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Outdoor Heating and Cooling

What are the Best Fire Pits To Buy? 5 Best Fire Pit Reviews

Updated: September 18, 2019     Eric Clark

best fire pitsBest Fire Pit

After much time spent by the fire, analyzing and comparing several different outdoor fire pits on the market today, we at OutsideModern have determined that the Best Fire Pits to buy are the AZ Patio Heaters GS-F-PC Propane line of Fire Pits [Amazon Link].

These units are the best available for a fire pit. They are simple, functional, and attractive. Just push the button to get the GS-F-PC started, and there is no need to chop wood. Available in four different styles and finishes, the 40,000 BTU flame is attractive, and should you choose to, you can find several different colors of fire glass to customize the fire pit to your needs.

Sale
AZ Patio 38'' Propane Fire Pit Table with Fire Glass Included, 40000 BTU, CSA certification, Antique Bronze Finish
AZ Patio 38'' Propane Fire Pit Table with Fire Glass Included, 40000 BTU, CSA certification, Antique Bronze Finish
  • New and Improved Packaging to ensure safe and...
  • 38 square tabletop, 28 tall. 19 inch square lid,...
  • Integrated Piezo ignition; Must use fireglass of...
  • Gas type: Propane, butane
  • Heat output: 40,000 BTU’s. Heating area-approx....
−$61.33 $182.87 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2025-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

[Read more…] about What are the Best Fire Pits To Buy? 5 Best Fire Pit Reviews

Filed Under: Outdoor Heating and Cooling Tagged With: best fire bowl, best fire pit gas, best fire pit to buy, best fire pit wood, best outdoor fireplace

The Best Chiminea to Buy! Chiminea Reviews, Chimeneas Too.

Updated: September 18, 2019     Eric Clark

The Best Chiminea

After looking at several chimineas currently available on the market, we have found that the best chiminea is the Deckmate Sonora chiminea. It is a great hybrid between a fire pit and a chiminea and has a full 360′ mesh viewport. The Deckmate Sonora is large enough to accommodate most standard-size logs and burns nicely. It can be used for cooking in a pinch and does a good job channeling smoke away from guests.

Sale
Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace Model 30199
Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace Model 30199
For burning wood and artificial logs; Designer embossed cast iron construction and high temperature paint finish
−$109.02 $178.97

Last update on 2025-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For a complete review of the Deckmate Sonora, please see our Product Reviews section below.


Chimineas

One of our picks for the best chiminea to buy!
One of our picks for the best chiminea to buy!

Evenings spent sitting outside in the late summer and fall, as the air cools a bit and the leaves begin to change, can be magical. Experiencing the outdoors during these times can get a little chilly, even with the grill fired up and plenty of good food on the table, so having outdoor fire feature is a great way to warm up, and bring some wonderful charm to the garden and patio. There are a variety of ways of bringing that fire feature to the garden.

A good fire pit, a beautiful ethanol fireplace, or (as we will focus on in this piece) the best chiminea for your needs would all bring that magic.  The sound of crackling wood, the warmth of the fire, and the glow as the sun sets, all add to the charm of the outdoor experience.

Chimineas (also spelled chimeneas) are free-standing outdoor fireplace units, usually made of metal or clay. They are generally vertical in shape and have an open top. Wood is burned in the center of the unit, and the chiminea expels the smoke out of the top of the unit. This drafting air flow keeps the smoke away from the eyes and lungs of those huddled around it.

Many chimineas are quite beautiful and very functional. There are several different options to choose from, and this article of chiminea reviews and information will explore several of the best chimineas to buy out there.


Chiminea Product Reviews

In this section, we’ll look in depth at several of our favorite chimineas. If you know you want a modern-style chiminea, be sure to check out our information on modern chimineas here.


Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace Model 30199

Deckmate Sonora Chiminea
Deckmate Sonora Chiminea

The Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chiminea is a nice combination between a fire bowl and a chiminea. This unit is an attractive option with a lot of interesting features (such as the flue cap/chimney cap shown in this photo). Though it has a decidedly traditional look, it would fit well in a modern patio setting.
The Details

The Deckmate Sonora has a 360′ degree view of the fire box, which means that it can be set in the middle of a fire pit area and function as a fire pit for those surrounding it. On top of the fire box is the chimney, which channels the smoke away from those around the chiminea, and improves air flow through the unit. Cool! It also has a mesh screen to keep those burning embers from flying into someone’s lap, and a hook for hanging fire tools for easy access.

Deckmate Sonora Chimenea Close Up of Firebox
Deckmate Sonora Chimenea Close Up of Firebox

The Sonora is made of cast iron, and is quite heavy. For dimensions, it is about 51″ tall from the top of the chimney to the bottom of the legs and 28″ in diameter, and about 22″ in diameter inside the fire box, and the firebox is about 14″ high to the start of the chimney. Full sized split chiminea logs can be used in the Sonora’s firebox.

The firebox is expansive with a nice grate, and you can totally toast marshmallows on it. Always a plus. However, it would be difficult to cook anything on this chimenea. If you need a base, get four 12″x 12″ concrete pavers, and the legs will sit on that base nicely.

In terms of assembly, the Sonora is not a difficult piece to assemble. Get some 1/4″ lock washers (metal, not nylon!) to go behind the nuts that are supplied to make the whole unit a bit sturdier.

As you assemble, use hand tools and work your way around the circle tightening in passes, and get all the screws generally in place and before you tighten each of them to finish strength.

Be sure you get the unit essentially in place before you mount the chimney to the unit, as it becomes much more difficult to move once its all assembled. All told, assembly takes a couple of hours.

We recommend you get a cover for the unit, as it’s always good to keep water away from these metal chimineas. Some users reported issues with broken parts upon delivery, and that likely had to do with poor shipping of the heavy unit. If yours arrives damaged, contact Amazon or the seller immediately, as it should not be damaged.

The Bottom Line

The design of the Sonora chiminea is well thought out, and the build quality is hefty cast iron. It feels solid and a bit old-world, in a nice way. Deckmate makes a smaller, much less useful version of this chiminea called the Deckmate Corona, which we really don’t recommend. Yes, it’s cheaper, but it is much less functional, and it doesn’t balance its smallness with the cool designs of some of the La Haciendas If you’re considering the Corona, we would suggest saving up for the Sonora. In all, the Deckmate Sonora is certainly one of the best chimineas!

Sale
Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace Model 30199
Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace Model 30199
  • For burning wood and artificial logs
  • Designer embossed cast iron construction and high temperature paint finish
  • Full 360 degree view of fire with fine wire mesh spark screen
  • Large sliding door for adding fuel and an ash catcher for easy cleanup
  • Log grate and fire tool included
−$109.02 $178.97
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2025-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


La Hacienda Murcia Steel Chimenea, 53.5 by 18.9-Inch, Black

La Hacienda Murcia Steel Chimenea, 53.5 by 18.9-Inch, Black
La Hacienda Murcia Steel Chimenea, 53.5 by 18.9-Inch, Black

Next on our list is the Murcia Steel Chiminea from La Hacienda. This chiminea design is very curvy, and a bit more Mediterranean than some of the other offerings on this list. It sits on three curved metal legs, and supplies a pleasant silhouette.

The Details

This attractive, Spanish-colonial style unit is 53.5 x 18.9 and weighs 30lbs. It is made of thin steel and has a very significant heating area. The Murcia burns untreated wood, logs, and cooking charcoal, so it is quite flexible in terms of chiminea fuel. This unit does have a grill/oven area for cooking, though realistically it’s not easy to cook in it.

It has a convenient clean-out door and a cap on the chimney area. The unit puts out a lot of heat, and occasionally flames peak out of the top of the unit, so be sure there are no low-hanging branches or other flammable materials in the area.

The Murcia has a mesh spark screen, which helps prevent embers from flying around outside of the firebox.

The Murcia Steel Chiminea can get hot, so be aware of that if there are children around. Some of the welded joints are a bit weak, and care should be taken when using those welded joints. If the joints get banged around too much, they can rust and fail, making the Murcia inoperable.

Keep everything painted with a high-temperature enamel paint or an oven paint to keep the finish protected and ready for more fires.

The Bottom Line

La Hacienda’s Murcia Steel Chimenea is a nice unit, has an attractive design, and works well.

No products found.


La Hacienda 56079US Oxidized Corten Steel Circo Chimenea, 49-1/5-Inch

La Hacienda 56079US Oxidized Corten Steel Circo Chimenea, 49-1/5-Inch
La Hacienda 56079US Oxidized Corten Steel Circo Chimenea, 49-1/5-Inch

The next entry on this list is the extremely modern looking La Hacienda 56079US Oxidized Corten Steel Circo Chimenea. It is a sculptural, modern piece, guaranteed to draw the eye in any patio or garden environment, and could easily become the centerpiece in a patio or garden design.

The Details

The Circo chiminea is made of a type of oxidized weathered steel known as corten steel, and the finish will slowly change as it ages. If you like the weathered look, it is quite beautiful and a bit unusual compared to the usual enamel painted or clay chimineas. It has a clever wood storage area built into the unit.

The Circo Chimenea is 13″ in diameter, and 50″ tall (that’s 4′ 2″ tall), and is smaller than it looks in the pictures. It needs a flat area to sit on, as it has a flat base, and the narrow diameter means that the fuel logs must be cut to short lengths in order to fit into the unit to be burned.

The construction is solid, and the oxidized finish makes it look naturally rusty and can withstand some weather. It is available in powder coated black, as well. If possible, this unit should be covered when not in use. Excess water in the unit can cause it to rust, so the more you can keep out the water, the better.

This unit is striking and dramatic, though it is small and cannot burn wood pieces that are as large as some of the other units on this list can burn. This extra step of cutting all the wood before it is burned may become a drag, and should be considered when pondering purchasing this unit.

The Bottom Line

The La Hacienda Circo Chiminea is a really cool looking unit. It is guaranteed to get some conversation going at your next party, and that is a nice plus.

Be sure the size is something you can deal with (we would love to see an XL version!), but if it is, you’ll enjoy this chiminea.

La Hacienda 56079US Oxidized Corten Steel Circo Chimenea, 49-1/5-Inch
La Hacienda 56079US Oxidized Corten Steel Circo Chimenea, 49-1/5-Inch
  • Contemporary modern design
  • Integrated log store for added convenience
  • Oxidized finish
  • Corten steel
  • 13-7/10 Inch diameter
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2025-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


La Hacienda 56070US Steel Construction Cuba Chimenea, 13-7/10 by 49-1/5-Inch, Black

La Hacienda Cuba Chiminea
La Hacienda Cuba Chiminea

The La Hacienda Cuba Chiminea is another stylish, contemporary chiminea. It has a striking truncated pyramid shape and an offset opening for its firebox. It is abstract and sculptural, and is guaranteed to be a conversation piece at your next cookout!

The Details

The Cuba Chimenea is 50″ tall (shorter than you may think based on the photos). The dimensions of the base is 14.5″ square, and the top opening is about 6″ square.

The opening on each side is about 9″ wide x 11″ high and is a bit small to accept full-size chunks of wood.

If you like to buy or cut large pieces of wood, be prepared to saw them in two before inserting into this chiminea.

The Cuba Chimenea is made of steel and comes in two configurations. The first is the enameled black shown here, and the second is a corten steel design that is rust resistant and will wear over time. The black may need to be re-painted after several uses in order to keep it looking clean and fresh and to protect it from getting any rust. There is no cap or grate for this fire pit, but you can probably find some third party grates and caps if you desire.

This unit comes assembled and is pretty easy to use. Just throw in some kindling, some wood, and light it up! It burns very hotly, and the whole structure radiates heat.

This chiminea gets HOT and is not child-friendly.

It should only be used on stone or other heat-resistant material, and only outside, so please be cautious.

The Bottom Line

The La Hacienda Cuba Chimenea is a really cool looking, sculptural chiminea. It works well, supplies a good deal of heat, and with some basic care, will keep you warm for years.  It is certainly one of the best chimeneas.

La Hacienda 56070US Steel Construction Cuba Chimenea, 13-7/10 by 49-1/5-Inch, Black
La Hacienda 56070US Steel Construction Cuba Chimenea, 13-7/10 by 49-1/5-Inch, Black
  • Ultra-modern shape, contemporary design inspired by garden sculptures
  • Radiates heat from all directions
  • Finished in high temperature paint
  • Steel Construction
  • Black color
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2025-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Conclusion: The Best Chiminea

All of these units in these chiminea reviews have their positives and negatives, and depending on your needs, each one may be the best chiminea for you. We love the experimentation La Hacienda is doing with some of their designs, but when it comes down to it, the warmth and simplicity, and functionality of the Deckmate Sonora has us swooning.

Sale
Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace Model 30199
Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace Model 30199
For burning wood and artificial logs; Designer embossed cast iron construction and high temperature paint finish
−$109.02 $178.97

Last update on 2025-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Filed Under: Outdoor Heating and Cooling Tagged With: best chimenea, best chiminea, best fire pit, best outdoor fire bowl, best outdoor fireplace, modern chimenea, modern chiminea

Best Gas Grill Under $300

Updated: September 18, 2019     Eric Clark

Choosing between a gas grill and a charcoal grill is difficult and families are pretty evenly divided on the issue with reportedly 60% gas grills and 40% charcoal grills sold last year. The pure taste advantage of the charcoal grill is quite tempting, but the ease of use, time factors, detailed controls, and lack of fussiness make gas grills extremely attractive for many outdoor chefs. The single biggest advantage of a charcoal grill is that it gets much hotter than a gas grill.

The clean up requirements on a charcoal grill is enough to deter some buyers. People also appreciate the convenience of knob temperature controls on gas grills and that they warm up and cool down faster than charcoal grills. The advantages of cooking with a gas grill extend beyond convenience. A gas grill is less expensive to operate than a charcoal grill as you will spend less money on fuel.

It can be difficult to choose among the different gas grills on the market — there are a large variety of gas grills to choose from with many different features and options. It can be hard to make the right choice when shopping for a grill as there are not many ways to test them out and see how well they cook, and how well they fit the specific needs of the grill user.

With this in mind, we hope to shed some light on the options available for gas grills under $300, and look at which are the best gas grills for different situations. The $300 price point is a good balance between the high-end grills with fancy features and the low-end grills that might not be big enough or sturdy enough for your needs.

[Read more…] about Best Gas Grill Under $300

Filed Under: Outdoor Heating and Cooling Tagged With: BBQ, Best Gas Grill, gas grill review

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I am a modern patio design and outdoor living enthusiast. Professionally and personally, I love working with patio and garden design and decor, as well as gardening.

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