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Blue Rooster Dragonfly Chiminea -
Hampton Bay Cast Iron Patio Chimenea -
Deeco Western Basket Weave Jr. Chiminea -
KD Clay Chimenea -
Esschert Design FF109 Small Terrace Heater -
Buyer's Guide
Chimineas were originally constructed of clay and existed thousands of years ago in Mexico and central America. They were used for both heating a dwelling and also as a cooking platform. Shaped like a pot-bellied stove with a tall chimney perched on top, this design radiates heat outwards, not only from the fire and the body of the vessel, but also radiates from the chimney as the smoke passes through it. It is a very efficient heater because of these traits.
Although originally made of clay, most are now made out of modern metals giving them increased durability. However, for you traditionalists out there, clay chimineas are still available, and one makes this list.
Design and practicality are the basis for the best chimineas, but price and versatility will also be considered. We've compiled the best chimineas in 2022.
Stay warm and cozy with the best chimineas in 2022
Blue Rooster Dragonfly Chiminea - Best Chiminea Overall
The Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace - Blue Rooster ALCH014-CH - Dragonfly Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace is made of cast aluminum that weighs about 80 pounds, which makes it extremely durable and semi-portable. A dragonfly and fern design adorn this classic looking unit that comes with both a spark guard and a cooking grate. It has a rain lid and it will never rust. Although not inexpensive, the combination of versatility, light weight and functionality make this the best pick right here.
Hampton Bay Cast Iron Patio Chimenea - Runner Up
If you want the most bang for the buck in a chiminea, than the Hampton Bay Cast Iron Patio Chimenea is the one for you. This is the least expensive metal composition unit on the list, and even though it is made of cast iron, it only weighs a bit more than 80 pounds. It has airflow control and made with a wrap around belly screen for radiating heat in all directions. If it came with a cooking grate, this would be the best choice.
Deeco Western Basket Weave Jr. Chiminea - Honorable Mention
If you are looking for a smaller and more portable chiminea, than the Deeco Western Basket Weave Jr. Chimney is what you'll want. Made of cast aluminum, it weiighs only 47 pounds, so you can carry it virtually anywhere. Although about half the size of a regular chiminea, the basket weave design looks neat, and it comes with a spark guard and also a cooking grate. This is a good choice for limited spaces, like decks or patios, because it still throws off decent heat and doubles as a cooking stove.
KD Clay Chimenea - Consider
For you traditionalist out there the KD Clay Chimenea with the classic Lines design, is what you want. Because it is made of genuine clay, it is fragile so care must be taken when burning and moving it around. It's heavy, at about 70-plus pounds, but it comes with a metal stand and it is low in price. Although it has a 90 day return policy, be aware that it has no warranty from the factory. If you break it, you own it. But it is a lovely looking traditional chiminea that will go great with any decor.
Esschert Design FF109 Small Terrace Heater - Best Chiminea
For portability in a cast iron chiminea, the Esschert Design FF109 Small Terrace Heater, weighing in at only 46 pounds may be right for you. It's a 2/3rds size unit with a removable rain lid and vent holes to provide more even burning. It features a mouth as large as a regular sized chiminea so that larger logs will fit inside. This is a good portable unit for smaller areas, that features cast iron durability for the long haul.
Buyer's Guide
Chimnea is one of those few antique products that are getting popular by the day, even in the modern era. While the concept of a chiminea goes hundreds of years back, this product continues to be used and utilized across the world.
While some people use chimineas as outdoor heaters, others use them as decorative pieces. Either way, chimineas are certainly gaining a lot of popularity, which has led to the introduction of newer designs of the same product, with multiple variations and options.
If you’re looking to buy a chiminea, you should make sure that you’re going for the one that suits your needs. While modern designs and functionalities might overwhelm you at first because there are so many options to choose from, we have prepared a complete guide that will help you find the best chimineas of 2022.
What are the Most Popular Materials that the Best Chimineas are made of?
When you’re looking to purchase the best chiminea, the most important aspect that you will have to consider is the material. While there are several materials that chimineas are made of, here are the most popular and commonly found types:
Clay Chimineas
Clay is arguably the most popular material that has been traditionally used to make chimineas. While modern designs have started adopting other materials, clay still remains popular due to the sense of authenticity that it provides and its connection with the traditional mexican-style chimineas.
Clay chimineas are also popular because they are considerably safer if you have children or pets around. Compared to iron and steel, the external surface of clay chimineas do not usually heat up to an extent that would cause severe burns upon contact, making it a safer option. Moreover, clay chimineas are also cleaner and more-environment friendly if you will be burning wood, as clay chimineas are capable of combusting wood more effectively, leaving minimal residue behind. Lastly, clay chimineas are also easier to install.
On the other hand, clay chimineas are not the most durable and would require more maintenance. Chimineas made of clay cannot withstand harsh winters and will have to be protected against such severe weather. Moreover, you will also have to apply heat resistant sealant and seasoning in order to prevent it from cracking or shattering entirely.
Cast Iron Chiminea
Cast-iron chiminea is a useful innovation in this product category and is considered as the most durable, reliable, and long-lasting variant of chimineas. If you’re looking for a heating solution that is both aesthetic and robust, cast iron chimineas are the way to go.
To begin with, cast iron chimineas can burn coal, charcoal, or wood, providing you with more options as far as burning materials are concerned. This type of chimineas can also produce higher temperatures without any risk of cracking or shattering, making it a very effective choice even for larger spaces. Due to the nature of the material, these chimineas do not require a lot of maintenance.
On the other hand, these cast iron chimineas are quite heavy and difficult to move around. Moreover, these chimineas conduct heat really well, which means that the external surface will heat up to dangerous levels which may cause burns upon contact. Consequently, it might not be the ideal choice if you have kids or pets around. Cast-iron is also prone to rust; however, a rust-resistant paint will be enough to mitigate the risk of rusting.
Steel Chimineas
Stainless steel is another one of the popular materials that are used to make chimineas. A steel chiminea is usually considered as one of the more affordable and convenient options to purchase and use.
Chimineas made of stainless steel are inexpensive to begin with, making it easy for just about anyone to purchase these. These chimineas are also lighter and can be moved around easily. Moreover, steel chimineas are often coated in rust-resistant paint, which makes them less prone to rusting.
On the other hand, steel chimineas do not generate a lot of heat, making them less suitable for larger spaces. They’re also less durable and robust compared to cast iron chimineas and would not be as long lasting.
What Accessories Should be Purchased Alongside a Chiminea?
If you’re looking to purchase the best chiminea, it would also be a good idea to purchase some accessories along with it. Here are the most important accessories that you should buy:
Chiminea Cover
A chiminea cover is something that you should certainly have and you should buy one if it does not come with the chiminea that you purchase. It will protect your chiminea against external elements such as harsh weather, dampness, and dust, and will make sure that your product lasts longer.
Fuel Poker
It is a good idea to have a fuel poker when buying a chiminea, in order to move burning fuel (wood, coal, etc.) around in a safe manner.
Gravel/Lava stones
If you’re purchasing a clay chiminea, you need to purchase some gravel/lava stones that you will be lining at the bottom of your chiminea, in order to protect the shell against cracking or shattering.
Can a Chiminia also be Used for Cooking?
While looking at the best chimineas to buy, you should also consider if the product can be used for cooking or not. While clay chimineas cannot be used for cooking, iron and steel chimineas do have cooking capabilities, given that you’ve purchased the required equipment and accessories algonside.
If you’re planning to use your chiminea for cooking purposes as well, you should go for the model that is capable of doing so and purchase things such as a removable grill, toasting poker, cooking iron, etc.
What Safety Precautions must be taken before purchasing a Chimnea
Safety is one of the most important considerations when you’re looking to buy a chiminea. Of course, you should take all the necessary precautions that one must take when dealing with such things but there are a couple of accessories that you should also purchase for this purpose:
Floor Protection
If you’re planning to place your chiminea over a wood deck patio, you will need protection for your floor to protect it against damage.
Chiminea Guard
A chiminea guard is especially important if you’re buying a cast-iron chiminea. Since Iron is an excellent conductor of heat, cast-iron chimineas can heat up to dangerous levels and a chiminea guard should be placed around the chiminea to protect anyone against intentional/unintentional contact with the surface.
FAQs
Do Chimineas need seasoning?
Only the clay chimineas need seasoning, in order to prevent cracking or shattering.
Can Chimineas be used around Children and Pets?
You should take some precautions if you’re going to be using your chiminea around kids and pets. You must purchase a chiminea guard to put around the chiminea, specially when you’re using iron or steel chimineas.
Can Chimineas be used indoors?
No, Chimineas are designed to be used outdoors and using them indoors can be dangerous and hence should be avoided.
