Chimineas are space-saving free-standing outdoor fireplaces and ovens that are believed to have originated in Spain and have been used for centuries.
Today, chimineas are becoming increasingly popular because of their portability, ease of use, versatility, and aesthetical qualities.
They are mostly made of clay or metal. We prefer the durability and portability of the cast aluminum ones.
If you are looking for the best-cast aluminum chimineas in 2022, and want to know more about the benefits of owning and using a portable outdoor fire pit like this, then read on.
What’s a chiminea?
The chiminea is a portable outdoor wood-burning fireplace that can be used for added heat, illumination, aesthetic purposes, and even for grilling and cooking.
Traditionally, the chimineas were made of fired clay when they first began being made and used in Spain centuries ago and later in Mexico and the Southwestern USA.
Today, the cast aluminum chimineas are growing increasingly popular, not only for their durability, safety and ease of use, and portability but also for their beautiful designs, which can become accents in any outdoor space – large or small.
Advantages of cast aluminum chimineas
Cast aluminum chimineas are becoming more popular than the traditional fire clay and terracotta ones, and even than the cast iron ones, due to the following benefits they offer:
- They are lighter and thus more portable than cast iron and clay ones
- Cast aluminum is very durable and rust-resistant
- High temperatures will not damage cast aluminum
- Most of them have grates for better airflow
- They are made from molds rather than being handmade
- They are very elegant and come in different designs and with different patterns and textures
- The chimineas come in all sizes, shapes, and designs, suitable for any taste and budget
- These outdoor fire pits are easy to clean and maintain
- You can use them for heat, light, and cooking
- Many of them come with very long and sometimes lifetime warranties for peace of mind
Best cast aluminum chimineas
Here are our selections for the top-rated and finest cast aluminum chimineas available in 2022.
The Blue Rooster Dragonfly Chiminea in Antique Green
This stunning cast aluminum Dragonfly chiminea by The Blue Rooster is our top choice for the best one money can buy in 2022.
It has a gorgeous, eye-catching rounded design with dragonfly and floral textured elements and a stylish green finish, and thus will easily become a great decoration for any patio or other outdoor space.
The high-quality chiminea is made of rust-proof solid cast aluminum, which will endure the test of time. As evidence, the company offers a lifetime warranty for this outdoor portable wood-burning fire pit.
While it is extremely durable, this fireplace and oven has convenient carry handles and weighs less than 80 lbs. so it is portable and can easily be moved around the deck, yard, or other outdoor space when needed.
The size of this fireplace is 52 inches in height, and it has a 23 x 23 inch round firebox and three legs, so it has a rather small footprint, suitable even for smaller spaces.
Its neck can be detached, and the chiminea can be used as a grill when you feel like searing some steaks or cooking delicious burgers and other food.
The floral and faunal intricate design and green finish will blend with the natural settings of your backyard, adding yet another stunning centerpiece to your outdoor space.
The round firebox has a large and wide mouth that can easily fit wood logs with a length of 20 inches and more and is easy to access and empty and clean when needed.
It comes with everything you will need to start using the chiminea as a source of 360-degree radiant heat and a raised fire pit, as a light source and as a grill, including a safety mouth screen, a neck spark screen, a grilling insert, a rain lid and a tool made of wood.
The spark screens for the fire pit’s mouth and neck will protect you and your property from dangerous sparks and burns during use.
The screens and other hardware are made of durable stainless steel, which adds to the sturdiness of this outdoor portable fire pit.
Overall, it is a gorgeous, durable, and versatile portable wood-burning fire pit and grill which you can use when you want to spend more time outdoors, even on cooler nights, and for grilling as well as for added light when relaxing outside.
The Blue Rooster Prairie Outdoor Chiminea
This is another top-quality cast aluminum chiminea designed and made by The Blue Rooster, which is among our top three favorites for 2022.
The lightweight and yet very durable outdoor fire pit and grill have a small footprint, so you can use it even if you have limited space on your deck, patio, or yard.
The size of the firebox of the Rooster Prairie chiminea is 18 x 18 inches, and its wide mouth allows for easy fitting and use of wood logs of up to 16 inches. The height of this fire pit is 44 inches when the neck is attached.
Thanks to the wide opening of the firebox, it is also easy to empty and clean. There is a safety mesh screen door, and it also comes with nifty accessories such as a grilling insert, a rain lid, a mouth screen, and a wood tool.
The chiminea has two handles on each side and weighs a mere 48 lbs. which means that you can move it around and even take it with you camping and traveling easily.
You can detach the neck and use the chiminea as a wood-burning grill over a direct fire as well.
It is made of sturdy cast aluminum, has carbon steel mesh screens and accessories, and is an outdoor decoration and appliance that will endure decades of wear and tear.
The portable cast aluminum fire pit comes with detailed assembly and user instructions.
Even better, The Blue Rooster sells this chiminea with a lifetime warranty.
Venetian Grill Wood Burning Chiminea
If you want a cast aluminum chiminea that will stand out from the rest and has a different style, then we recommend the Venetian Wood Burning grill and Chiminea by The Blue Rooster.
It has a unique vintage-like Venetian style shape and intricate details which will turn it into the centerpiece of your outdoor area for relaxation.
The cast aluminum portable fire pit and grill is 22 x 22 x 52 inches in size and weighs 85 lbs. You can easily move it around or take it in for storage when not in use, thanks to its lightweight and convenient handles.
Its firebox has a large mouth opening for easy access for adding wood and for cleaning it out. It will easily fit wood logs that are 18 to 20 inches long and even longer.
It has a removable neck and a large grilling area for preparing different types of meat, fish, and other food over direct fire.
It has a hinged stainless steel safety mesh door and is designed to emit as little smoke as possible.
You will receive a rain lid and a spark arrestor along with this sturdy yet beautifully designed cast aluminum chiminea.
Thanks to its circular-shaped base, you don’t need to worry about the fire pit wobbling or toppling over.
Like our other two top picks, this artistic portable fire pit is backed by a lifetime warranty by The Blue Rooster, so you can be pretty certain that you are making a wise long-term investment.
Bonus:
Chiminea Cover – Weather Resistant Polyester
Even though cast aluminum chimineas are incredibly durable and are designed to withstand rain and shine, they do need some maintenance if you want to ensure that they last as long as possible.
Apart from regular cleaning and seasoning, you can help protect your chiminea by purchasing a suitable cover for it like this one by the Covermates store.
The weather-resistant chiminea cover is made of 300D durable stock-dyed polyester and can help keep your beautiful outdoor portable fire pit protected by the elements when it is not in use. It will endure through rain and shine and can help save you the effort and the space you will need for moving and storing the chiminea when you are not using it.
The cover comes in three different sizes, including the 24 x 24 x 40 inches, 28 x 28 x 48 inches, and 32 x 32 x 60 inches.
You can buy it in five different color options, including elite khaki, black, and charcoal polyester. There is also a ripstop fade-resistant black option and one which is made of durable vinyl.
The covers have adjustable drawcords and elastic hems for easy pulling off and putting on the chiminea, as well as for wind resistance.
So, even though your chiminea may be made of rust-proof cast aluminum and stainless steel and is backed by a lifetime warranty, it is still a good idea to get a suitable chiminea cover for it if you want to keep the fire pit looking great, clean, and remain rust-free for decades.
This cover itself is backed up by a 3-year warranty by the manufacturer.
Still, it is a good idea to store your chiminea in a garage, barn, or another sheltered place if extreme weather is expected to stay on the safe side.
Final Thoughts
A chiminea is a lovely and functional fire pit that doesn’t require building labor or difficult setup.
It will give you with warmth, light, and even a grilling place all in one.
You may move cast aluminum chimineas about your outdoor area, bring them inside for storage, and even take them camping with you since they are highly sturdy, safe, easy to operate, and portable.
On your deck, patio, or other outdoor space, they are an appealing and practical way to enjoy a wood-burning fire pit and stove.
We really hope that we were able to assist you in selecting the option that best suited your requirements, preferences, and financial constraints!