The best chiminea for your patio, porch, or garden will largely depend on your individual taste, available space, and budget.
We think any and all chimineas are great, but there are a few models that are particularly good and worth the extra attention. Everyone needs some type of outdoor fire pit in their garden, and a chiminea fire pit is an excellent choice.
In this post, we’re looking at some of the best chiminea fire pits you can buy for the best price online today.
Chiminea Fire Pit Reviews
 | Bali Outdoors Chiminea |
| View On AmazonView On Northern Tool |
 | Sonora Chiminea Fireplace |
| View On AmazonView On Tractor Supply |
 | Blue Rooster Chiminea |
| View On AmazonView On Sunnydaze |
When deciding on the best chiminea for your family there are a few ways you can break down the options.
Consider:
- Size – small, medium, or large
- Material – clay, cast iron, cast aluminum, steel, etc
- Fuel – wood-burning, charcoal, or propane gas
- Style – modern or traditional
- Cooking – some are better for cooking on/in than others
- Features – handles, chimney tops, pokers, etc
- Budget – they range in price from $30 – $1000
Have a think about what you need and what you want when comparing these different options. We have a clay chiminea that suits us well. We have quite a number of other fire pits as well, so our chiminea doesn’t need to be the perfect one for everything. We use different fire pits for different occasions.
This is our clay chiminea – you can learn more about it in this post on how to use a chiminea
We’ll share a bit more about how to choose a chiminea at the end of this post, but first, here is more info about the chimineas in the table above, plus a number more.
1. Bali Outdoors Cast Iron Chiminea
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction
- Mid-sized compared to what’s out there
- Weighs only 40 lbs making it easy to move
This cast iron chiminea is one of the best-selling models in America.
It’s a more modern chiminea that can be enjoyed by everyone sitting in a circle. Unlike a clay chiminea, it can be viewed from 360 degrees because of the wire mesh body. This is an excellent feature because the models that only have the opening on one side aren’t as suitable for a group to sit around.
One verified purchaser on Amazon, Dan27, said:
Seems like a good price. I took the advice of others here and coated all parts with rustoleum engine paint ($15/can x 2). Hopefully this will extend the life. Assembly is slightly difficult as washers/nuts go through many pieces that you have to hold together at odd angles. Instructions are ok, I question the design though. The chimney is solid metal and weighs a ton, but it sits on top of everything else made from very thin sheet metal… I’m saving the base from my Hampton Bay chimnea where the screen rusted out in case I need it for parts later… the bowl on the HB chimnea is thick unlike this one.
There are downsides to having a 360-degree mesh as well though. The wood will burn faster as it has more oxygen, and it’s not going to get as hot because more of the heat is being dispersed outwards. This means it’s not the best for roasting, whereas a closed chiminea is much better for that.
It’s a great idea to watch the video on the Amazon listing as it shows the fire pit in action along with everything that comes with it (chimney cap, grill, log rack, fire poker, etc.). This model is a pretty good deal!
Pros:
- The sliding door gives easy access and contains the fuel/fire
- Easy to empty the ashtray means you don’t have to dig for the ash
- Viewable from all sides means everyone will be warm
- The included chimney cap will keep the rain out when not in use
- Comes with everything you need to use it (other than the wood)
- Chimney directs smoke from the eyes
Cons:
- Won’t get as hot as a clay oven due to being open
- Not the thickest metal, though cast iron is tough
- Cast iron will rust when it gets wet, though it doesn’t always look terrible
- The chimney may eventually be too heavy to be supported by the mesh frame
2. Terracotta Clay Chiminea
- Terracotta clay in a rustic style
- small-sized with a metal stand
- 31 lbs and comes with a chimney cap
This type of traditional clay chiminea is more like what was originally used in Mexico.
A clay fire pit does not tend to be as durable as metal alternatives and can be damaged by the weather. Rain, in particular, is really bad for them and so it’s best to get a good chiminea cover at the same time you buy it.
My family and I have a clay chiminea like this and we get a lot of use out of it. It’s great for cooking in or on and it doesn’t go through as much wood as a model with mesh. It also looks great in the garden, kind of like a piece of garden art, even when not in use. We actually use it as a bird feeder sometimes!
For a rustic look, you can’t really beat a traditional clay chiminea. They can be just as durable and last just as long as a metal chiminea when you look after them.
Most models come with a metal stand to keep them off the ground and should last for many, many years. It’s a good idea to put sand in the bottom of a clay chiminea in order to prevent heat from cracking the bottom. It also creates a good base for a fire.
Pros:
- Rustic traditional-style chiminea
- Looks great in the garden and can be multi-function
- Can reach higher temps due to being more closed off
Cons:
- Best to be covered when not in use
- May not last as long as metal chimineas (though that’s debatable)
- Easier to damage during transportation compared to metal models
- Clay models don’t usually come with grills and other accessories
3. Sonora Metal Chiminea Fire Pit
- Brushed bronze-colored alloy steel
- Large or full size with mesh sides
- 75 lbs with embossed designs
This metal chiminea is very similar to the Bali Outdoors model, but it’s quite a bit larger (and heavier).
It’s made from cast iron and alloy steel, which is a great metal for this type of outdoor fire pit. It heats up quickly and radiates warmth outwards. This chiminea looks excellent with its embossed designs and it has been finished in high-temperature bronze paint.
It has a sliding mesh door like the Bali Outdoors model which allows you to fill it with wood and then close it up. Because it’s so similar to the first model we shared, it’s worth comparing prices and thinking about just going with the cheaper on the day (which changes).
Again, this type isn’t the absolute best for cooking, but you certainly still can do so, both inside the firebox (once you’ve got embers and the fire has died down) or on top of the chimney. Check out these other great cast iron fire pits in a range of styles if you like this metal.
Pros:
- 360-degree fire pit everyone can sit around
- It’s a good size and has the nice designs
- Comes with a log grate, poker, and rain cap
- Ashtray makes it easier to empty ash
- Durable metal will last many years when stored well
- Easily assembled
Cons:
- This will rust over time, especially if left in the rain or moisture
- It’s not ultra-durable, and many strong fires may weaken the mesh
- Because of the mesh sides, the chimney doesn’t always draw smoke away effectively
4. Blue Rooster Chiminea That Won’t Rust
- Large cast aluminum chiminea
- It’s a beast at 80 lbs
- Traditional style available in gold, antique green, or charcoal
The Blue Rooster produces beautifully designed chimineas that can be fueled with wood, propane, or natural gas.
The model above is the Dragonfly and it’s made of thick cast aluminum. It’s a lot more durable than the cheaper alternatives, but you do have to pay for it. The company is based in Northern Minnesota and that’s where these chimineas are designed (though made in China).
Cast aluminum won’t rust and is ultra-durable so it can be expected to last for years and years. This type of product can also be relied upon as a source of emergency heating and a spot to cook. See the complete range of The Blue Rooster Chiminea for all their stunning options.
One reviewer said:
Outstanding craftsmanship, sturdy and attractive. A beautiful fire right in our own deck. Worth every penny!!!
Pros:
- Wonderful designs that are highly durable
- Rust-resistant and comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- Carry handles that make shifting it hassle-free (though 2 people are required)
- A real feature piece in any home or garden
- Highly rated and reviewed by buyers
Cons:
- One of the most expensive chimineas
- The door is said to be slightly flimsy
5. Sunnydaze Modern Steel Chiminea
- Made of 4-gauge steel
- 360-degree view and heat
- Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
The Sunnydaze Black Steel Wood-Burning Chiminea is not cheap, but it’s better than any of the “more affordable” chiminea. It’s much larger, at 57″ tall and there’s more to it.
This model has a larger firebox than most chiminea, and being square shaped it can fit a lot more wood in it. It comes with a rain cap and flue grill for cooking up top. And what’s more, it also comes with a cover included, so that’s one less thing you need to worry about.
We have another Sunnydaze Fire Pit (a small cast iron model), and it has been bulletproof. We’ve used it for years and have not given it the best care, but it remains in fantastic condition.
Check out their entire range of chiminea and other types of fire pits on their website where they frequently have sales.
6. Endless Summer Modern Steel Chimenea
- Steel square chiminea
- Mid-sized with a unique design
- A popular 40 lb backyard fire pit
The Endless Summer wood-burning chiminea is a popular model from Home Depot.
As you’ll have noticed, it’s not a rotund chiminea as our other options, and you can fit a lot more wood in here, including some decent-sized logs. It also has mesh metal sides making it the type of fire pit you can sit around and everyone can enjoy watching the flames.
It has a larger chimney that can better draw smoke away from the campsite and has a cool slide-out cooking surface. If outdoor cooking is an important feature for you, check out these fire pits with grills that are designed largely for this purpose.
Pros:
- Comes with a cooking grate and slide-out cooking surface
- Durable steel is easy to clean and maintain
- The large chimney can be more effective at directing smoke away compared to alternatives
Cons:
- Not super sturdy, especially after a lot of use
- Can be prone to rust, like most outdoor metal products
- Reports that the construction isn’t very tidy or accurate
7. Outdoor Fire Pit With Chimney
- Rust resistant steel and ceramic tile
- Very large outdoor fireplace
- 113 lbs makes it difficult to relocate
As a bit of a ‘mystery chiminea’ – or something else you might like to think about – an outdoor fireplace.
This model from Sunjoy is like a chiminea, but it’s nothing like a traditional Mexican chiminea. The Sunjoy Heirloom Wood Burning Steel Fireplace will be perfect for certain patios, decks, and outdoor areas.
Chimneys are great because they direct smoke from the fire pit away from those sitting around the fire, one of the only annoyances of regular wood-burning fire pits.
This option is mostly constructed of steel, is very heavy, and is designed to be put in a permanent position and not shifted around. If you like the look of it, check out the range of other Sunjoy Outdoor Fireplaces as they have some much bigger options alongside other fire pits.
Pros:
- A big outdoor fireplace
- Can put out a decent amount of heat
- A high chimney directs heat away
Cons:
- Difficult to move
- Not everybody’s style
Clay Or Metal Chiminea
Is it best to get a metal or clay chiminea?
It really depends on what you like. Metal chiminea tend to last longer (as long as you choose one that is well constructed) but clay chiminea has a certain aesthetic that many are looking for.
Clay chiminea looks really nice hidden away in the garden, but if there’s rain on the horizon, they need to be covered anyway. Some of them do last a decent amount of time without being covered, but you’ll certainly get a longer life out of them if you do.
One downside of some metals is that they rust. Cast iron, for example, will rust if it gets and remains wet. We leave our cast iron pit out in the weather, and it has rusted. However, we don’t mind the rusty look at all.
Cast aluminum, which many of The Blue Rooster Chimineas are made from, does not rust. Neither do stainless steel fire pits, such as the Solo Stove. Steel fire pits (non-stainless) will rust if left in the weather uncovered.
When you want to buy a metal chiminea for sale, find out the thickness of the metal. The thinner ones are usually not as good.
Gas Or Wood-Burning Chiminea
While the major majority of chimineas are wood-burning, there are some that can also be used with propane or natural gas.
Here is the range of Blue Rooster products that can be converted for use or bought with gas lines so that you can choose your fuel. They can get 20,000 – 32,000 BTUs. Personally, we prefer wood-burning chiminea, but there are pros and cons for both.
Pros and cons of wood-burning:
- Collect wood
- Keep adding wood
- Clean up ashes
- Can’t be used as close to structures
- You get smoke
But you just can’t compete with the wood fire aesthetic. Yes, it’s more work, but it’s worth it.
Pros and cons of gas:
- You need to put in a line or hide the gas tank
- Doesn’t put out as much heat (generally speaking)
- Often not as big and bright a fire
The cool thing is that they are maybe a bit better on patios, porches, and decks because they can be considered less of a fire risk. You don’t need to worry about sparks and that sort of thing.
However, if you want a chiminea, you really should go wood-burning.
If you like the benefits of gas, check out these awesome propane fire pits – it includes fire pit tables and fire pit conversation pieces.
Small, Medium, Or Large Chiminea
Chiminea comes in all shapes in styles, BUT the common feature I think we can all agree on is that they are ‘fire pits with a chimney.’
And, as you will have seen in the table at the start of this post, they come in many sizes and weights – some are very little while others are really large. The smallest chiminea I’ve seen is this one on Amazon – only 15″ tall and weighing 10 lbs!
It’s actually not for wood-burning use but as an insect-repellant sort of thing, so we shouldn’t really consider it as a chiminea. The Blue Rooster Chiminea are all quite large and heavy as they are made from thicker metal and are more durable.
The best option for you simply depends on your space, budget, and style. Bigger chiminea will allow you to have larger, hotter fires, but not everyone needs that. Titan Fire Pits aren’t chiminea, but they’re BIG if that’s what you’re looking for!
If you want something super portable, consider these portable gas fire pits designed to be chucked in the car and used at the beach, park, or a friend’s place.
Best Features For Chimineas
There is a range of different features you can choose or not choose to have with your fire pit. Some of them are really good to have, such as a grill, while others are not as important, like handles.
Here they are so you can think about them:
- Chimney cap – can help with smoking food or keeping the rain out
- Grill – makes it easier to cook but can be bought separately
- Ashtray – can make it easier to clean out the ashes
- Handles – helps with shifting it around the garden
- Portability – smaller can be transported
- Stands – the strength of the feet or stand
- Fuel – only wood or gas and wood
Of course, the better the features, the more you’re going to end up spending.
Outdoor Chiminea Ideas
The Bali Outdoors Chiminea is a great all-rounder for the price, and it makes sense for it to be the best-seller. It’s functional, easy to set up and use, and it’s good for use with a group of people.
Every chiminea has its pros and cons, so its about weighing up what you want with what you’re willing to spend. For us, we really liked the look of clay chiminea, and have other fire pits that are suitable for groups, so that’s what we went with. You can check out more rustic fire pits here.
Let us know if you have any more questions in the comment section below.
