Iron versus Clay Chiminea: Pros and Cons

Cast iron chimineas and clay chimineas both have their pros and cons, but which is best? It depends. Cast iron requires much less maintenance and care than a clay chiminea. But they're heavier and more difficult to move around. They also tend to spot or discolor the surface underneath the fire box. Clay is less expensive, easier to move, but may crack or break without warning, leaving you with a potential fire and certainly a big mess to clean up.

Chimineas are just one of the many kinds of portable fireplaces available for outdoor use. With their tall profiles, excellent smoke drafting and efficient burning, Southwestern good looks and availability in a variety of colors and designs, they are among the most popular outdoor fireplace models. They come in a variety of materials, but iron and clay are the top two choices of most consumers.

Traditional chimineas have tall chimneys, giving them a natural drafting action that causes them to burn and act more like a regular fireplace. The air is drawn into the fire through the mouth, and then out through the neck. That makes either iron or clay chimineas a great choice for entertaining on patios and around yards since the smoke doesn't hover around head level and become annoying. Fire pits and campfire shaped pit designs tend to smoulder and smoke.

Better quality control in the manufacture of clay chimineas means less shattering in the clay than in years past. Proper maintenance and proper burning of fuel helps ensure that clay will last longer. Both chimineas must be placed on level surfaces with a fire pad, or concrete or stone base to prevent fires and burning of the surface. Both must be leveled and instructions followed to ensure safe use. Other than that:

Cons of Iron Chimineas

• Cast iron will rust if not maintained properly.
• Cast iron chimineas must be assembled since they come in pieces.
• Cast iron tends to stain the surface beneath it.
• Cast iron is very heavy and hard to move from place-to-place.
• Cast iron is expensive.
• Cast iron chimineas will break if dropped.
• Cast iron chimineas get very hot and need greater clearance around them than clay chimineas.
• Hazards of hot iron and potential fire and burning danger are greater with iron chimineas.

Pros of Iron Chimineas

• Cast iron chimineas are durable and long lasting when cared for properly.
• Cast iron chimineas are less likely to tip or turn over.
• Cast iron chimineas are lower-maintenance than clay.
• Cast iron chimineas get very hot very fast.

Cons of Clay Chimineas

• Clay chimineas may crack, break or shatter without warning when there is a fire in the firebox.
• Clay requires more care and maintenance than iron chimineas.
• Clay chimineas need to be warmed up for at least half an hour before being used in cold temperatures.
• Clay chimineas don't get as hot or warm as effectively as cast iron chimineas.
• Clay chimineas should be sealed at least twice a year to keep them from cracking.
• Life expectancy is shorter than that of an iron chiminea.

Pros of Clay Chimineas

• Clay is much less expensive than iron.
• One-piece construction means no assembly required.
• Clay chimineas are easy to move and relocate.
• Clay chimineas cool off more quickly than cast iron.
• Clay is less likely to cause as severe burns as iron.