Best: Overall

Rating: 10/10

Dimensions: H 122cm x W 37cm x D 37cm

We loved this striking, contemporary, architectural chiminea, which demands centre stage on the terrace. It’s crafted from raw hand-welded, heavy gauge steel and comes in two finishes: black or corten, which brings with it a wonderfully warm and textured rusty hue. The weathered surface promises to age beautifully and even regenerate once exposed to the elements and over time. Simple but stylish in design, the outdoor wood burner boasts an integrated log storage space and a generous and easily accessible fire pit.

Best: Clay chiminea

Rating: 8/10

Dimensions: H 85cm x W 36cm x D 36cm

If you’re after a traditional chiminea, this one is bursting with rustic charm. Hand-crafted and hand-painted, the piece features decorative bands of five-pointed borage flowers, otherwise known as the star flower of Mexico. In a light hued natural clay, the piece is particularly suited to smaller patio spaces where darker products might overwhelm. The lidded chimenea sits on top of a sturdy, three-legged steel stand and offers easy access to its generous fire base. It’s worth noting that traditional clay chimineas only work with wood as charcoal can overheat the material, which causes it to shatter.

Best: Decorative design

Rating: 9/10

Dimensions: H 108cm x W 50cm x D 33cm

This is a stylish modern take on a classic black chiminea with its decorative cut-out design. Featuring a built-in base, the piece sits low but that doesn’t detract from its overall height. In fact, at over 100cm tall, this is one imposing patio piece. Crafted from steel, it is also reliably weighty. We loved the way the flickering flames can be seen through the swirling pattern, and of course the heat escapes through the cut-outs, too. Cleverly, the flat top can double as a cooking stove if you use a small, cast iron pot or frying pan.

Best: Compact patio heater

Rating: 9/10

Dimensions: H 72cm x W 36cm x D 36cm

This is a compact chiminea with its rounded belly, integrated legs and short chimney. It’s also fuss-free and timeless in design. The lidded patio heater features a steel body, which is supported by robust cast iron legs, and it is finished in either matte black or pewter. Despite its stubby appearance, the chiminea boasts a fire pit of generous capacity, as well as a handy rain lid and a protective mesh door, which keeps the spits and sputters to a minimum. Giving off a decent level of heat for smaller gardens, it makes for a cosy companion.

Best: Contemporary design

Rating: 8/10

Dimensions: H 119cm x W 50cm x D 50cm

If you want to keep toasty warm outside but don’t want a traditional fussy chiminea upsetting the clean contemporary lines of your patio set, this one’s for you. Beautifully designed and finished in a chic matte black, the prism-shaped wood burner gives the illusion of being crafted from a single piece of steel with its uninterrupted shaping. Slender, lofty and imposing, the chiminea boasts a large and super simple to use opening for lighting up the logs. A stylish and functional statement piece.

Best: For larger gatherings

Rating: 9/10

Dimensions: H 160cm x W 70cm x D 70cm

This is by far the biggest chiminea in our roundup, and therefore one for larger patio spaces. The Sarsden is bursting with character, thanks to its classic shaping complete with tall chimney and its trio of curved legs. But in powder-coated matte back steel, the piece feels fresh and contemporary. Designed to be used with wood or charcoal, the chiminea includes a handy grill, which separates the logs from the ashes, and it comes with small drainage holes in the base. Thanks to its size, this one kept us toasty for hours.

Best: For quick heating

Rating: 8/10

Dimensions: H 112cm x W 44cm x D 44cm

Crafted from cast iron and finished with black textured brushstrokes for a rustic, weathered look, this chiminea is all about traditional charm. The log burner boasts an adjustable air vent, a removable lid, and a mesh door for safety. We found its tall chimney ensures smoke is kept away from those seated near it, while it offered cosy warmth all-round. It also heats up quickly, thanks to its material, a bonus if you’re impatient to get the garden party started.

Best: For smoke-free soirees

Rating: 8/10

Dimensions: H 123cm x W 50cm x D 50cm

This is another traditional style chiminea from La Hacienda, only this one is fashioned from painted steel with heavy, integrated cast iron legs to keep it firmly in place on the patio. Generous in both height and width, the heater boasts a steel log grate, a nifty rain lid, and a mesh door to keep flames enclosed and to encourage smoke to go up, not out. With its rounded body and tall chimney, this one is functional and stylish in equal measure.

Best: Thoughtful design

Rating: 9/10

Dimensions: H 129.5cm x W 53cm x D 53cm

We loved this chiminea for its contemporary shaping. But its triangular design is not only for aesthetic value. Tall but low sitting, the wood burner is designed to keep those gathered round it wonderfully warm, thanks to its large opening, yet with its tall chimney, smoke is directed upwards and well away from garden party guests. This one’s made from a durable steel, and its matte black finish further adds to its cool, contemporary appeal.