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As the days get longer, many people are looking for ways to upgrade their outdoor space to make it more comfortable for lounging and entertaining. While some folks favor fire pits and others look to fire pit tables to make their patios or decks more inviting, chimineas provide an elegant alternative—and are typically available at relatively affordable price points, too. Chimineas are likely Mayan in origin and became more widely used in southern Mexico’s cities and towns during the early 17th century. The traditional freestanding clay vessel is squat, with a round, gourd-like base, wide mouth for firewood, and narrow cylindrical neck.

Chimineas were initially placed in the center of homes for cooking and eating, and later served as outdoor ovens primarily used for baking bread. These days, chimineas range from updates on the classic design to sleek, modern options in styles to suit every budget. Read on for our top recommendations, plus advice to consider before you shop.

Style and size should be your top considerations when shopping for a chiminea. You'll also want to think about location, as most are wood-burning and unsafe for wooden decks. There aren't as many chimineas on the market as other types of fire pits, but unlike regular wood-burning fire pits, chimineas direct smoke up and away from seating areas. The majority of the chimineas on the market are updated takes on traditional clay, cast-iron vintage-inspired options, or steel chimineas with a weathered, rustic look that develop a handsome patina with age.

Fewer choices are available for those with modern taste, though there are chimineas with a more basic, functional design that will pair well with contemporary décor. Extra features to look out for include spark screens and pokers, lids for chimney tops, and grill grates for if you want your chiminea to double as a barbecue.

Our list includes chimineas in the most popular styles with average user ratings of 4 stars or more. They span multiple price points, from budget-friendly to high-end, and we considered the quality of materials used and the added features mentioned above, as well as looking at customer photos and reviews to make our final selections. We also highlight the most notable specs for every chiminea we write about.

This reasonably priced wood-burning chiminea features pretty geometric metalwork on its door, along with curved legs and a small tray at the base to store logs. The wraparound mesh spark screen ensures everyone relaxing on your patio set stays warm, and the piece comes with a poker, plus a mesh cover and cap for the top.

With embossed cast iron and vintage-inspired details, this wood-burning chiminea is is a customer favorite, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from more than 180 reviewers. It has a lovely antique bronze finish and comes with a top cap and hook for the included fire poker, plus an ash catcher and log grate. The open metalwork around the sides may prevent burning embers from escaping, but there's no spark screen, which may be a drawback for some.

If you like the idea of a traditional chiminea but you tend to favor more modern design, this clay option is an excellent choice. It has clean lines, with a tone-on-tone gray finish and subtle decorative details throughout. It's set on a black metal stand with legs that curve under, is topped with a clay lid, and has a wide mouth for loading it up with firewood.

This eye-catching steel chiminea features a weathered rust finish that will take on a richer patina with age. Its triangular silhouette is a striking take on the classic style, with short feet at the base, a mesh spark screen door, and a generous amount of space for firewood. It stands nearly six feet tall, and there's a well-designed top that keeps rainwater from reaching the flames.

There aren't a ton of affordable modern chimineas available, but this one delivers sleek design at a reasonable price point. The black powder-coated steel piece tapers from bottom to top, and the only other notable detail in its chic, streamline silhouette are the simple cutouts for the fire bowl and logs, which both have grates. There's also an ash pan and fire poker included.

If you're looking for a chiminea with an antique vibe—and a grill to boot—the Gatsby from New Mexico-based Blue Rooster Company is your best bet. It's on the pricey side, but its quality is top-notch, and is made from rust-resistant solid cast-aluminum.

Highlights include an elegant base with intricate scrollwork, carry handles, and a spark-stopping insert for the chiminea's neck. The grill is hidden under the removable chimney top, and there are two cast-iron grates for firewood and for barbecuing.

There's a lot to like about this chiminea, starting with its simple, attractive design that pairs well with pretty much any style of outdoor furniture.

It's crafted from steel, with a rust-resistant black finish and three angled legs, plus it has a small footprint so it's ideal for anyone without a lot of space. Still, it features a sizable fire bowl for its size, and at 5 feet tall, it has enough presence to stand out in your seating area.

This cast-iron chiminea designed with Italian flair features an extra-wide grill for cooking up everything from burgers to wood-fired pizza. The firebox can accommodate logs up to 20 inches long and the grill grate is hidden underneath the removable top. Other features include carry handles (a good thing since it weighs 85 pounds), a spark screen and poker, plus a bottle of touch-up paint.

For extra small spaces, including cement balconies and postage-stamp-size urban patios, this petite cast-iron chiminea will get the job done. It stands just over 2 feet tall and weighs roughly 50 pounds, featuring a rust-resistant black powder-coated finish, a removable top lid, and a firebox that's more than a foot high and wide.

“Perfect little chiminea for my patio,” says one five-star reviewer. “It was easy to put together, and it’s easy to build a fire in this little dynamo.”