Chimnea is one of those few antique products that are getting popular by the day, even in the modern era. While the concept of a chiminea goes hundreds of years back, this product continues to be used and utilized across the world.
While some people use chimineas as outdoor heaters, others use them as decorative pieces. Either way, chimineas are certainly gaining a lot of popularity, which has led to the introduction of newer designs of the same product, with multiple variations and options.
If you’re looking to buy a chiminea, you should make sure that you’re going for the one that suits your needs. While modern designs and functionalities might overwhelm you at first because there are so many options to choose from, we have prepared a complete guide that will help you find the best chimineas of 2022.
What are the Most Popular Materials that the Best Chimineas are made of?
When you’re looking to purchase the best chiminea, the most important aspect that you will have to consider is the material. While there are several materials that chimineas are made of, here are the most popular and commonly found types:
Clay Chimineas
Clay is arguably the most popular material that has been traditionally used to make chimineas. While modern designs have started adopting other materials, clay still remains popular due to the sense of authenticity that it provides and its connection with the traditional mexican-style chimineas.
Clay chimineas are also popular because they are considerably safer if you have children or pets around. Compared to iron and steel, the external surface of clay chimineas do not usually heat up to an extent that would cause severe burns upon contact, making it a safer option. Moreover, clay chimineas are also cleaner and more-environment friendly if you will be burning wood, as clay chimineas are capable of combusting wood more effectively, leaving minimal residue behind. Lastly, clay chimineas are also easier to install.
On the other hand, clay chimineas are not the most durable and would require more maintenance. Chimineas made of clay cannot withstand harsh winters and will have to be protected against such severe weather. Moreover, you will also have to apply heat resistant sealant and seasoning in order to prevent it from cracking or shattering entirely.
Cast Iron Chiminea
Cast-iron chiminea is a useful innovation in this product category and is considered as the most durable, reliable, and long-lasting variant of chimineas. If you’re looking for a heating solution that is both aesthetic and robust, cast iron chimineas are the way to go.
To begin with, cast iron chimineas can burn coal, charcoal, or wood, providing you with more options as far as burning materials are concerned. This type of chimineas can also produce higher temperatures without any risk of cracking or shattering, making it a very effective choice even for larger spaces. Due to the nature of the material, these chimineas do not require a lot of maintenance.
On the other hand, these cast iron chimineas are quite heavy and difficult to move around. Moreover, these chimineas conduct heat really well, which means that the external surface will heat up to dangerous levels which may cause burns upon contact. Consequently, it might not be the ideal choice if you have kids or pets around. Cast-iron is also prone to rust; however, a rust-resistant paint will be enough to mitigate the risk of rusting.
Steel Chimineas
Stainless steel is another one of the popular materials that are used to make chimineas. A steel chiminea is usually considered as one of the more affordable and convenient options to purchase and use.
Chimineas made of stainless steel are inexpensive to begin with, making it easy for just about anyone to purchase these. These chimineas are also lighter and can be moved around easily. Moreover, steel chimineas are often coated in rust-resistant paint, which makes them less prone to rusting.
On the other hand, steel chimineas do not generate a lot of heat, making them less suitable for larger spaces. They’re also less durable and robust compared to cast iron chimineas and would not be as long lasting.
What Accessories Should be Purchased Alongside a Chiminea?
If you’re looking to purchase the best chiminea, it would also be a good idea to purchase some accessories along with it. Here are the most important accessories that you should buy:
Chiminea Cover
A chiminea cover is something that you should certainly have and you should buy one if it does not come with the chiminea that you purchase. It will protect your chiminea against external elements such as harsh weather, dampness, and dust, and will make sure that your product lasts longer.
Fuel Poker
It is a good idea to have a fuel poker when buying a chiminea, in order to move burning fuel (wood, coal, etc.) around in a safe manner.
Gravel/Lava stones
If you’re purchasing a clay chiminea, you need to purchase some gravel/lava stones that you will be lining at the bottom of your chiminea, in order to protect the shell against cracking or shattering.
Can a Chiminia also be Used for Cooking?
While looking at the best chimineas to buy, you should also consider if the product can be used for cooking or not. While clay chimineas cannot be used for cooking, iron and steel chimineas do have cooking capabilities, given that you’ve purchased the required equipment and accessories algonside.
If you’re planning to use your chiminea for cooking purposes as well, you should go for the model that is capable of doing so and purchase things such as a removable grill, toasting poker, cooking iron, etc.
What Safety Precautions must be taken before purchasing a Chimnea
Safety is one of the most important considerations when you’re looking to buy a chiminea. Of course, you should take all the necessary precautions that one must take when dealing with such things but there are a couple of accessories that you should also purchase for this purpose:
Floor Protection
If you’re planning to place your chiminea over a wood deck patio, you will need protection for your floor to protect it against damage.
Chiminea Guard
A chiminea guard is especially important if you’re buying a cast-iron chiminea. Since Iron is an excellent conductor of heat, cast-iron chimineas can heat up to dangerous levels and a chiminea guard should be placed around the chiminea to protect anyone against intentional/unintentional contact with the surface.
FAQs
Do Chimineas need seasoning?
Only the clay chimineas need seasoning, in order to prevent cracking or shattering.
Can Chimineas be used around Children and Pets?
You should take some precautions if you’re going to be using your chiminea around kids and pets. You must purchase a chiminea guard to put around the chiminea, specially when you’re using iron or steel chimineas.
Can Chimineas be used indoors?
No, Chimineas are designed to be used outdoors and using them indoors can be dangerous and hence should be avoided.