Chiminea Price Guide

Shopping around for a chiminea

Originating in 17th Century Mexico, a chiminea functions as both an outdoor fireplace and wood-burning stove. Increasingly popular in the past decade, these pieces enhance an outdoor space, providing light, heat, and interest that keep a patio or garden inviting and comfortable well into the night. Prized by designers because of their beauty and functionality, a number of styles, sizes, and finishes exist. They range in size from tabletop stoves used as candleholders to gigantic units that can be used for cooking.

Clay

Price: $200 or less, depending on the size.

Traditionalists favor clay, the most common material for chiminea construction. The size of the piece determines the price, but a typical unit measures several feet high and weighs around 70 pounds. These units cost less than $200. Available in finishes such as terra cotta or glazed, enameled clay, these units appeal to people with an eye for artistic craftsmanship. Each piece features unique irregularities due to the vagaries of the sculpting and firing processes, peculiarities prized by designers. Because they are made of clay, chimineas can develop cracks over time.

When choosing a clay chiminea, be sure to note if the fireplace was air-dried or kiln-dried. An air-dried fireplace has not been treated, so the unit would require a coat of paint and sealant before use. Kiln-dried chimineas have been glazed during their fabrication and generally do not require further treatment.

Cast Iron

Price: Up to $400

Metal chimeneas prove far more durable than the clay version. Most measure about 5 feet high and about 2 feet wide. The surfaces come in a variety of designs and finishes, with Southwestern motifs being the most popular adornment. Cast iron stoves require some maintenance to prevent rust and may not be appropriate for extremely wet or humid climates. Rust spots must be sanded and treated as they occur. Cast iron stoves also weigh more than other materials, which can complicate transportation and installation.

Aluminum

Price: Up to $350

Cast aluminum models are relatively low maintenance, lighter in weight than cast iron, and also rust-resistant. Adorned with engraved details and outfitted with features such as flues and racks, these pieces can anchor the design of an outdoor room. Cast aluminum stoves come in a greater variety of shapes than cast iron, and feature such novel touches as enamel finishes, architectural shapes, and built-in doors or screens. These units appeal to people with a taste for the modern.

More information on chimineas