Chimineas FAQs

• What is a chiminea?

  Chimineas are essentially outdoor fireplaces. They have a large, round bowl where the fuel is burned and a narrower chimney on top which usually has a removable lid. You can use them to provide heat while you are outside, whether in a garden or patio area or any other outdoor space. 

  Check out our handy little guide on the best chimineas, to find the chiminea most suited to you!

• Why choose a chiminea for your garden?

  There is a wide range of outdoor heating available, from patio heaters to fire pits, so why choose a chiminea? Not only do they provide heat, they also make a stylish garden feature in their own right and an attractive focal point.

  You can use your chiminea all year through. While many people enjoy them on balmy summer evenings or after a barbecue, an outdoor chiminea will help you to make the most of your garden during autumn and winter too.

  Many of our chimineas for sale also have the added function of a barbecue grill, so you can impress friends and family with freshly cooked culinary delights!

• Metal vs. clay chimineas: which is better?

  We supply both metal chimineas in cast iron and steel, as well as clay chimineas. If you are unsure which material is best for you, here are a few things to consider:

  Style
  Clay is a long-established material for chimineas so if you prefer a traditional, rustic style, similar to the style of the original Mexican chimineas, clay is best for you. Steel or cast iron chimineas have a much more modern, contemporary look.

  Colour & pattern
  In keeping with their modern style, metal chimineas often tend to be monochrome (usually black, bronze and other similar colours) and without pattern. Clay chimineas on the other hand come in a range of colours from terracotta to bright blue and frequently display a pattern or design.

  Grill
  If you are looking for a chiminea that you can use for cooking, a steel or cast iron chiminea is best for you; most of these are supplied with a grill, whilst very few clay chimineas are.

  If you have any queries or need further information about any of the chimineas we supply, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

• Chiminea accessories

  We stock all the accessories you need to look after and get the most out of your garden chiminea. Our weatherproof covers will protect your chiminea from rain and cold and are available in three sizes so you can find the perfect fit!

  Many chimineas are supplied with a handy grill for cooking food, but to make it even easier for you, we also supply a range of cooking utensils ideal for use with a chiminea, from pizza stones and toastie makers to roasting pans for chestnuts. Why not grab yourself a sturdy steel toasting fork and relax with some delicious marshmallows toasting over the chiminea fire?

  And of course, how can you enjoy all of this without a good supply of chiminea fuel? We offer a range of fuels and heat logs which will keep your fire going for several hours and are completely environmentally friendly.

• How do you use a chiminea?

  To make a fire, you'll need to:

  
  

  1. Add 5cm of sand in the base of your chiminea.
  2. Tear strips of newspaper and bunch together in the base.
  3. Add some small then large kindling. 
  4. Place large logs on top.
  5. Light the newspaper with matches.

  For more detailed advice on how to use a chiminea see our guide. 

• What are the best chimineas made of?

  If longevity is your priority over other factors you’d likely consider such as style and appearance, then cast iron would be the best option. Each material of chiminea has its own quirks and maintenance needed to keep them in their best condition.

  Cast iron chimineas are robust and long-standing with low levels of maintenance. They don't need to be stored away in colder weather however are heavier than other alternatives so you probably wouldn't want to move them around. Clay chimineas are a classic style and extremely popular. They cannot be used if they are damp and should be stored away in winter. Stainless steel chimineas are cheap and lightweight. They aren't as long-lasting as cast iron or clay and need storing away in cold weather.

• Is a chiminea better than a fire pit?

  In terms of safety, a chiminea is better as flames are controlled to go upwards rather than an open fire that fire pits offer. They also keep smoke away from everyone sitting around enjoying the warmth and create an upward draft of smoke – so no sore eyes or coughs!

  Chimineas also need less attention than a fire pit as they were originally designed to bake bread so can retain heat and burn for a longer period of time. This requires less fuss and poking around to keep the flames active.

  When looking at style and design, there are more options available in different colours, so you can tailor your outside area to be more unique.

  Browse more outdoor heating options and create the perfect alfresco atmosphere with garden lighting and garden sofa sets.