We researched dozens of chimineas, evaluating ease of assembly, durability, and value. Our best overall pick, the Freeport Park Amabel Steel Wood Burning Chiminea, has a large opening that is easy to load wood into. It has weather-resistant construction and a rustic look that looks great in any outdoor space. Here are the best chimineas to warm you up. What do buyers say? 100+ Wayfair reviewers rated this product 5 stars. If you’re looking for a chiminea that will add a touch of warmth and flair to your backyard, we recommend the Freeport Park Amabel Steel Wood Burning Chiminea. Our best overall pick, this stylish chiminea stands out for its rust patina coloring and tall 75-inch frame. The large 20-inch by 29-inch bowl gives you an excellent visual of the flames and makes loading wood and cleaning up easy. Assembly is straightforward, too, and the steel material makes this chiminea quite durable in different types of weather. Keep in mind, though, that the original color will change a bit over time as it is exposed to the elements. It is listed as weather-resistant. Despite your proximity to the chiminea, you don’t have to worry about breathing in smokey air. Like most chimineas on this list, its design brings air in through the opening and moves the smoke upward, away from those sitting around it. However, this chiminea doesn’t come with a cover to prevent stray embers from flying out. Unlike some other products, you can also use this chiminea on a wood deck or patio as long as you place a heat-resistant barrier underneath it. Price at time of publish: $490 This chiminea is just under 46 inches tall and 23 inches in diameter, and one of the mesh panels swings open to allow you to add wood to the interior. The fire pit has a removable lid on top of its chimney, and it even comes with a matching fire poker and nylon cover, which will protect the cast iron construction from getting wet when it’s not in use. Price at time of publish: $97 The Modfire is made from steel and comes in several bright, eye-catching colors. It stands 48 inches tall with a 22-inch diameter at the base. The gas-powered models of this unique chiminea include a 55,000-BTU burner inside, kicking off an unbeatable amount of heat, and the brand sells a number of accessories for the fireplace, including a base that elevates it off the ground and a cover. Price at time of publish: $1,950 The Bali Chiminea is extremely durable, thanks to its cast iron construction, and it’s 45 inches tall with a removable lid for the chimney. The base of the fireplace has a 22-inch diameter with a two-piece log grate that provides superior airflow for a more consistent burn, and one of the mesh panels slides to the side, allowing you to add more fuel easily. There’s even a drawer in the base that makes ash disposal quick and convenient! Price at time of publish: $180 This chiminea doesn’t have a traditional narrow chimney out the top—instead, there’s a flip-down door over the main fire pit that reveals a spacious cooking area. This upper oven can fit pizzas up to 14 inches, and there’s a chimney out the top for ventilation. The lower firebox can fit full-size logs, and the unit is extremely well made, as the brand is known for creating products that stand the test of time. Price at time of publish: $890 Made from cold-rolled steel, this stylish chiminea has a modern curved form that’s supported by three angled legs. It comes with a wood grate for more efficient burning, and the tall 6 1/4-inch chimney helps funnel smoke away from your seating area. Price at time of publish: $244 The chiminea comes with eight pounds of lava rocks, which are not only pretty to look at but also hold and help disperse the heat. With a 20-pound propane tank (not included), this chiminea can run for up to 15 hours, depending on the setting. Since it is one of the most lightweight options on this list, we like that it has a tip-over safety switch in case it is bumped into or blows over in a storm. Price at time of publish: $609
Material
Chimineas come in a variety of different materials, including traditional terracotta or clay, steel, cast iron, cast aluminum, or even copper. These materials offer different benefits you’ll want to consider when selecting the right option for your home. For instance, terracotta provides a rustic vibe but is easier to break. Steel is durable and inexpensive but can rust if exposed to the elements, while cast iron retains heat well but is extremely heavy.
Fuel Type
Most chimineas are wood-burning, which means you’ll need a steady supply of logs or sticks to keep them lit. However, there are some newer chimineas that run on liquid propane or natural gas—the former is easily bought in tanks at any hardware store, while the latter requires a connection to your home’s natural gas line.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, a product tester and expert on all things home. She’s owned an outdoor fireplace herself and knows what to look for when shopping for an outdoor heating source. Additional reporting was done by Jenica Currie, Associate Commerce Editor for outdoor, gardening, and home improvement at The Spruce. She has tested products at home and in the Lab, including tower fans, solar lights, and wood-burning fire pits.
