Are you looking for garden furniture and appliances but don't know where to start? Chimineas are a beautiful garden addition that creates a delightful ambience while keeping you warm.
There are different types of chiminea, so it's not always straightforward to know which is best. As well as supplying high-quality wooden logs, The Homefire team is here to help you choose the best Chiminea for your needs. Let’s get straight into explaining the differences, such as the material choices of chimineas, and comparing their quality and safety to make your choice easier.
Clay Chimineas
Clay is the most traditional material for building a chiminea, and the style reportedly originated in Spain centuries ago. Back then, chimineas were not only heating appliances but used for cooking, too.
The ornate appearance of a clay chiminea appeals to many people, adding rustic aesthetics to your garden. Many modern clay pots are reinforced with grog to temper the material so it doesn't crack as easily under duress. The chances of fracturing are higher among clay pots than in the other materials, but the material’s exterior surface is less likely to be dangerous to touch.
Kiln-dried wood is the best solid fuel choice for a clay pot because wood doesn't reach the temperatures that coal can, meaning a beautiful log fire won't put your appliance at increased risk.
Iron Chimineas
For less chance of fractures, cast iron chimineas make sense; this material can withstand intense heat and is more durable than its clay counterpart. Nonetheless, the iron can become very hot outside, so you must practice caution when near the appliance.
Although cast iron chimineas don't tend to look as appealing as clay chimineas, they are usually long-lasting purchases, can be painted to your colour preference with fire-resistant paint, and are simple to clean once the fire has cooled.
Remember that iron chimineas are likely heavier than steel or clay ones, so moving the appliance can be challenging if you reconsider its garden position.
Steel Chimineas
Steel is perhaps the least likely material of the three we're comparing to rust, so you won't need to concern yourself too much with that. The resistance steel has against extreme heat means the material will stay intact for a long time, perhaps saving you long-term money.
You will likely feel more heat when burning a fire in your steel chiminea than a clay version because steel conducts heat brilliantly. Therefore, steel is a strong choice for the most powerful heat source. Also, steel constructions look more modern than the other options if this is the design you're seeking.
You can generally find cheaper chimineas in steel than other materials, but caution: the cheaper wood-burning models will have a reduced lifespan.
The Verdict: Clay, Iron, or Steel for Chimineas
We can see the benefit of all three choices; clay probably wins that argument if you want the most authentic garden decor with paving or pots. However, iron and steel are more durable materials that aren't as likely to crack under pressure and heat, so bear this in mind before purchasing.
Whatever chiminea you purchase, always select the best kiln-dried logs from Homefire to produce warmth efficiently along with less smoke.
