A Chiminea Fire Pit Is the Key to Cozy Outdoor Evenings
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Summer nights are made to spend outdoors, and the easiest way to keep things cozy and warm after the sun goes down is with an outdoor fire pit. "It livens up the entire area," Mitch Brean, founder and head designer of the California-based outdoor furnishings company Stone Yard, Inc., says. "A fire fixture is such a welcoming element." However, many fire pits involve digging into your yard or hooking up to your home's gas line, and even the most portable patio heaters require an electrical outlet. A traditional chiminea (the Spanish word for "chimney," pronounced "che-meh-NEH-yah"), on the other hand, is much more easygoing. These ceramic and metal wood-burning fire pits usually sit on a stand and are very portable, and they work even on a small patio or grassy backyard. Plus, they bring a distinct rustic design element into your outdoor space, which is partly why these 16th century pieces are still popular today. To learn more about chiminea fire pits, where they come from, and how to add one to your backyard, read on.
History of Chiminea
Originating in Mexico (dating back to the 16th or 17th century) and Western states like California and Arizona, chiminea fire pits are traditionally handmade of clay and shaped like a bulb. Chimineas were designed to be fire pits you could use in any weather. Thanks to its signature long, narrow chimney, a chiminea will keep going even in the rain; the amount of water that can fall through isn't enough to put out the flames. Modeled after Eastern European potbelly stoves, older chimineas had larger openings on the front to allow room to put in pots and pans to cook over the flames.
These days, some people do use chimineas for purely decorative purposes as garden art with an authentic rustic or Southwestern aesthetic. But these wood-burning fire pits aren't just for looks—they're highly regarded for their portability, durability, and effectiveness. After igniting, chimineas can reach full burn in 15 minutes, giving off a great deal of heat. Aromatic woods like cedar and hickory are often burned for their fragrance. And, as with any wood-burning outdoor fire pit or fireplace, the fire in a chiminea is easy to control.
Key Design Elements to Look For
Shape
Similar to a tulip bulb or garlic clove, chiminea fire pits have a rounded, wide base that tapers up to a long, narrow chimney. Midcentury options tend to abandon the curves in favor of a sharp, triangular shape for the base, but the long narrow chimney remains.
Materials
Clay and terra cotta are most common materials used in making chiminea. Midcentury versions are typically crafted from metals like copper, cast iron, or steel, and tend to have larger openings. "If you opt for metal, beware of it being too hot to touch when a fire is burning," says Brean. "Ceramic tends to be cooler, but still hot."
Size
Chimineas come in a wide range of sizes. They're usually between 12 to 16 inches in diameter on the smaller end with a height of 25 to 30 inches (including the stand). Traditional chimineas sit atop an iron or metal stand, but more modern ones will be taller and have feet or an attached cylindrical base.
Chiminea Examples
Angled Obelisk Chiminea
Angled Obelisk Chiminea
Terrain
$398.00
Terra Cotta Chiminea
Terra Cotta Chiminea
Amazon
$189.99
Chiminea Fire Pit
Chiminea Fire Pit
Home Depot
$211.39
Where to Put a Chiminea Fire Pit
Like any fire fixture, a chiminea needs plenty of open space around it. Even though the flame is well contained, you don't want put a chiminea too close to your home, outdoor seating, or garden, to avoid the risk of fire or smoke damage. Brean recommends placing it on a flat area (grass is okay) at least 10 feet away from the closest wall. A patio corner is better than the center of a ring of chairs, since chimineas can cast heat quite far and tend to be tall—you don't want to block anyone's view or conversation.
How to Care for Your Chiminea Fire Pit
To protect your chiminea from the elements (and the changing seasons), we recommend buying a cover for it. Many versions come with their own cover included. Just beware of covering the chiminea while it's still hot or burning; let it cool down completely first. In the winter or during any major inclement weather, you'll want to move your chiminea indoors or into a garage or shed to protect it.
If you opt for a clay chiminea, many manufacturers recommend applying an acrylic sealant to the surface prior to using it for the first time and every eight weeks during peak seasons to protect it from moisture, which will cause the clay to soften and crack.
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