A chiminea fire pit is a front-loading fireplace or oven with a vertical vent or chimney.
They may look more decorative than practical, but these uniquely shaped outdoor fireplaces do a lot more than tie your patio space together.
Thanks to their round bases and narrow smokestacks, chiminea fire pits produce a lot of heat, use very little fuel, virtually eliminate smoke and flyaway sparks, and make the yard and patio more inviting.
While these handsome fireplaces were traditionally made from clay, modern chiminea fire pit manufacturers have experimented with the bulbous design and upgraded building materials for increased safety and durability. Some chiminea fire pits even convert into wood-burning grills!
There are lots of chiminea fire pits to choose from, but you’ll only find the best ones here!
Table of Contents
The Best Chiminea Fire Pits for 2024
Here is my list of the best chiminea fire pit options for the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. in 2024. I’ll start with the five best choices in terms of value, convenience, design, and cost.
Click on the name to read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to read the entire list by clicking here.
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Best Chiminea Reviews
Here are the complete reviews of the ten best chiminea fire pits in 2024. Keep reading after the reviews for a guide on what to look for when choosing a chiminea fire pit.
1. Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Chiminea – Best Overall Choice #1
The Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Chiminea earns the Best Overall Choice Award for its consumer-friendly price, sturdy cast iron construction, and handsome design.
In total, this wood-burning chiminea pit measures 22” W X 20” H, so it is relatively compact yet large enough to accommodate logs as long as 16”.
There’s a lot to like here. I like that this outdoor fireplace sits on four sturdy legs, putting the fire chamber at just the right height when you’re sitting in a standard patio chair.
This outdoor fireplace also comes with a removable ash catcher tray, which gathers any stray coals that might fall through the fresh air circulation compartment at the bottom of the heating chamber. This increases safety and eases cleanup.
I also like that the entire perimeter of the fire chamber is covered in mesh. This gives you a 360-degree view of the fire inside while also eliminating dangerous flyaway ash.
This steel chiminea also features a round roof with a rain cap, which protects the fire pit from the rain and funnels smoke up and away from your guests.
So here’s what you get with this cast iron chiminea: an elevated, 360-degree fire bowl with a sliding door for easy refueling. You also get a rain cap for all-weather use, a fire poker, and a removable ash catcher tray.
If you’re looking for a sleek and rugged design, 360-degree views, and an efficient ventilation system, you’ll like the Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Chiminea.
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2. Blue Rooster Venetian Chiminea – Best Overall Choice #2
The Blue Rooster Venetian Chiminea is another one of my favorite outdoor backyard fireplaces. This unit earns high marks for its large-capacity chamber and two-in-one grill/fireplace design.
Unlike other iron chimineas, this one can be used as a fire pit for burning wood or a traditional grill. To transform, just remove the chimney, drop your cast iron grates, fill the bowl with wood or charcoal, and get to work.
The Blue Rooster measures 22” X 22” X 52” and weighs in at 85 pounds. It’s much taller than it is wide, so ideal for compact patios with limited storage. This cast aluminum cooker also sits on a broad, anti-tip base which places plenty of space between the fire and your deck.
I also like the large-capacity firebox, which is big enough to accommodate up to 20” logs.
If you’re looking to give your patio or outdoor space an upgrade, the Blue Rooster cast aluminum fire pit will certainly help. I like the hourglass design, which flows from the tip of the chimney to the base.
This regal design is accentuated by the textured scrollwork you’ll find on the lip, center, and top of the chimney.
I also like that the Blue Rooster comes with a heavy-duty hinged safety door with an easy-lock handle.
If you’re looking for a sturdy design and a two-in-one grill that you can gather around for an evening fire or cookout, check out the Blue Rooster Venetian Chiminea.
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3. Sunnydaze Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace
If you like sleek design, sturdy construction, and a consumer-friendly price tag, check out the Sunnydaze Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace.
This is one of the nicer-looking wood-burning chiminea units. I like the sleek, cylindrical design and the powder-coated finish, which gives this steel metal chiminea all-weather protection.
This unit measures 22” X 22” X 60” and weighs 39 pounds, making it relatively compact and lightweight. So you’ll have no trouble moving this unit around or finding space for it amongst your furniture and cooler.
I also like that this unit sits on three sturdy legs, which put the unit at just the right height while also placing plenty of distance between the firebox and the deck.
While some might prefer metal chimineas with a hinged safety door, I like the look of an open chamber. I also like that this unit has a 60” tall smokestack, which keeps the smoke flowing upward rather than towards guests.
Unlike other outdoor chimineas, this one comes with a 4-millimeter thick, 15” diameter steel wood grate. This feature keeps wood elevated and air flowing to reduce smoke.
If you’re looking for a sleek, consumer-friendly cold rolled steel chiminea, you’ll like the Sunnydaze Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace.
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4. Better Homes and Gardens Cast Iron Chiminea
The Better Homes and Gardens Cast Iron Chiminea is another favorite wood-burning chiminea. This unit earns solid points for its cast iron construction, sleek 360-degree design, and entry-level price tag.
This may be one of the most affordable units on the list, but it is surprisingly well-made and handsome.
Unlike other cast iron chimineas, this one comes with a round chamber, which gives you a 350-degree view of the action. Because of this, more guests can gather around the crackling fire without crowding.
I also like that the entire perimeter of the bowl is covered with round wire mesh screening, which not only looks great but improves safety by catching stray embers.
Those looking to make their patio space more inviting will find that this unit pairs nicely with any patio furniture. I like the antique look and the bronze finish of this cast iron chiminea.
A bonus is that this unit comes with a rain lid, matching fire poker, and a nylon cover to give you all-weather protection.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly housewarming gift or simply want an affordable piece to spruce up your gazebo or patio space, check out the Better Homes and Gardens Cast Iron Chiminea.
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5. Prairie Cast Aluminum Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace
The Prairie Cast Aluminum Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace is another one of my favorite models. This one stands out for its lifetime warranty, easy cleanup, and two-in-one grilling capability.
Once the fire is going, this fire pit creates very little smoke. And what little it does produce is channeled upward (rather than out) thanks to the wide-mouthed chimney.
I also like that this cast aluminum fire pit comes with a grilling insert, which allows you to shift from campfire to cooker in seconds.
Those concerned about fire safety will be happy to know that this unit is both efficient and safe. This unit comes with a hinged safety door to prevent flyaway ash and sparks. And because the door is made of mesh, you can still roast marshmallows!
This unit also sits on a sturdy tripod stand, which provides plenty of space between the fire and the patio. So you should have no problem using this unit on a wooden deck.
It’s also convenient in that when you’re done with the fire, you can just stop adding wood and allow the fire to burn itself out.
This unit weighs 80 pounds, so while it isn’t light, it comes with two sturdy ring handles, making it reasonably easy to move around the backyard or patio.
While cast iron fire pits are known for their increased durability and lifespan, the Prairie Cast Aluminum Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace comes with a powder-coated finish for all-weather protection.
If you want even more peace of mind, you’ll be happy to know that this unit comes with a generous lifetime warranty.
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6. Bali Outdoors Outdoor Fireplace Wooden Fire Pit
The Bali Outdoors Outdoor Fireplace Wooden Fire Pit is one of the most affordable cast iron chimineas on the market. Still, it is a surprisingly handsome and efficient two-in-one unit.
There’s a lot to like about the Bali outdoors chiminea. It is compact and lightweight, at only 22” X 22” X 45.7” and only 40 pounds. So you’ll have no trouble moving this unit around the outdoor space.
Despite its compact footprint, the Bali outdoors chiminea is large enough to keep the entire crowd warm. That’s partially because the whole perimeter of the firebox is covered in mesh.
This gives you a 360-degree view of the fire inside so that you can enjoy the fire from any angle. This feature also eliminates dangerous flyaway ash.
This unit sits on four sturdy legs, and just beneath the cooking chamber, you’ll find a large ash catcher. While most of the food and ash will burn up inside the chamber, this gives you added peace of mind when using it on wooden decks.
This unit also comes with a handy charcoal grid. So when you want to cook food, all you have to do is pop the chimney off, set your grates, and get to work. Extras include a matching fire poker, chimney mesh cover, and a rain lid for added all-weather protection.
If you’re looking for a two-in-one unit that is handsome, well made, and lightweight enough to move around, this may be the best chiminea for the price.
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7. Blue Rooster Gatsby Vintage Cast Iron Chiminea
The Blue Rooster Gatsby Vintage Cast Iron Chiminea is another one of my favorite units. This one earns high marks for its durable construction and regal design.
The Blue Rooster measures 44” X 20” and weighs in at 65 pounds. So this is a little smaller than some of the other units on the market. I see that as an advantage, particularly for those with small stone patio spaces or decks.
If you like classic, turn-of-the-century design, you’ll like this unit. I especially like the loop handles and the wrought iron-style legs, which look great and put plenty of room between the fire and the patio.
This unit also comes with its own spark inhibitors located inside the chimney to prevent flyaway ash and sparks. This unit also comes with a removable rain lid, a sturdy front screen for added protection, and a bottle of touch-up paint.
It’s worth mentioning that the legs on this unit are shorter than most. This doesn’t bother me, but if you want to bring the fire to eye level, you may prop this unit up on a brick or stone platform.
If you like antique design, sturdy construction, and an efficient burning system, you’ll enjoy the Blue Rooster Gatsby Vintage Cast Iron Chiminea.
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8. Esschert Design Chiminea Heater
If you’re looking for a compact design, zero assembly, and an entry-level price tag, you’ll like the Esschert Design Chiminea Heater.
This cast iron fireplace measures 15.75” X 14.96” X 27.95”, making it one of the most compact cast-iron units on the list. So this unit is ideal for small patios and outdoor spaces. And at only 46 pounds, you’ll have no trouble moving this unit around.
This may be a small cast iron fireplace, but it puts out an impressive amount of heat.
This unit is a breeze to set up, but it’s not manufactured with razor-sharp precision. While it does come with a removable rain lid, it doesn’t have a hinged door or any fancy bells and whistles. Still, I don’t consider that a dealbreaker, especially considering the price.
I also like how efficient this unit is. When you want the fire to die out, just stop feeding it wood. After about fifteen minutes, the fire will go out on its own. So no more wasted logs or waiting around for hours for the fire to safely die down.
If you’re looking for a compact fireplace that’s easy to set up, efficient, and very consumer-friendly, check out the Esschert Design Chiminea Heater.
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9. Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace
If I had to choose a favorite entry-level cast iron chiminea, it’d be the Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace.
There’s a lot to like here. To start, it’s made out of solid cast iron and treated with a brushed gold finish. So it’s a perfect blend of antique and modern, which pairs nicely with most patio furniture.
I also like that the entire perimeter of the fire chamber is covered in mesh. This gives you a 360-degree view of the fire inside while also eliminating dangerous flyaway ash.
Unlike other budget-friendly cast iron chimineas, this one has a sliding safety door, which swings open for easy refueling.
This steel chiminea also comes with a log grate fire tool and hanger and a chimney topper for all-weather protection.
So here’s what you get with this cast iron chiminea: a sturdy, 360-degree unit with an antique gold finish.
You also get a sturdy stand that elevates the firebox to just the perfect eye level when you’re seated. Plus, you get a convenient door for increased protection and easy refueling.
If you’re looking for a great budget-friendly fireplace to replace your old in-ground fire pit, check out the Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace.
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10. Better Homes & Gardens Antique Chiminea
The Better Homes & Gardens Antique Chiminea is nearly identical to the Better Homes and Gardens Cast Iron Chiminea with one exception: it’s larger.
So here’s what you get with this unit: a 22.8” X 45.7” fireplace with a rain top, a matching fire poker, and a nylon cover.
Unlike a clay chiminea, this one comes with a circular chamber, which gives you a 350-degree view of the action. Because of this, more guests can gather around the crackling fire without crowding.
I also like that the entire perimeter of the bowl is covered with round wire mesh screening, which not only looks great but improves safety by catching stray embers.
Those looking to make their patio space more inviting will find that this unit pairs nicely with most patio furniture. I like the antique look and the bronze finish of this cast iron chiminea.
If you’re looking for a large, mid-priced patio fireplace that is sturdy and handsome, check out the Better Homes and Gardens Cast Iron Chiminea.
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Why should I buy a chiminea fire pit?
Chiminea fire pits have been around since the 17th century, but they are showing up on more patios thanks to their decorative design, low smoke output, efficient burning capability, and safety features.
If you’re unsure if a chiminea is suitable for you, read on to find out what makes them unique.
Timeless design
While many sleek and stylish traditional fire pits are available on the market, chiminea fire pits have a timeless look that never goes out of style. While the elevated fire bowl and stack were created for efficiency (to redirect smoke away from those gathered around the fire), the design is also aesthetically pleasing.
In short, chiminea fire pits just look excellent no matter where you put them or regardless of the patio furniture with which you pair them.
Safety
In addition to being handsome, chiminea fire pits are also incredibly safe. Thanks to the elevated bowl and chimney, flames are directed up and out of the stack, which gives you a much more controlled burn than you’ll achieve with most fire rings.
A bonus is that most chimineas come with a mesh door and smokestack grate system, eliminating flyaway ash and sparks.
Less smoke
There’s nothing worse than being chased by campfire smoke. The good news is that chimineas eliminate the need to play musical chairs. As air enters the front of the chiminea, it is then pulled up through the stack, creating a draft that draws smoke up rather than out.
Hands-off user experience
The beauty of chimineas is that they’ll burn for hours with only a couple of small logs. So once you get a fire going, you can just sit back and enjoy rather than tending to the flames. Chimineas were initially designed for baking bread, so they are intended to be long-burning.
It can be used just about anywhere
While many fire pits can be used on wood decks and small patios, many users favor chimineas for their increased safety features. Chimineas have elevated fireboxes, so they are safe to use on almost any surface. A bonus is that most units come with a mesh door and a smokestack with a built-in spark catcher. So they are incredibly safe to use.
What features to look for in a chiminea fire pit
There are several features to consider when shopping for a chiminea. These include accessories, safety features, shape, and the additional features below.
Accessories
While chimineas can be purchased as standalone units, I recommend buying one that comes with a rain cover and chimney stack lid. Both accessories will extend the life of your chiminea by deterring rust and corrosion caused by water, sun, and snow.
Safety features
In general, chimineas are incredibly safe to use. However, those who want to maximize safety may prefer units with a mesh door and a smokestack with spark inhibitors. These two features allow you to soak up heat while at the same time protecting you from flyaway ash and debris.
Clay or metal
Clay and metal chimineas both have advantages and limitations. Metal chimineas are generally heavier than clay units, but they are also more expensive and will rust and corrode over time. Clay chimineas are lighter and cheaper than metal units. The downside is that they can become brittle with time and are prone to cracking.
Size of the burn area
If you are looking for a mostly-decorative unit to tie together your patio space, most any chiminea, regardless of size, will do. However, if you like to entertain large groups and enjoy hot, smokeless fires, you may prefer a circular unit that provides a 360-degree view of the fire.
These units are excellent because they are omnidirectional, meaning that everyone can enjoy the show regardless of where they are sitting.
What is the best chiminea fire pit for you?
So what is the best chiminea fire pit for you? That ultimately depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. However, if I had to choose a standout unit, it’d be the Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Chiminea.
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I like that this outdoor fireplace sits on four sturdy legs, putting the fire chamber at just the right height when you’re sitting in a standard patio chair.
This outdoor fireplace also comes with a removable ash catcher tray, which gathers any stray coals. So this unit is safe to use on just about any surface, including wood decks.
I also like that the entire perimeter of the fire chamber is covered in mesh. This gives you a 360-degree view of the fire inside while also eliminating dangerous flyaway ash.
This chiminea also comes with a rain topper, which gives you all-weather protection.
If you’re looking for a consumer-friendly price, sturdy cast iron construction, and 360-degree views, check out the Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Chiminea.
Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you found a chiminea fire pit to warm up your outdoor space and keep you warm and smoke-free this season!
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