Chimenea or Fire Pit: Which Should You Choose?

Chimenea or Fire Pit: Which Should You Choose?

There are two clear rivals in the outdoor heating scene that you have undoubtedly encountered in your search for the perfect garden accessory—but which one should you choose: a chimenea or fire pit?

So, the question is, which is better?

We’ll be honest with you, both are fantastic!  But not everyone’s needs are the same so while a chimenea may be better for some a fire pit will be ideal for others.

We are here to help you decide which is ideal for your needs. So, let’s dive into whether a chimenea or a fire pit…

What is the Difference Between a Fire Pit and a Chimenea?

At first glance, the main difference is the design and appearance – a fire pit is an open fire, usually in a bowl, whereas a chimenea is an enclosed fire bowl with a chimney or stack on top.

Chimeneas have a long history and originate in Mexico.  These days, they are mostly used as a heat source and for decoration in your garden, but they were originally primarily used for cooking.

Clay is the more traditional material for a chimenea, but cast iron and steel chimeneas are also available if you are looking for something a little more durable.

Fire pits, on the other hand, are open and give you that campfire feel and aesthetic. They date back hundreds of thousands of years and set early humans apart from other animals. Our love for them has never diminished, even to this day.

What To Consider When Deciding Between a Chimenea or Fire Pit?

When it comes to deciding which option is best for you and your outdoor space, then, there are a few things we like to consider. 

• What Fuel Source Do You Want to Use?

• How Much Smoke Is Produced?

• Which Produces More Heat?

• What Size of Space Do You Have?

• Ease of Use

• Which is Safer?

• How Easy Are They To Clean?

• Which Is More Durable?

Let’s dive into them:

What Fuel Source Do You Want to Use?

Your first consideration is the fuel source you are wanting to use.

You can only use wood or charcoal in a chimenea. With a clay chimenea, you are restricted to using wood. A metal chimenea is more robust, and charcoal can be used safely.

In contrast, you have many more fuel options for a fire pit. In addition to your standard fire pit for wood or charcoal, you can also get gas fire pits and bioethanol fire pits.

How Much Smoke Is Produced?

We all know that fire produces smoke and that inevitably, no matter where you sit, that smoke will find you!

But, if you are looking for a smokeless fire pit then a chimenea is your better choice.  

Chimenea reduces the amount of smoke in two primary ways. One is that the chimney directs much of the smoke upward, so you don’t have it wafting in your face. The second is that because the fire in a chimenea is enclosed, it is not exposed to the wind, which is what will cause your fire to produce more smoke.

That being said, again, if you are looking at other fuel sources like bioethanol, then you won’t really have any issue with smoke, as a bioethanol fire pit produces little.

Which Produces More Heat, a Fire Pit or a Chimenea?

The amount of heat that is released is an important consideration. You want to make sure you can stay warm when things start to cool down later in the evening, but you’re not ready to go inside just yet.

When it comes to heating, the fire pit takes the prize.

Chimeneas are only open on one side, which means most of the heat is pushed in one direction. A fire pit, on the other hand, is open, and you will benefit from the same amount of heat given off throughout the 360 degrees.

The other advantage your fire pit has is that you can build a bigger fire in it if you are needing more heat.  Chimeneas on the other hand will have a far more limited capacity and size of the fire, particularly if you are wanting to make sure it doesn’t crack.

What Size of Space Do You Have?

In general, chimeneas are better suited to smaller spaces and more intimate locations.  Fire pits work well in much larger spaces and come in various sizes to suit.

You should also think about what kind of space you want to heat and light.  A fire pit is more suited to being a centrepiece that everyone can sit around, whereas a chimenea is ideal for sitting to one side to heat a few people.

Ease of Use

The good news is that both are relatively easy to use and start a fire in.

Your chimenea will take a little more setting up, particularly if it’s a clay chimenea, and make sure you have a layer of sand or lava rocks at the bottom to protect it from cracking.

A fire pit is easy to use - you build your fire and go.

Which is Safer?

Safety should always be a key concern, especially when dealing with fire.

Both will become very hot when used and retain their heat for a while after the fire has gone out, so caution should certainly be maintained, especially with children and animals around.

Arguably, however, a chimenea takes the edge a little as it is less susceptible to wind blowing ash and embers out of the fire, meaning your fire is better contained.

However, it is far more obvious when a fire pit is lit, as the fire can be seen from all directions.  A chimenea, on the other hand, could be mistaken for not being on if approached from behind, which is something to keep in mind.

How Easy Are They To Clean?

Again, this depends on several factors, not least of which is the material of your chimenea or fire pit.

If we consider cleaning from only a design point of view then a fire pit is far easier to clean.  You have plenty of space to clean and remove ash, etc, from a fire pit, whereas you can only scoop the ash out through the mouth of a chimenea. 

Which Is More Durable?

Another question is about the material you choose for your fire pit or chimenea.

Both are generally very durable and long-lasting.  This is particularly true if you choose a corten steel fire pit, for example, or a cast iron chimenea.

If you opt for the more traditional clay chimenea then you will have to be careful not to crack or smash it in any way.  While clay is durable from a longevity standpoint, it is far more fragile and susceptible to both changes in heat, moisture, and will break if comes under immense force.

Final Thoughts

The truth is both fire pits and chimeneas are fantastic additions to any outdoor space, and whichever you choose we know you are going to be delighted with for many years to come.

They are the perfect focal point and place to gather your friends and family on a beautiful summer's eve.

Post Code Checker

Using a wood burner outside is legal; being a nuisance with an outdoor fire can cause problems with the neighbours and with the local council. Here is our local council checker for their guidelines. https://www.firepit.co.uk/pages/post-code-checker 

This is currently for postcodes in England and Wales. It will soon expand to Scotland and Northern Ireland.