For about 4 centuries, people have been using chiminea as space heaters for central areas and ovens in their homes. Many people still use chiminea as central space heaters today. Because of the evolution of humanity over the centuries, we no longer use this device in our homes to provide warmth.
Chimineas are still very much useful in certain areas of the house such as the patio or garden, and they serve as centrepieces. They make an impressive addition to gardens and they are great for BBQs, garden parties, and other social gatherings where a fire will guarantee some additional warmth to the environment or enhance its aesthetical feel.
Chimineas were initially made of clay. However, with new technology and resources, you can now find chimineas made of steel and cast iron. There are different chimineas on the market, and they are not all designed equal. With the many options on the market, many people find it difficult to pick an option that best suits their needs.
They make these devices from a variety of materials like steel, cast iron, and clay. They are also available in different sizes, shapes, and designs. Some of them look exquisite and they can add to the aesthetic of your patio or garden. However, beauty is only one of the many things you need to consider when purchasing this item. There are many factors you need to put into consideration when looking for the ideal chimineas to buy. Besides looking good, you also want to make sure the device is highly functional, and it performs very well.
You need to invest in a chiminea that will work best with your patio or garden and still maintain its functionality and purpose. To help you pick the best chiminea for your patio or garden, whether you are looking for a traditional clay design, affordable steel chiminea, or premium cast-iron model, we have done our findings and compiled a list of the best models that are highly functional, durable, and aesthetically appealing.
Read on to see our top recommendations and our comprehensive buyer’s guide to help streamline your decision-making process.
Vital Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Chiminea for Heat
There is a variety of chiminea on the market today, in both online stores and brick-and-mortar stores. The price of this device also varies depending on the material used to make it, the design, features, and functionalities. There are budget-friendly models and more expensive models that do not just look good but work well as well.
As mentioned earlier, they use a wide range of materials in the production of this device, and this makes it somewhat tricky to find the most suitable option for your needs. However, when you know the key features and factors to look for, finding the best chiminea will no longer be an issue for you.
You should go for an option that is very easy to maintain, one that can handle the amount of heat that you get from a huge flame, and a highly versatile model that does not function with a single fuel source. Here are other key factors to consider when buying a chiminea.
Weight
While this device is designed to remain in one place for an extended period, you might need to move it around occasionally. If you want to be moving your chiminea around the patio or garden with no issues, you want to make sure you opt for a lightweight model.
Interestingly, some chimineas are very round and tall but they weigh very little. Some tall and bulky models weigh as little as 13kg, and this makes it a simple task to move around and reposition whenever you want. So what you want to do is to make sure that the outdoor fireplace that you get is lightweight and very easy to move around.
Fuel Types
You also want to consider the type of fuel the chiminea uses. Many chimineas work with coal as a fuel source. However, some of them can also burn logs/wood, peat, and briskets. When picking a model, you want to make sure you go for an option that uses different fuels. Versatile models are much better, as they function with almost anything.
Maintenance
Another vital thing to consider is an easy-to-maintain model. You want to make sure you opt for a model that you can clean easily and maintain without fuss. Chimineas made of cast iron and steel are much easier to clean and maintain. However, those made of clay are a little difficult to clean and maintain.
Each model and brand also has a cover that you can use to cover them when it is not in use, but you have to purchase the cover separately. A few models come with a cover, and you want to look out for that when buying one. Some brands also offer discounted prices for their covers when you buy them together with the chiminea.
Accessories
Some chimineas come with a few vital accessories such as a grill or multi-tool. All the chimineas on this guide come with a grill which comes in handy in many situations. When buying a chiminea, it is important to know what is in the package. If you opt for a chiminea that uses charcoal as its fuel source, you want to make sure the device comes with a charcoal grate. Hence, you should make sure the chiminea comes with all the basic accessories you need to use it.
With this guide, you’ll know the important things you need to identify and consider when buying a chiminea.
Here is the review of some of the best and most recommended chimineas on the market.
The 8 Best Chimineas for Your Garden Space
Blumfeldt Knight on Fire – Garden Fireplace, Terrace Stove
Right at the top of our list is the blumfeldt Knight on Fire. This chiminea is super lightweight, as it weighs only 13.44 kg. The lightweight design of the fireplace makes it very easy to transport and move around the patio or garden. It is made of robust steel, which is a highly durable and lightweight material.
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This chiminea comes with many prominent features including a food-safe grill that can easily be removed, which allows you to heat or cook your patio. You can position this chiminea on medium-sized deckings and large-sized gardens. Assembling this unit is like a breeze, as it takes less time and expertise. It comes with a step-by-step guide on how to put it together quickly and easily.
Cleaning this chiminea is also a very simple task, thanks to its simple design and build-material. The only thing missing is a vented rain lid to protect the unit when exposed to the rain.
As with most metallic garden appliances, you can prevent any risk of rusting, by purchasing a cover with it. The cover is usually sold on its own and it will help to protect your device through the winter.
This unit is 66cm high and 51cm wide. It is finished in black heat-resistant paint, which means it will not wear out soon. This unit is designed to add warmth and style to your outdoor space. It is highly durable and will serve you for a very long time.
- Very large and strong steel, wood burner
- Very easy to assemble
- Amazing design
- Great for medium to large-sized patios
- Adds ambience and warmth
- Lightweight and very easy to move
- A lot of logs can easily fit inside it
Verdict
This is a great chiminea, and it is ideal for those with medium to large-sized patios and gardens. If you are looking for a highly durable chiminea to provide ambience and warmth in your outdoor space, you should consider the Blumfeldt Knight on Fire garden fireplace as an option. It is budget-friendly, lightweight, highly functional, and provides great value for money. We highly recommend this chiminea.
Primrose Santa Lucia Cast Iron Chiminea
The next highly rated chiminea is the Primrose Santa Lucia Cast Iron Chiminea. This chiminea radiates an exceptional warmness to keep you super comfortable in your patio or garden during the winter. This unit is made of cast iron, which is one of the best materials used to make chimineas. It will not rust like those made of steel, but it is more expensive.
This unit is highly durable and it will serve you in different seasons.
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It has more than enough room for burning your fire logs, thanks to its generous height of 85cm and width of 47cm. This is a highly versatile chiminea as it uses original sources of fuel including wood. It burns different types of fuel to provide the right level of heat to keep you warm. This chiminea also comes with a paint finish that can withstand high-temperatures, this helps preserve its appearance for a very long time.
For additional protection when it is not in use, this unit comes with a cover. This will save you the extra cost of buying a cover. The cover is also made of high-quality material and it will not wear out or get ruined. It can also withstand any weather condition.
The cast iron construction is one of the major selling points of this unit. However, the cast iron made it a little heavy, but the additional weight provides more stability. It is stable enough not to be easily tipped over. This unit features an amazing design, providing you with a stylish way of bringing ambience and heat to your outdoor space.
It also comes with a removable swing out grill, which is a very useful accessory. This chiminea creates the atmospheric effect of an authentic Spanish Hacienda. The depth of this unit is 40cm, and it is deep enough to contain more fuel. It is also very easy to assemble, thanks to the assembly and care instructions.
There is also a rain lid to protect this unit in different weather conditions. The package of this unit includes a mesh safety door, swing-out grill, air vent, hand tool, rain lid, assembly and care instructions, log/charcoal grate, and carry handles. This will make a significant addition to the aesthetic of your garden or patio while keeping you warm in the cold and providing you with a place to great little BBQs.
- It is designed to withstand any weather
- Made of hand-welded steel
- Good-looking and modern design
- Blends with the design of any patio or garden
- It maintains its appearance, thanks to its high-temperature paint
- Stress-free assembly
Verdict
If you are looking for a chiminea made of a high-quality material that will serve you for a very long time, you should consider this option. It is made using cast iron and it can withstand any weather condition regardless of how harsh it is. You can have a conversation around this unit while using its grill to make some nice, delicious meal. The craftsmanship of this unit is great and it will enhance the look and ambience of your patio or garden.
Gardeco Elidir Cast Iron Fire Pit
The Gardeco Elidir Cast Iron Fire Pit is another great option to consider if you are looking for a highly functional fire pit. This fire bowl is made of 100 per cent cast iron, which is highly durable and weather-resistant. If you are looking for a great chiminea for your decking area or grass garden, this is one of the best options to consider. It is a multifunctional tool, and it comes with several useful accessories.
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One of the very useful accessories this unit comes with is a poker, which you can use to stoke your fire and lift hot grates. It has a low centre of gravity which gives it more stability and it has three evenly spaced legs for better support. It stands firm on the ground and it can hold its ground even in the harshest weather conditions. This unit can handle any level of heat, thanks to the cast iron construction.
It is so durable and it has three sturdy legs for enhanced stability. The decorative cast iron legs are great for prolonged and frequent use. You can use this fire pit for very big fires. It comes with a cooking BBQ grill and tool, which are very useful and important accessories. The weight of this item is 16.2kg, and it is very easy to move from one place to another.
It has a traditional design that will fit into any garden or patio. This firepot uses different types of fuel including wood, coal, and charcoal. It also comes with an impressive 5-year warranty, which is more than enough to guarantee that you are investing in a high-quality product. However, manoeuvring this fire pit is a bit difficult because of its heavy-duty material.
The pot is also a bit low, which means you will need to bend down low when you intend to use it. If you have any back or waist issues, this is not the best option to consider. Besides that, this unit is great, and it is highly functional.
- Charcoal pit for grilling
- Made of strong cast material
- Very easy to assemble
- Decorative and stable legs
- Designed to withstand any amount of heat
- Serves as a grill and heater
- Awesome rustic design for patios, homes, and gardens
- Evenly spaced cast-iron legs
- Low centre of gravity for stability
- It comes with multi-tool and other useful accessories
Verdict
If what you are after is a low maintenance, sturdy heater/grill, we recommend you go for this option. It is one of the best fire pits on the market and it can handle any heat. You can use it for both small and large fires. It is made of 100 per cent cast iron materials and it will serve you for a long time. It is cost-effective and it offers great value for money. It also comes with several useful functionalities and accessories to provide you with a wonderful time in your garden or patio.
TecTake Cast Iron Chiminea Terrace Stove
The TecTake Cast Iron Chiminea Terrace Stove can only be described as highly functional and versatile. This is an exceptional practical chiminea, and it comes with a modern design. It can blend into any space in your garden or patio regardless of the design, thanks to its modern build. It is also highly versatile as it comes with a BBQ grill which can swivel in place. The grill comes in handy in many scenarios and it functions very well.
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It can also be used for outdoor barbecuing and cooking. Another significant feature of this unit is that it uses almost many fuel types. It can be used with different fuel and can handle very high heat. This chiminea also heats up quickly, ensuring you are never cold when close to it.
Tectake designed this chiminea with steel, a sturdy and durable material. The legs are also made of cast iron and they are screwed to the unit for enhanced strength and stability. To control the output of the heat, this unit comes with an air vent. It also has a charcoal grill, and a mesh hinged door with a latch.
This chiminea is great for outdoor cookouts, thanks to its portable and lightweight design. You can move it around the garden or patio with ease, as it weighs just 15kg. It will come in handy when you and your friends are having a little outdoor gathering. This unit comes with many prominent features that make it very easy to use.
Another useful accessory that comes with this unit is the lid. The lid protects your fire from going out during unfavourable weather. This very stylish piece is 44cm long, 52cm wide, and 115cm high. However, the downside of this product is that the body paint is not as durable as it should be.
Since it is made of steel, there is every chance that if not taken care of properly it will rust.
- Very large
- Versatile – uses any type of fuel
- The legs and top are made of cast iron
- Unique and stylish design
- It comes with a chim-stove attachment
- Air vent to control the output of heat
- Super lightweight design
Verdict
This chiminea will be a significant addition to your patio or garden. It comes with outstanding features and it has a stylish design that will fit into any outdoor space. The design is pretty simple, and it is very easy to use. You can use it to perform different tasks, including cooking, BBQ, and keeping yourself warm. It is a brilliant investment and we highly recommend it.
Marko Outdoor Garden Cast Iron Steel Chimenea
The Marko Outdoor Garden Cast Iron Steel Chimenea is designed for those looking for high-value chimineas. This unit comes with many amazing features that separate it from many chimineas on the market today. It has been designed to last and the ease-of-use makes it a great option for first-time users.
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It offers many great functionalities yet at a very affordable price. It is one of the most affordable chimineas on our list, and its affordability does not affect its functionality. The entire unit is made of steel, which contributes to its lightweight design. This unit is highly durable and strong. It features a portable and lightweight design. Weighing only 6.9kg, you can move this unit around whenever you want.
You can use this unit for barbecuing and cooking food, thanks to its pull-out grill. It heats up quickly and provides extreme heat for cooking and keeping you warm. This unit is also designed to prevent damage on your patio or lawn, and it features an amazing design that beautifies any space you put it in.
It has decorative legs, which are made of high-quality materials. The legs are also sturdy and durable. It has a front air vent for adequate heat control. The package also includes a rain lid, mesh door, safety tool, and log grate.
The width of this chiminea is 32cm while the height and length are 112cm and 52cm, respectively. It features heat-resistant black paint. However, as time passes, the black paint will start wearing off, and it will need repainting.
- The grill is easy to remove
- It comes with a pull-out grill
- Comes with a metal tool and rain lid
- Features a unique and stylish design
- Ideal for use on a decking or patio area
- Made of alloy steel
- Resilient and sturdy construction
- It comes with a fuel grate
- Chrome-plated cooking grill
Verdict
The design of the Marko Outdoor Garden Cast Iron Steel Chimenea makes it perfect for use on a decking or patio area. It is lightweight, portable, and very easy to use. It comes with many significant features and you can use it to cook while it keeps you warm. It is also relatively cheap, making it a great option for people looking for a budget-friendly chiminea.
La Hacienda Colorado Chiminea
If you are looking for a chiminea with a contemporary design, we recommend you go for the La Hacienda Extra Large Colorado Chiminea. This unit comes with a fancy design that will enhance the look and feel of your outdoor space. It is ideal for the garden, patio, and any outdoor space. The width of this fireplace is 60cm while the height is 160cm.
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It is great for medium to large gardens, and you will love how it will make your garden look. This unit has a contemporary design that makes it stand out. It is a bit weighty, as it weighs 23kg. However, it is still somewhat easy to move around whenever you want. Assembling this chiminea is also not an issue, thanks to its easy-to-read, step-by-step instructions.
If you are looking for a chiminea that heats up very quickly, this is the right unit for you. With this unit, you no longer have to spend a lot of time waiting for your chiminea to get hot, as it produces heat quickly. You can also use different types of fuel with this fireplace, as it burns charcoal, wood, coal, and more.
It is also a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly chiminea, as it is very affordable. Interestingly, its affordability does not affect its functionality, and it is still made of high-quality materials. We recommend you place this unit on a nonflammable substance, as it gets extremely hot beneath it and might leave burn marks on your lawn.
- Heats up quickly and produces a lot of heat
- It comes with an easy-to-read for easy assembly
- It uses many solid fuels
- It comes with a metal tool and log grate
- Great for medium to large gardens
- Amazing contemporary design
- Comes with chrome-plated collar
- Cleaning and emptying it is very easy
- Very easy to maintain
Verdict
This unit will be a great addition to your garden, but you need to put something underneath it. It is functional, and it heats up very quickly. It also burns through fuel quickly, so you need to be prepared for that. However, it still offers great value for money and it is a great choice to consider if you want to save some bucks.
Kingfisher Black Steel Burner with Built in Log Store
If you have a contemporary or modern garden, consider the Kingfisher Black Steel Burner, as it would fit in your garden perfectly. This chiminea is great for staying warm throughout the year. It is supplied with heat-resistant black paint that is great for maintaining the appearance of the chiminea.
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The exterior design can handle any amount of heat and still keep its brilliant look. Many people also love this unit because it is very easy to clean and empty. Maintaining it is not an issue, thanks to its simple design. It also has an inbuilt log store that allows you to store your fuel with ease, and this helps to keep your space clean and tidy. It also makes your fuel very easy to access.
This unit is not wide, but it features a robust and durable construction. It is also very tall and fairly light. The lightweight design of this unit makes it easy to transport and move around. The one downside to this chiminea is that the pan is not as wide as it should be. So storing logs underneath the burner itself isn’t a good idea as embers fall down beneath the pan which has a gap around it.
The rest of the design of this chiminea is really great and it will enhance the aesthetic of your garden or patio if used properly. The overall height of the unit is 135cm, and it uses different fuel types.
- Durable and sturdy construction
- Easily accessible wood storage
- Laser-cut and stunning design
- Contemporary design that fits into any garden and patio
- Black heat-resistant paint
- Tapered compact design
- Very easy to clean and empty
- Highly durable
Verdict
This unit is great for those looking for a chiminea with a modern design for their gardens. However, it lacks the functionality of being used for cooking and barbecuing. It features an impressive design that will create the right atmosphere while providing you with a warm and comfortable environment. The pan is not wide enough to catch every spak and ember falling down the side and caution should be taken when using a lot of logs.
Gasdepot Real Flame Outdoor Pyramid Patio Heater
The last on our list is the Gasdepot Real Flame Outdoor Pyramid Patio Heater. This unit comes with several amazing features and it offers great value for your money. This hand-crafted chiminea features a unique design that separates it from many others on the market. It features a yellow and brown finish and it will look great on your garden or patio.
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It has a four-legged stand, which are spaced appropriately to give more balance. You will not experience any tipping over with this unit, thanks to its round base. It also has a rain lid to protect it when it is raining. It is also designed to withstand all the weather elements.
It will also do an outstanding job to help you stay warm on frosty nights. It heats up quickly and produces a lot of heat as well. The walls also emit a constant heatwave. This unit will enhance the look of your garden or patio.
It also comes with a chrome-plated cooking grill. The base is made of steel and it is highly durable.
- It burns using a gas feed
- The stand is made of steel
- Very easy to clean
- It comes with a rain lid
- Ideal for use in all weather conditions
- Low centre of gravity
- Heats quickly and produces constant heatwave
- Easy to maintain
Verdict
This product is great for those looking for very fancy and beautiful chimineas to add to the aesthetic of their gardens of patios. Wherever you decide to place this patio heater in your garden, this stunning gas heater will provide the atmospheric glow and warm heat at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chimineas
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Do You Need to Put Sand in a Chiminea?
When using a chiminea, sand acts as an insulating product. It helps keep the hottest part of the fire from contact (direct contact) with the base of the chiminea.
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Is a Chiminea Safe on Deck Boards?
When you place your chiminea on your decking without proper protection, you are at the risk of setting that deck on fire. You will be better off placing your chiminea on surfaces such as slate tiles, sand, terracotta, or any fire-resistant surface, for safety.
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Can you use a Chiminea in the winter?
Yes, you can but it is important to make sure that you raise higher than ground level during the winter to avoid water-related damage; or still, place on a brick platform. If you plan on storing your chiminea for the winter, you should definitely clean it thoroughly of soot and ash.
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Can a Chiminea get wet?
The short answer is Yes, it can.
If you are in a scenario where your chiminea is already wet, all you need to do is to avoid covering it, while it is still wet. When you cover a wet chiminea, you are only sealing in the moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to allow all unwanted moisture to evaporate properly. Once dry, then covering it should not be an issue. You can also wait a couple of days after it has rained to make sure it dries completely.
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Can you put sand in the bottom of a Chiminea?
It is important to protect the bottom of your chiminea by layering it with at least 3 inches of the sand. This will protect the bottom of your chiminea from direct heat contact. So put in a layer of sand in the chiminea’s bottom before starting up your fire. You can also add a couple of bricks at the top to create a great effect.
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Why does my Chiminea smoke so Much?
The principal reason your chiminea smokes so much is often because of the type of fuel. Using wet logs or certain types of coal will result in a lot of smoke being generated. Another reason can be because of the direction of the wind and strength.
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Can Chimineas Explode?
Many still get this wrong. Chimineas are not designed for large fires!
When you have a really large fire, there’s always a risk that your chiminea can shatter, crack, and possibly explode. So if you notice sparks or flames coming out at the top of the stack or the front of the bowl, then your fire is too big. You can simply reduce this by removing the larger pieces of wood. Do this until you are sure that the fire has reached a safe level.
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Do Chimineas give off heat?
Take it or not, chiminea are made for heat and they produce a lot of heat. This is bound to happen due to the confined space where the fuel is burnt. Nevertheless, the amount of heat a chiminea can give off could also depend on the type of wood you are actually burning. For instance, if you are using kiln-dried wood, you will certainly going to get you the best results. Nonetheless, any type of seasoned hardwood will do it.
If you have the option of simply placing your chiminea in a corner, then an open front chiminea will be perfect.
Final Thoughts
All the chimineas on this guide are great, but some other highly recommended options include the Gardeco Tia Chiminea, the La Hacienda XL Murcia Steel Chiminea, and the Gardeco Cast Iron Fire Bowl. It is worth noting that these four chimineas are usually out of stock but they provide maximum functionality and they will meet all your basic needs. They are ideal for a wide range of purposes ranging from keeping people warm, barbecuing and cooking during social gatherings, and enhancing the look and feel of your patio or garden.
The Gardeco Tia Chiminea with BBQ Grill features a more modern and practical design. It comes with a BBQ grill that swivels easily and many other great features. You can use it for BBQ, cooking, and to keep warm on cold nights. If you want to organize a small gathering, we highly recommend this chiminea, as you can use it to keep your guest warm and prepare something delicious for them. This chiminea has a lightweight design, and this makes it easy to move around. However, the weight is not distrubuted as evenly as it should be and this makes it a bit unstable. It is also susceptible to rust as it is made of metal. Though, this is more likely to happen after prolonged use.
The La Hacienda Extra Large Colorado Chiminea is another versatile and very useful chiminea. You can use this chiminea in medium to large-sized gardens, as it has a delicate design that blends with different environments. The contemporary design looks great, and it stands out from many other options on the market. It gets hot very quickly, and it generates a lot of heat. It consumes fuel quickly as it produces a lot of heat. It also lacks a fireguard, and this usually results in the production of heat under the bowl.
To prevent the discolouration of your lawn or patio, you should place a nonflammable substance beneath it.
The La Hacienda Murcia Medium Steel Chiminea BBQ also comes with many amazing features and many users consider it to be an amazing item. This chiminea is highly functional and it has just a few drawbacks. After extensive use, the black heat-resistant paint of this chiminea tends to fade away. You may need to repaint it to restore or maintain its appearance. Besides that, this unit works just fine and it is designed to serve you for a very long time. It is also very easy to use, thanks to its simple design.
The La Hacienda 56063B XL Murcia Steel Chiminea with Grill also has a lot to offer. This unit is made of robust steel that boasts of great durability. It comes with a food-safe grill that you can remove, clean, and replace with ease. Nonetheless, this unit is susceptible to rusting as it is made of thin metal. You can prolong the lifespan of this unit by purchasing a cover, especially during the winter.
The Primrose Santa Lucia Cast Iron Chiminea is a highly functional chiminea that works with different sources of fuel. This unit is compact, lightweight, and portable. It is very easy to transport, store, and move around the garden or patio. It is also very easy to put together, empty, clean, and maintain. This fireplace is made of cast iron, which is a durable and lightweight material. It can withstand a lot of heat and still maintain its appearance regardless of how hot it gets.
The Gardeco Elidir Cast Iron Fire Pit is one of the best chimineas on the market today. This unit offers many great features and it is made of cast iron. It is super stable when placed on a flat surface and it is very easy to clean and maintain. It also has a compact design and it can fit into any space. It is a bit weighty, and this gives it more stability. However, the additional weight can make it a bit difficult to move around.
