8 best chimineas for evenings in the garden

With summer just around the corner, naturally, our minds turn to al fresco entertaining. We’ve got the garden furniture, the barbecue setup, and the outdoor lighting sorted but, even on the

warmest days, our patio space can feel decidedly fresh once the sun goes down. However, a top-rated chiminea makes for a stylish, functional and versatile outdoor fireplace that bring warmth

and ambience to al fresco soirées. The freestanding, portable heater has its design roots in central America. While many contemporary styles have been given a stark redesign, they all aim

to achieve the same result: keeping us toasty warm with a crackling fire, while safely directing smoke up and away. Most modern designs are crafted from a hard-wearing steel and feature a

generously sized and user-friendly opening for fuel. Some boast additional storage for logs, too. If you’re in the market for a traditional clay crafted chiminea, these classic pot-bellied

designs prove surprisingly effective, considering they date back to ancient Mexico, where they were used for cooking and heating. Whether you go traditional or you plump for an imposing

contemporary patio piece, your chiminea will require care and maintenance. Consider how easy it will be to clean the void of the chiminea, and think about materials, too. Some are best

covered when not in use, while others are designed to be left out in the elements, gaining a characterful patina over time. It’s also worth mentioning each product will have its own

recommendations on the best types of fuel to use. Keep reading to discover our pick of the best chimineas on the market. HOW WE TESTED THE BEST CHIMINEAS We tested a range of outdoor

heaters, looking for user-friendly design as well as considering how easily and quickly we could light a fire, how long the fire lasted, and the overall heat (and light) output, depending on

the size of the product. We tested each chiminea in terms of sturdiness and weight, quality of craftsmanship and materials, too. We also looked at the overall designs, and whether they

offered a big impact on the style front. THE BEST CHIMINEAS FOR 2024 ARE: * BEST CHIMINEA OVERALL – Atkin and Thyme Primo wood-burning chiminea: £299, Atkinandthyme.co.uk * BEST BUDGET

CHIMINEA – La Hacienda Venezuela clay chiminea: £70, Homebase.co.uk * BEST TRADITIONAL CHIMINEA – Gardenco Colima X-large chiminea: £214.99, Robertdyas.co.uk * BEST TEAR-SHAPED CHIMINEA –

Cuckooland Cooper gold and carbon tear outdoor fireplace: £399.95, cuckooland.co.uk