Best Patio Heaters 2025
A selection of the best types of heaters to warm your patio all year round
Whether you call them Chimineas or Chimeneas, what you are looking for is the same thing: an outdoor fireplace where you can burn wood or coal, get heat, and look good doing it too.
Because, let’s be honest, whilst the growing popularity of fire pits is understandable, if you can avoid smelling of ash and smoke at the end of the night, why wouldn’t you get the best Chiminea around?
Outdoor Chimineas are great not only because they look good but because they have a purpose. You can use a Chiminea for heating and grilling.
Much like a fireplace indoors, it draws all the smoke out of the top and away from all your guests. They are not always cheap, and they don’t survive all weathers.
Much like any steel BBQ you’ll need to put it under cover and look after it. But if you do, they will give you warmth and comfort for years to come, especially if you pick from our selection of Chiminea patio heaters.
Our pick of the best chimineas to buy
- Relaxdays Terrace Oven, Outdoor Stove, Chimenea – Top rated chiminea
- Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea – Best cast iron chiminea
- Wiosi Medium Clay Chiminea – Best ceramic chiminea
- 63 inch Tall Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace – Best modern chiminea
- Cuisinart COH 600 Chimenea – Best gas chiminea
- Wood Burning Outdoor Fire House – Best chiminea with grill
1. Relaxdays Terrace Oven, Chimenea – Top rated chiminea
Relaxdays Terrace Oven, Outdoor Stove, Chimenea
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This charming Aztec-style outdoor stove adds warmth and style to any garden, terrace, or veranda year-round. Includes a coal grate, poker, spark guard, and rain-protective roof.
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This is the best Chiminea overall because it ticks all our boxes. It has that stand-out classic design, and it is made of steel, powder coated to look like antique black-bronze giving it durability over the winter months.
It has a cover for the chimney and gives you a nice view of the fire through the iron bar gate, with no danger of flying sparks falling out onto your wooden decking.
It’s not huge, measuring a reasonable 110cm, meaning it won’t overpower your entertainment space. The width of 53 cm allows for 3 or 4 logs to burn comfortably.
Some assembly is required, but if you treat it well, this small Chiminea will provide a great talking point for all your guest.
Pros
- Elegant and classic Chiminea design
- Stable base prevents accidental knock overs
- Comes with a fireplace poker and Iron Mesh door
- Wide enough to provide a real big flame and comfortable outdoor heating
- Powder coated steel makes it affordable, lighter to carry, but long-lasting
Cons
- No Chiminea BBQ facilities
- Will require a separate cover bought to keep it from rusting if leaving outside
2. Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea – Best cast iron chiminea
Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea - Cast Iron / Alloy Steel
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Burn wood or artificial logs in this designer cast iron chiminea with a 360° fire view, mesh spark screen, sliding door, ash catcher, log grate, and fire tool—perfect for any patio or backyard.
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Cast iron chimineas are popular for many reasons, the biggest one being durability. With a little upkeep each year, you can have a long-lasting outdoor fireplace for years to come.
But it’s not just durability; it’s also good practically. The cast iron absorbs and distributes the heat of the fire evenly, meaning all your guests will enjoy the warmth of this garden chimney, not just those facing the grate.
If you are looking for ways to warm up a frosty autumn night, this robust garden chiminea, with its 360-degree open fireplace, will create very comfortable warmth for all.
On the other hand, the open design ensures maximum airflow and heat, and the mesh grating won’t allow any stray embers to fly away. Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea comes with a poker and chimenea cap, but you will need a cover for your chimenea to help keep it in tip top condition throughout the year.
Pros
- Cast Iron is durable if looked after properly – it won’t crack or bend out of shape
- Large mesh doors allow for easy access
- Cast Iron distributes the heat evenly 360 around
- Sturdy and won’t be knocked over easily
- Metal grate and long chimney allow for good airflow creating bigger fires with less fuel
- Included in price is a poker
- Small Chiminea for small gardens and patios
Cons
- Cast Iron is heavy – weighs 20.4KG without wood in it
- Can’t use it to cook on
- Doesn’t come with a cover
3. Wiosi Medium Clay Chiminea – Best ceramic chiminea
Wiosi Medium Clay Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace with Chimney Rain Lids and Solid Metal Stand
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This medium 16"x16"x32" clay chiminea adds rustic charm and warmth to your backyard. Handmade for durability, it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings, providing both decoration and practical use.
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Handmade & hand painted the Wiosi Clay Chiminea comes in one piece ready to use straight out of the box. This a work of art that will make a beautiful centre-piece for any patio or garden.
It comes with a meta stand, which could do with being a little sturdier but ultimately does the job of holding the Chiminea off the ground. Once you’re set up, simply place the flue on top and enjoy a warm glowing fire.
However, bear in mind that clay and ceramic Chimineas will crack if not cured and looked after properly. Be sure to use a Chiminea sealer to help it last longer.
You will need sand placed at the bottom to protect the clay from the heat and build up the fires from small to large as you season the item.
These are rarely low maintenance, but look beautiful and are effective once you give them a little time and effort.
Pros
- Beautiful centre-piece that is handmade and hand-painted
- Classic Mexican styl Clay Chimenea
- 1 piece makes it quick and easy to set up
- Small Chimenea at 32″ tall perfect for small patio
Cons
- We cannot stress this enough: it needs sand at the bottom AND curing/seasoning; otherwise, the pot will crack. At that point it becomes an expensive flowerpot.
4. 63 inch Tall Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace – Best modern chiminea
63 inch Tall Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace for Backyard and Patio - Wood Burning Rocket Fire Pit
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Durable steel fire pit with a unique rocket design for efficient burning. Wood-fueled, eco-friendly, and versatile for warmth, ambiance, and cooking. Generous 63" x 20" x 20" size for outdoor entertaining.
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If all this talk of clay and cast iron has you rolling your eyes at its old-fashionedness, then we present to you this slick steel Chiminea, which stands 63 inches (160cm) tall and provides an efficient warm fire.
Steel is just as good as cast iron for providing an even heat, and that steel mesh grating gives the fire plenty of airflow, with the bonus that everyone gets to feel that crackling fire fluttering on their cheeks, without the burning embers escaping.
The rocket-style shape of the Chiminea funnels the smoke up and away from you and your guests, making it a more comfortable experience for everyone. Unfortunately, the only fuel type you can burn in it is Wood, so be sure to pick a kiln dried hardwood for maximum warmth and less smoke.
Pros
- Slick modern look provides an attractive accent to any terrace or garden
- Stable legs mean it’s unlikely to tip over
- Large Chiminea, standing at a tall 63 inches length, means smoke is well away from your entertainment area
- Multi-purpose – can be used for cooking on
Cons
- Steel construction – not weatherproof. Keep it under cover and, if possible, in a shelter if it is not in use for multiple months; otherwise, it will rust.
5. Cuisinart COH 600 Chimenea – Best gas chiminea
Cuisinart COH-600 Chimenea Propane Fire Pit, Patio Heater
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40,000 BTU heater with directional heat shield, durable steel and stainless construction, 8 lbs. of lava rocks for warmth and ambiance, and a tip-over safety switch. LP tank not included.
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If you’re looking for an alternative fuel source to wood or charcoal, which produce smoke, then this propane-fueled Chimenea might be what you’re looking for.
Created from durable painted steel with a stainless steel base this stylish looking gas Chimenea would look good on any small patio or deck. Standing at 48 inches tall and 29 inches wide the Directional heat shield ensures that you recieve all of the heat that this puts out.
Plus, it comes with 8 lbs of lava rocks included, with the only extra you have to purchase to make it ready for use is the 20lb propane tank which can conveniently be stored in the back of it.
With an added tip-over safety feature that cuts off the flame when it tilts too far, this is a stylish outdoor heater for any small garden.
Pros
- Modern and stylish to add a touch of luxury to your garden
- Heat shield maximises heat output up to 40,000 BTU
- Tip over safety feature
- Comes with 8lbs of lava rocks included
- Easier to clean than wood burning Chimenea
Cons
- Not cheap – You are paying for the style
- Will need a cover if you’re going to store it outdoors
6. Wood Burning Outdoor Fire House Best chiminea with grill
Wood Burning Outdoor Fire House with Chimney
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Enjoy 360° fire views with this durable, stylish cast iron fire pit. A large chimney controls smoke, while a slide-out cooking grid offers grilling options. Easy, tool-free assembly and maintenance.
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This technically hasn’t been called a Chiminea, but with its 360 degreen mesh covered fire house with added chimney, you can’t tell me it doesn’t look like one f only a little bit wider.
If you’re looking for an alternative to a Chiminea that can also be used as a grill, this Wood-Burning Outdoor Fire House might be what you’re looking for.
It offers 360 degrees of heat and a large chimney to funnel the smoke up and away. It also comes with a slide-out cooking grill, which lets you BBQ for your family or friends or just cook off a few burgers as a late-night snack.
A great addition to any back garden whether you just use it as an additional heat source to keep you warm, or you fancy cooking off a meal.
Pros
- For the price, you get the whole package
- A Chiminea with a grill that is large enough to feed 3 to 4 people
- Classic style and design
- Thick steel means it won’t warp in the heat
- Easy to assemble and comes with removable ash tray
Cons
- Heat-resistant paint may flake if left out in all weather. Store it away when not in use, or be prepared to re-paint come springtime.
If you are looking for a cost effective way of lighting a fire in your garden, we’d suggest you head over to see our best garden fire pits instead.
What’s best to burn in a chiminea?
The best fuel for Chimineas are wood, coal or charcoal. We would not recommend you burn garden waste, but anything you’d put in your own fireplace indoors will happily sit in your Chiminea
Do you leave the top on a chiminea?
No. The top is there to prevent rain or water from getting into your Chiminea. When in use, the top should be left open to allow for better airflow for the flames.
Which is better fire pit or chiminea?
That is down to taste and wallet. As a whole you can fire cheap fire pit bowls that will do the job – create a safe flame in your garden. If you are looking for something with a little more class, and the safety of a mesh door protecting you from the flame, then a Chiminea is for you.
What’s the best type of chiminea?
That depends on your taste, but Chiminea purists will tell you that an outdoor clay chiminea is the only real type of chiminea around.
However, they require a lot of care, curing and seasoning, and are not for you if you just casually want to burn some logs a few evenings a year.
Generally, cast-iron chimineas will last you longer, but modern steel chimineas look beautiful and can last years as long as you are willing to protect them from the weather.
Check out our Cast Iron Chimineas vs Clay Chimineas post where we tackle the pros and cons of each.
What’s the point of a chiminea?
What’s the point of a chimney indoors? With electric heating, why do we need an outmoded form of victorian heating?
The same can be said of a Chiminea, which is basically an outdoor fireplace for your garden. It allows you a safe way to contain and enjoy an open fire in the cold outdoors, without having to rely on ugly propane gas heaters.
How long do chiminea last?
How long is a piece of string? Even the cheapest chimineas, if they are taken care of, can last you a decade or more, although cast iron ones will tend to have a longer life than steel or aluminium.
Don’t forget that these garden chimneys have to take a lot of heat within a small container – much like a BBQ you need to maintain them to get them to last.
And don’t believe people who say that the Chiminea topper is enough to stop the rain getting in. If you want to get it to last for more than one season, buy a waterproof cover or store it away between uses.
Will a chiminea keep you warm?
If you’ve ever stood next to an open fire, you’ll know that you can get some pretty powerful flames out of wood and charcoal.
That said because of their structure and nature, outdoor fire Chimineas tend to be better for Spring to Autumn depending on where you live. They will not heat up a large open garden, but will create a whole load of heat in a sheltered patio or garden.
