Having a clay chiminea always makes an amazing addition to any backyard patio, especially if you are looking for that little bit of southwestern flair to liven up your decor. The designs have originated from Mexican and Spanish influences where they have been used for cooking, light, and heating.
In today’s climates, they are mostly used as pieces of decor and a source of heat if you are someone who likes to spend time in the garden when it gets later on in the evening. The historical nature of the outdoor clay chiminea still lives today with replica models using the same terracotta clay materials that were used on the original. This makes these wood-burning chiminea fire pit the perfect canvas for different designs and colors matching a variety of different tastes.
Best Clay Chiminea
1. Fired Up Designs 46-Inch Classic Clay Chiminea
Size: 46” Tall, 23” Wide
Material: Terracotta Clay
Features: Chiminea Lid, Wrought-Iron Stand
Weight: 96 lbs
First up on our list we have a fantastic authentic Mexican clay chiminea. The Fired Up Designs is 46 inches tall and is an almost perfect replica of traditional chiminea which is great if you are seeking a classical design. Packed full of stunning features from the kiln dried clay lid that sits on top of the wood burning chiminea to the wrought stand, every aspect is crafted using only the best materials. This chiminea will certainly make a beautiful addition to any backyard with its minimalistic design and light red colors.
The overall size of this particular chiminea is great too standing at 46 inches tall and 23 inches wide, inclusive of the stand. We love this choice for medium to larger patio decor and are sure that you will too as you sit back and enjoy the fire bowl. The wide opening featured on this clay chiminea is wide enough to allow for lots of heat which is sure to keep you warm as a fire chamber during the cooler evenings.
If you are seeking a traditional looking clay chiminea suitable for wood fires in all weather conditions, this is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Boasts a beautiful Mexican clay chiminea design that is authentic
- Great size allowing a good amount of wood for burning
- Has a stunning terracotta design
Cons
- Slightly higher in price than other wood burning chiminea models
2. Redi-Flame Woodshed Renewables Chiminea Kit
Next up on our best chiminea products list we have this wonderful Redi-Flame woodshed kit that is a slightly smaller wood burning size. Handmade and with extravagant detail, this clay lid chiminea comes with a range of goodies making it excellent value for money. Ideal for smaller patio areas, balconies, and gardens, the petite size of this chiminea stands at 14 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Hand-fired, the chiminea looks especially attractive on a table or positioned in a small alcove.
This chiminea particularly stands out due to all the free extras that come included. You receive two all natural insect repellent logs and wax as well as 3 packs of fire starters for wood burning too. Once the chiminea is lit, the air flow will keep the fire burning in the space for a long period of time and it will only produce a light smoke. A great fire safety option if you are concerned, the Redi-Flame model is built to last and looks superb in any outdoor space.
The focal point of this chiminea is certainly the delicate details that are carved into the clay making it super pretty. As far as traditional design goes, while this clay chiminea is smaller than average it still burns a good amount of wood.
Pros
- Features a stunning intricate design
- A smaller wood burning chiminea making it ideal for tight spaces
- Includes insect repellent as well as fire starters
Cons
- Does not come with a stand included
3. Gardeco AFC-C21.70 Ivory Chiminea
If you are seekng a beautiful handmade fire clay chiminea, look no further than this Gardeco model. Perfect for complementing any outdoor space, it comes with a delicate glazed exterior and a pretty shape. More modern in its design, this wood burning chiminea is almost a piece of art in itself. If you’re looking for a conversation starter for in your garden space, this could be it. Whether you choose to read by the warming fire or want to enjoy roasting foods atop the flames, this outdoor chiminea is going to do just the trick.
Crafted using just a single piece of fire clay, this chiminea comes already assembles and requires no fuss. All you will need to do is position it on the cast iron stand to get the wood burning inside. Extremely lightweight, it can be moved around comfortably and the clay used for this wood burning chiminea won’t crack or get damaged. This is one of few clay models built to last.
This clay chiminea stands at 43 inches tall and 17 inches wide making it one of the bigger options for an outdoor chiminea in our list.
Pros
- Contemporary ivory coloring and minimalist design
- Offers superb cracking resistance
- The chiminea comes with a clay lid and cast iron stand
Cons
- You will need to buy a chiminea cover separately
4. Fired Up Designs 43-inch Iron Clad Clay Chiminea
Another model from Fired Up, this 43 inch tall clay chiminea is both a piece of artwork and a functional heat provider too. Ticking all the boxes for both design and practicality. we love these brown finished clay chiminea which offers exceptional build quality. The addition of a southwestern silhouette adds further to the outdoor chimineas charm. Perfect for any large outdoor space, the chiminea has a 20 inch wide body making it a great size for a huge fire to keep everyone warm.
Using thick traditional Mexican clay, this quality chiminea can be used for cooking and much more. As one of the top products in our list, its detailed finish doesn’t compromise durability at all. This chiminea is certainly built to last for years and comes with top fire safety features too. While this is one of the higher priced chimineas, it is certainly worth the extra not just for its stunning design.
The high-end chiminea is certainly going to make a statement but it is impressively durable too. Able to withstand all weather, this is one of the best chimineas available.
Pros
- Features stunning intricate detailing
- Can withstand all types of weather and is built to last
- Uses high quality terracotta clay
Cons
- Has a higher price point than comparable chimineas
5. Fired Up Designs 42-inch Sun Sketched Clay Chiminea
This handcrafted best clay chiminea is one of our personal favorites featuring a pretty Aztec inspired pattern on the exterior. Made of high quality clay, it’s a perfect centerpiece for any patio and a truly inspiring design in many ways. Transporting you back in time, the beautiful chiminea carries just about everything a traditional product in this category should. Like that of other Fired Up designs, it comes with a rain lid and a cast iron stand to place the outdoor chiminea onto.
Standing at 42 inches tall, it is one of the best size-wise and can be filled with plenty of wood. It can easily hold larger logs for longer lasting fires and the sides of the chiminea won’t heat as quickly as seen with others. This pretty fireplace for outside is going to have everybody gathered around enjoy the warmth.
The overall quality and attractiveness of this patio product alongside its robust build make it a sure winner. We love everything about this design from the iron stand to the conveniently carved out opening.
Pros
- Features a pretty Aztec sun design
- Made of high quality terracotta
- Comes with a stand and lid
- Perfect size for just about any patio
Cons
- Fairly high priced
6. La Hacienda Circles 2 Piece Clay Chimenea
Next on our list is another stunning chiminea that uses clay in a wonderful way for an overall unique design. The La Hacienda Circles outdoor chiminea is one of the most eye-catching one in our chimineas list. Handmade and painted by artisans which means that you may find slight differences between each of these outdoor options.
Considerations Choosing a Clay Chiminea
Shape
The overall shape and design are a big consideration as you want it to look good in your outdoor space, and also there are practical reasons such as the thickness of the chimney will make a difference in how much smoke will be produced.
Materials
The material of your best burning chiminea is a good thing to think about. If you are wanting a more traditional approach to your space then the clay versions are probably going to be the best idea, but there are also more contemporary designs that are made from cast iron, steel, and cast aluminum.
Space
Is there going to be enough space? These items do generate a lot of heat so things to close could melt or even burn so that is a factor to think about, and also is there space in the fire pit to fit standard sized pieces of wood? If there isn’t you will have to chop them down into smaller pieces which aren’t always an option for some people as they don’t have an ax, or a means to chop the wood.
Location
Some places don’t actually allow wood-burning fireplaces both inside and outside the home. If you do want a chiminea but you live in one of these zones then there are models that run from gas or liquid propane that can be a great option to choose.
What Is the Best Type of Chiminea to Buy?
The best type of chiminea to buy comes down to purely your own personal preference. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of different materials. For a more contemporary design, the cast iron or steel models look great, with sharper edges and the black finish they can look really stylish. If you are someone who wants a more traditional look then the terracotta, clay versions are really good paying more homage to the origins of pain and Mexico where this outdoor chimenea style comes from.
Which Is the Best? Metal or Clay Chiminea?
When it comes to choosing a Chiminea what is the best kind to get? there are lots of different pros and cons for both, cast iron is durable if they are maintained properly, but if they are not they will rust over time, but overall they are lower maintenance than the clay burning chiminea. It is good to have some form of covering underneath as the cast iron tends to leave stains on the surface below. They are more expensive and get extremely hot as they heat up so quickly, this gives them a longer cool downtime which can be a hazard in some homes.
The clay chimineas may break, crack, or shatter without much warning when there is a fire in the firebox which can be very dangerous, but overall they are a lot cheaper, don’t require any construction, and are much lighter in weight so they are easy to move around and relocate in your backyard. They do have a shorter life expectancy than the cast-iron models but the shorter cool time is definitely a perk of using a clay model. The designs that come with the clay ones give that more traditional feel and can offer a lot more when it comes to the decoration.
Do Chimineas Really Work?
In full, yes a chiminea does work, it follows the same concept as old-fashioned potbelly stoves and unlike the wider fire pits that are more open, a chiminea contains the smoke and heat. After heating it normally takes around 15 minutes to give off a good amount of heat, then the fire can be controlled like you would on any wood-burning outdoor fire pit or fireplace. They are great for both decoration, but the practicality of generating a controlled heat source without having smoke blowing into your face.
Why Choose a Clay Chiminea?
A clay wood-burning chiminea is a great choice and you should choose this style due to the fast heating and cooling downtimes, and the traditional aspects it brings to any kind of outdoor space. They are a great heat source and a good way to have an open fire in a controlled manner. They can be decorated in lots of different styles and are also a lot lighter than the cast-iron versions making them easy to move around and relocate if you fancy a change around your backyard.
