Showstopping modern chimineas that will upgrade your garden

Chimineas not only look eye-catching but allow you to stay outside for longer, snuggled in a cosy glow. Awood-firedchiminea is a must-have in any modern garden. Neatly contained, these compact burners will fit into any seating area. They will create a favourite go-to spot for a quiet after-dinner coffee or an eye-catching focal point for gatherings with family and friends.

There are all sorts of fabulously sleek designs on the market this year, so they’re also an affordable way to update your outside space. Available in a host of new finishes and materials, these modern models look good even when not lit, so you get plenty of impact for your outlay too. There’s a chiminea out there waiting to warm up your time spent outside, so treat your garden now!

What kind of chiminea do you want?

The very latest designs are sleek, streamlined, and a far cry from the earthy, rustic numbers of yesteryear. Looking good all year round, they add instant height, shape and structure to any patio, deck or garden, regardless of its size, and form a welcoming focal point no one can resist gathering around.

Originally 17th-century Spanish outdoor ovens, chimineas kick out a substantial amount of heat while keeping the burning fuel safely contained. The flames can be viewed through a large opening or mesh door, while the pesky sparks and smoke are swiftly guided up through the tall chimney, well away from those gazing on. If you have children or pets, they’re arguably a safer alternative to low, open firepits, particularly in a tight space.

While many chimineas have a front opening, some manufacturers have reacted to the current trend of arranging garden furniture lounge-style with models offering a 360-degree view of the flames through a mesh panel. These give a little more ambient light too.

The drawback is that these designs don’t retain the heat or draw the smoke up through the flue quite as effectively. So, if you want maximum heat and minimum smoke in your seating area, a full-bodied design may be a better option for you. Other options incorporate laser-cut panels that create distinctive patterns when viewed against the warm, seductive glow from within.

The best chimineas 2022

What to consider when buying a chiminea

Shape and size

There are curvy designs in modern shades, as well as contemporary cocoon shapes. There are sharp cones and pyramids, as well as uber-simple columns. It’s easy to choose a silhouette to suit your plot.

Do think about the scale too, as designs range from 70cm up to a lofty 1.5m high, and there’s a huge variation in the size of footprint available. Freestanding monoliths tend to have a smaller base and are perfect for sitting in a corner or as a central focal point in front of a wall. While, those with prominent legs or a separate steel stand tend to occupy more floor space and are great for commanding a central position.

It’s important that the burner is positioned well away from any trees, overhanging branches or seating, so find one that fits into the space you have available. It’s also worth looking at the size of the firebox’s opening. This will limit the maximum length and quantity of logs that can be burnt. Additionally, think carefully about the height you want the flames to be. If you have a low-slung garden sofa, a chiminea with the fire grate positioned closer to its base may be better.

Details

With a price range from £60 to over £1,000, it’s worth knowing what to look for. Sheet metal designs vary in the thickness and quality of the materials and construction techniques used. Nicola Adams from Morley Stove Companysuggests looking for welded joints as these are stronger and longer-lasting than flat-packed designs that are bolted together. Plus, this means you don’t have the hassle of self-assembly.

Many products come with rain lids or caps, which are well worth having. Place them on top of the smokestack when not in use to stop debris and rain from falling into the chimney. This will damage and weaken the firebox. Fitted rain covers are also handy, especially if you intend to leave a clay or metal burner outside year-round. Look for breathable or vented designs to prevent mould and mildew.

Material

Fired clay or terracotta is the traditional material for a chiminea and it still looks great in a modern garden. Pretty good at radiating heat, inexpensive and tactile, these can be left to naturally weather or be glazed, hand-painted and sealed. The downside is that clay is fragile and if left unsealed prone to cracking in colder climates, rendering the burner useless. It is also trickier to maintain a hot, constant heat with a clay product and you have to be careful not to overload it with logs as this can also lead to the clay cracking.

Cast iron is a popular alternative. Made from molten iron poured into moulds, these chimineas can sometimes be cast in a single piece but are more often made in two or more sections. However, these require assembly. Super-efficient at radiating heat, cast iron chimineas do get very hot, but they’re capable of burning both wood and charcoal unlike other materials. They are heavy to move and store. They can also be costly, particularly with larger designs, although other metals are often introduced to reduce weight and cost.

You’ll find chimineas made of newer materials, such as Corten steel and raw steel too. With industrial overtones, they will upgrade any garden in an instant. Corten steel (sometimes referred to as weathering steel) has a rich rusted surface that develops and changes over time when exposed to the elements without weakening the metal. Raw steel is often finished in heat-resistant paint, but this does need repainting and sealing annually to prevent rust. Both materials are relatively lightweight and pliable, making these suitable for complex and contemporary shapes.

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