The best chimineas in 2021 will act as a natural outdoor heater, with all the charm of a rustic camp fire, but added protection of chimneys and even storage space for fire wood.
We've found some top chimineas made of classic clay, hardy cast iron or steel to make the most of your garden space this spring. Whether you want to entertain in your garden or simply enjoy the outdoors as the evenings get lighter, we've found some stylish modern or traditional chimineas for reasonable prices.
Some of the best chimineas in our guide come from top brands like MADE and La Hacienda, and there are also great budget options from B&Q and Argos. Whether you're dealing with a large outdoor space or just a compact patio, there's something for everyone in our roundup. Alternatively, check out the best fire pits of 2021 for open-top options, or take a look at the best patio heaters for electric or gas heating options.
The 5 best chimineas of 2021
The La Hacienda Contemporary Silver Top Chimeneais very fashion-forward, with its matte black finish, tall and slender shape and clean lines. The design is bold and uncluttered, with a 360-degree cutout for your fire so everyone can enjoy it, a very handy feature that few outdoor wood-burning stoves seem to offer. If classic clay isn’t your thing, this is a modern chimenea to suit a modern garden, perfect for Scandi design devotees.
Like all good chimeneas, this steel model from Garden Leisure looks the part even when it’s not in use. Its decorative finish and curvy shape is very attractive, but it’s also very useful when it gets all fired up.
This chiminea comes in either a medium or large size and comes with a rain lid which prevents it from flooding when not in use.
This traditional Mexican-style chimenea is a handsome addition to any patio or courtyard and really looks the part for summer get-togethers. Its embossed floral design and clay construction are authentically rustic and it includes a rain lid to prevent flooding when left outside. If you’re after a classic-look chimenea that’s both useful and beautiful, you’ve found it.
Sturdy and modern, this Abura Metal Chimenea from MADE makes a great minimalist and modern addition to the garden. It releases heat and warmth from two sides, so it’s definitely not one to tuck into a corner — put it in the middle of a patio or sunken garden so that everyone can feel the benefit of the two-sided fire and admire the stylish centrepiece at the same time.
This unusual cast iron stove is part chimenea, part grill, perfect for enthusiastic chefs who like to take their craft outside. Bake or barbecue for your next garden gathering or laid-back family lunch in the upper oven or lower grill, and then use the embers to keep warm when the sun goes down.
Al fresco chefs will find this combined grill and chiminea a dream to use. Overall, it’s our most versatile pick for cooking outdoors. For more options check out the best BBQs.
What is the best chiminea material?
When it comes to materials, there are generally three choices.
Cast iron isn’t prone to knocks or scratches, and will last for years and years with the right treatment.
Steel is still reasonably durable, but is much easier to move by yourself than a heavy cast iron chimenea, if you’re planning on rearranging the garden or patio any time soon.
Clay, meanwhile, is the traditional choice, and is a very simple way to give your garden that rustic southwestern feel.
Whatever type of chimenea you go for, be sure to invest in a weatherproof cover or model with a rain lid for drizzly days.
What is the best chiminea size?
A large chimenea will always look very impressive, but may overwhelm a petite patio or diminutive decking area both in size and heat output.
If you have a smaller garden and don’t want your guests to swelter, we suggest sizing down, but if you frequently entertain and have a lot of space to play with, a modern oversized chimenea is just the thing for keeping everyone warm after dark, and makes a very striking centerpiece.
