An aluminium chiminea can be an attractive and functional centerpiece when hosting outdoor gatherings with friends, family or guests. This outdoor fireplace is great for small gardens and patios where space is constrained. It can also serve as a decorative accent in your backyard. Traditionally, chimineas are made of clay but fire pit manufacturers nowadays use modern materials that are better than earthenware. Recently, aluminum chimineas have become quite popular because of the unique advantages they offer.
Clay chimineas are prone to cracking and sometimes do so without warning. Unlike traditional terracotta chimineas, those made from cast aluminum do not crack due to wear or thermal stresses. Therefore, the possibility of burning your wooden deck is highly unlikely with a crack-resistant aluminum chiminea. In addition, cast aluminum is better than cast iron because of its rust resistance (no more rust stains on your deck) and its lighter construction (much easier to move).
Given the benefits cited above, a cast aluminum chiminea is the way to go when shopping for an outdoor fireplace that will last. But, with the many options on the market, how do you pick the best one? A good strategy would be to compare a few top-rated models, and that’s where this guide comes in handy. Listed below are some of the best aluminum chiminea reviews for models that have earned positive feedback and high buyer ratings. Read on to learn about the features and benefits of each outdoor fireplace so that you can make an informed buying decision.
Top Pick – Dragonfly Cast Aluminum Wood Burning Chiminea in Charcoal Finish
This 52-inch tall freestanding fireplace from the Blue Rooster is sure to look great on your patio. As guests gather around for some warmth, they can admire the artistic fern leaves and dragonfly carvings that adorn the charcoal finished surface.
With its removable neck and grilling insert, the Dragonfly chiminea is a versatile fireplace that doubles up as a barbeque grill. As such, it can be a useful tool to have when entertaining guests outdoors. Durable steel bolts and hardware hold the entire piece together. You can burn standard size logs in the 23-inch wide fire chamber. What’s more, this unit features a spark arrestor neck to tame the flames and a hinged mesh door that promotes safety and good airflow.
Pros
- Package includes complimentary accessories such as a wood tool, bottle of touch up paint, and spare screen.
- A free lid is provided for preventing rainwater from collecting in the fire chamber.
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- A natural gas-powered Dragonfly chiminea with similar features is also available
Cons
- When the chiminea is new, some buyers find the smell of burning paint irritating but this wears off with time.
- Paint chips off from the surface due to extreme heat. However, this is normal and can be fixed by applying a fresh coat.
The Blue Rooster Charcoal Themed Prairie Style Cast Aluminum Wood Burning Chiminea
The second contender on the list also comes from the renowned Blue Rooster brand. This Prairie Style cast aluminum wood burning chiminea is an exact replica of the Dragonfly model with only a couple of differences. The smooth, charcoal finished body lacks fancy embellishments and the chiminea is slightly smaller with about 1-inch shaved off around the belly.
Much like its counterpart, the Blue Rooster Prairie style cast aluminum chiminea features a 360-degree opening. This allows guests to enjoy the coveted ‘campfire’ experience while watching crackling flames engulfing wood.
Pros
- Free rain cap is provided
- Lightweight design with carrying handles facilitates easy movement of the fireplace
- Detachable neck allows for open fire grilling
- The strong build quality is designed to deliver long service life
- The charcoal finish on this model does not darken the same way antique green and gold accent colored chimineas do during firing
Cons
- It takes a while for the smell of factory paint to wear off when item is still new
Venetian Wood Burning Outdoor Chiminea in Charcoal Finish
Another stunning portable fireplace from the Blue Rooster is the Venetian Outdoor Chiminea, but this time without the rounded belly design. Instead, it sports a rectangular fire chamber with curves. Decorative patterns around the neck, vent, and rain cover add a stylish flair to this portable fireplace.
The Venetian Outdoor fireplace comes with all the standard features we have come to expect from Blue Rooster chimineas. These include a cast aluminum body, rain lid, built-in carry handles, removable neck with grill, as well as bolts, hardware, and screen mouth forged from steel.
Pros
- Beautiful chiminea design will add to your patio or outdoor décor
- Made from durable corrosion resistant cast aluminum alloy
- Lightweight design and easy to move using side handles
- Designed with a wide base for added stability
- Free accessories such as grilling/baking inset and vent cap
- Detachable neck with grilling area makes this chiminea a functional piece
Cons
- Blemishes are bound to form with continued use due to oxidation but stains are easy to remove with a simple scrub down and high heat BBQ paint.
The Smoke Bear Cast Aluminum Chiminea by Oakland Living
If you are looking for the best cast aluminum chiminea when it comes to uniqueness in design, this piece from Oakland Living is the ideal pick. Typically, chimneas feature a bulbous body and vertical smoke vent but this particular design takes on the form of a bear. The sculpture is an innovative design for a fire pit chiminea and it adds style and beauty to any patio, backyard or garden.
A hinged safety door provides safe and easy access for adding wood and cleanup from the front side. This unit also comes with a grill and spark screen insert.
Pros
- Stylish decorative piece for a chiminea
- The heavy-duty aluminum alloy construction with galvanized steel and brass hardware is designed to last for many years of use
- Finished with hardened powder coating to enhance durability
Cons
- Weighing about 120lbs with no carry handles, this chiminea may prove a bit tricky to move
Final Thoughts on The Best Aluminum Chiminea
Remember, the best aluminum chiminea is one that matches your specific preferences and requirements. Therefore, take your time to examine the features of each unit closely before making your final choice. If instead you’ve decided that perhaps a clay chiminea is more in line with your style check out our reviews of the best clay chimineas. Whichever you choose you can be sure that it will be a wonderful addition to your outdoor space for years to come.
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