CHIMINEAS are a fantastic way to entertain your friends and family, and keep warm during long summer nights.
Tall, slender and packing some serious heat, they keep the evenings alive for longer, here are the best chimeneas to buy today.
Traditionally chimineas would have been made out of clay, but modern ones can be found in metal, most often in cast iron or steel.
Some even include grills for you to cook on, so you can turn it into a barbecue.
There are many varieties out there to choose from rustic to elegant, depending on your own taste.
Clay chimineas do need a bit of extra treatment, care and attention, so bear that in mind.
The choice of materials, size and look are up to you, but to help you we’ve accessed the best user reviews and expert opinions to help narrow your search.
Find a space for one in your garden and it will become the centrepiece to your parties all year round.
If you’re looking to get a bit of warmth in your life, then enjoy our pick of the best chimineas on the market today.
1. Black Steel Chiminea
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Garden Steel Chiminea, £109.99, from Not on the High Street – buy here
This and stylish and functional steel garden Chiminea oozes class
Featuring cast iron legs, a steel body and a subtle pattern on the flue, this chiminea would make an attractive centrepiece for any outdoor space.
It gives out a decent amount of heat and is perfect for smaller gardens and patios.
2. Ardor Clay Chiminea
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Ardor Clay Chiminea, £29.99 from Studio – buy here
For under £30, this chiminea is an absolute bargain.
It stands at just 50cm tall and 30cm in diameter – so it's best for smaller gardens.
Made with its eye-catching clay and a gorgeous Inca design it is certain to brighten up your garden and warm up your evenings.
If you want to test out a chiminea before investing in something grander, this would be a great place to start.
3. Venezuela Clay Chimenea
- Venezuela Clay Chiminea, £60 from Homebase – buy here
This affordable, contemporary clay chimenea is a stylish focal piece that's sure to be a hit this summer.
It's great for entertaining in the garden or keeping the chill off on a cool evening.
It features an eye-catching pattern and includes a solid sturdy steel stand and protective rain lid.
4. Holford Furance Chiminea
- Holford Furnace Chiminea, £209.99 from Wayfair – buy here
This unique Wayfair number is a great choice if you want a statement, yet functional chiminea.
It provides an unusual 360-degree view of the fire, with a safety grill the whole way around.
It stands 120cm high, and customers say "the price-performance ratio is very good".
A unique piece that will stand out in any settings.
5. La Hacienda Geometric Clay Chiminea with Grill
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La Hacienda Geometric Clay Chiminea with Grill, £90 from Argos – buy here
Classic clay construction but a unique hand painted finish make this a favourite among customers.
It comes in two pieces and with a grill, so you can lift off the top and cook up a storm, BBQ-style.
The clay radiates heat for hours, making this the perfect patio centrepiece.
6. Heta Tipi 147 Outdoor Modern Chiminea
- Heta Tipi 147 Outdoor Modern Chiminea, £375 from eBay – buy here
This Danish-designed chiminea pushes the look as far as possible looking more like a trendy sculpture than a working fireplace.
Easy to use, simple to clean and amazing to look at it’s a superb choice for modern and classic gardens.
7. Laurey Steel Wood Burning Chiminea
- Laurey Steel Wood Burning Chiminea, £136.49 from Wayfair – buy here
This lovely rustic wood burning stove will be the perfect addition to any outdoor space.
Standing at 115cm and 30cm wide, it's slightly smaller than it appears in the photo and won't take over your garden.
A hot, clean flame is all you’ll see with the fumes expelled through the sizeable flume.
8. Steel Chiminea With Wood Storage
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Steel Chiminea With Wood Storage, £199.95 from Not On The High Street – buy here
This steel chiminea has both style and substance thanks to its minimalist design and stainless steel structure.
With a height of 136cm, a width of 38cm and a diameter of 38cm, it is suitable for pretty much any garden.
We also love its built-in log store that keeps your fuel tidy and readily available when needed.
How to light a chiminea
Here's a guide to lighting your chiminea safely:
1. Line the base of your chiminea with sand or gravel to prevent it from cracking (especially important for clay chimineas)
2. Place some dry firewood inside your chiminea
3. Place some kindling or firelighters between your wood
4. Use a long match or lighter to light your firelighter or kindling
5. Add some more kindling when the fire is burning more intensely
6. Top up with more wood, if necessary
Tips for using chimineas
1. We recommend setting a series of small fires to cure the inside of your chiminea (to prevent cracking or damage), before using it for larger fires. Allow the small fire to burn out, and the chiminea to cool down before using it again
2. Place your chiminea on a fire-resistant surface – avoid grass, tarmac and wood
3. Keep your chiminea away from children, pets and anything flammable
4. Never use fuel to light your chiminea
5. Never touch your chiminea when it's in use
6. Avoid moving your chiminea
Which is best fire pit or chiminea?
The main differences between fire pits and chimineas are size and shape.
Chimineas are often taller but smaller in diameter, while fire pits are larger and will give you a 360 view of the flame.
If you have small children or pets, a chiminea is probably a better and safer choice for you as its flames are enclosed and it also creates less smoke.
That said if you don’t have any children and you like to have friends and family around, a firepit is a great statement piece that will keep your guests warm all night.
Which is better clay or cast iron chiminea?
This very much depends on your preference and your budget.
Iron chimineas are more durable and less fragile than clay ones. They also require less maintenance, although they will rust if not maintained properly.
Clay is a cheaper option and they are also easier to move.
Plus, they have a rustic look that is likely to fit well with your other pots and plants in the garden.
Sadly, they are also more fragile and may crack or break without warning.
Do Chimineas keep you warm?
Yes. Chimineas are good outdoor heaters.
They project their heat at a wide distance but it might be best to opt for a larger model if you have a very big outdoor space.
Looking for more budget-friendly options? Browse through our selection of the cheapest fire pits available today.
If you're interested in seeing more recommendations like this, have a look at our Sun Selects page for the best bargains on great products.
Enjoyed our roundup of the best chimineas? Check out the Sun Selects Garden and Tools section for more great reviews and bargains.
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