Chimineas

A chiminea is the bottle-shaped wood-burning patio heater with a chimney top: efficient, contained, throws heat in a narrower angle than an open fire pit. The traditional clay chiminea is the budget pick (£60-£200) but cracks if rained on hot or used over winter. Cast-iron chimineas (£150-£500) survive year-round outdoor use and conduct heat better. Steel chimineas (£100-£400) split the difference. Cheaper-Online.co.uk, QD stores and Robert Dyas between them cover £8-£550 across the range. Fuel: kiln-dried hardwood logs burn cleanest (low smoke) and longer than softwood. Most chimineas need a fire-resistant base (paving slab, concrete pad) and 2m clearance from any structure. The chimney design directs smoke up rather than across the patio; check the chimney height (taller draws better) and the air-vent design at the base. A chiminea cover is essential for clay; cast iron is more forgiving.