Chiminea vs fire pit: which is best?

What is a chiminea?

The word ‘chiminea’ derives from the word ‘chimney’, which makes sense once you look at them! They’re freestanding wood burners with a small opening at the front for fuel and a narrow opening at the top for smoke.

Popular models are made from clay, cast iron, or other metals. They’re an excellent fuss-free way of creating a bit of heat in your garden, and they look great too. From small and lightweight options that you can move around, to large and imposing clay options to make a statement, there are loads of options out there to suit your outside space.

What are the benefits of a chiminea?

Radiant heat

Being an enclosed burner, a chiminea doesn’t just have the heat from the fire to keep you cosy – the walls themselves warm up too, kicking out heat even after the fire has run down! Chimineas made from thicker materials, such as clay or cast iron, will generally retain heat for longer than those made from steel.

Easy to use

Chimineas are nice and simple to light. Because they only have one opening and are sheltered, you won’t have such a hard time getting them lit if it’s a bit breezy. And, once they’re lit, they’re likely to stay lit and burn for longer than a fire pit.

Less smoke

Sometimes, with an open fire pit, it feels like the smoke blows in whichever direction you’re sitting! A chiminea funnels the smoke up and out through its chimney, so you can enjoy the heat without breathing in smoke and going to bed smelling like a bonfire.

What is a fire pit?

Fire pits come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but they’re ultimately an open wood burner which sits on your patio. There are wood-burning and gas-powered options, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

Most fire pits are metal, and their designs range from traditional all the way to modern and contemporary. They can be a real centrepiece to your patio setup, and many are beautiful even when they aren’t lit!

Many fire pits come with a mesh lid as an added safety feature, and some have grills for some rustic outdoor cooking! If you’re a keen camper, there are fire pits out there that come with carry bags so you can take them away with you.

What are the benefits of a fire pit?

Great value

Compared to most chimineas, fire pits are at a lower price point – perfect for price-conscious patio lovers. They can also double up as a BBQ, so you get two outdoor classics for the price of one!

Immediate lighting

If you go for a gas fire pit, you won’t have to worry about burning your thumb on a lighter or getting through thirty matches to get the thing going. Connect your gas canister and turn it on – instant fire, instant heat, instant good times in the garden.

360-degree heat

As fire pits aren’t enclosed like chimineas, they kick out a good amount of heat as soon as they’re lit, and they’re not directional, meaning everyone can get a piece of the heat! They’re nice and easy to keep topped up with fuel, too.

Things to bear in mind

Safety

Whenever you’re dealing with fire, safety should be your number one priority. Chimineas only have a small opening to get to the fire itself and are enclosed enough to stop sparks and large flames from coming into contact with anything (or anyone) around you. Fire pits are much more open to the elements, so stray embers, ash and smoke can easily come off from the fire.

Fire pits also tend to be lighter and more portable than chimineas, which does mean they’re more at risk of tipping over if they’re knocked.

Although chimineas will protect you from excess smoke and sparks, you should still exercise caution as the outer walls will get very hot and retain their heat for a long time – take extra care if there are kids and animals about.

Cleaning

Having a fire pit or a chiminea is messy business. General maintenance involves clearing out any ash from your fire pit or chiminea before using it. If you don’t plan on using it all year, giving it a deeper clean before cold weather is always a good idea. Of course, if your fire pit is gas-powered, cleaning doesn’t take very long at all!

Fire pits are slightly easier to clean than chimineas, in which access is a bit more limited due to design.

Convenience

The choice between a chiminea and a fire pit depends largely on your personal circumstances. If you don’t plan on using it that regularly or your garden space is on the smaller side, a portable fire pit is a good choice to make. However, if you love spending evenings outdoors and your patio setup allows it, a chiminea is a fuss-free and beautiful way of bringing the heat when the sun goes in.

FAQs

Is a chiminea better than a fire pit?

Chimineas are generally easier to light and burn longer than a fire pit, as well as funnelling smoke away from your seating area. However, they’re not as portable as a fire pit and are slightly more difficult to clean!

Do chimineas give off smoke?

Chimineas do give off smoke, but their chimney design means it’s deposited above the fire and won’t blow in your face!

How long will a chiminea last?

With the right care, a good-quality chiminea can last a lifetime. Make sure you give it a good clean occasionally, and if it’s not going to be used, protect it with a cover to keep it sheltered from the elements.