Small spaces require a small or medium chiminea. You could add a large or XL model to a small patio area but you’ll feel the heat… maybe far too much heat! It’s hard to imagine until you give it a go for yourself, but the amount of heat a clay chiminea, steel chiminea or cast iron chiminea throws out is impressive. It’s dramatic. And it can easily get a bit too much, leaving you and your guests fanning yourselves, shedding clothing, and standing further and further back.
Because a chiminea is such a highly effective 360 degree heater, giving off heat equally in all directions, there’s no need to go XL unless you have a large area to keep warm. Place a great big chiminea in the centre of a small patio and you might find there isn’t enough room for people to sit or stand around it without burning their knees and going all red in the face – not a good look for alfresco fun!
On the other hand if you’re the proud owner of a large space where you’ll be entertaining quite a few guests, XL is the way to go. Here are three of our most popular extra large chimineas to whet your alfresco appetite.
The magnificent Asteria Chimalin AFC XL chiminea
You want big? No problem. You want simple? Here you are. The Asteria XL chiminea is a stunning item, as big as they get and packed with visual drama. Made from pale orange natural clay, the simplicity of the design has an appeal all of its own. It sits back quietly against every garden backdrop, and the pale colour will eventually begin to change to create a gorgeous natural patina. After a while it’ll look like it has been there since ancient times, an object of beauty as well as loads of practical fun. Being made of special clay, 8 years in development, it’s also very durable. You can set a good sized fire from the offset without risk of cracking through thermal shock, and without the need for curing.
The Extra-Large Iguana Mexican Chiminea in dark grey
Fancy something a bit more fancy? How about the extra large Iguana Mexican chiminea in dark grey? It’s a fabulous item, generously sized for lots of heat. The lovely curly spirals are moulded to the body, a clever way to add 3d texture and visual interest. And there’s a brilliantly observed iguana design on the chimney itself. The dark colour is subtle and smart, and as you’d expect from a real Mexican chiminea, the design means it’s easy to light, easy to use, and draws strongly for a clean, hot flame with very little ash. You’ll need to season this one before use but it’s an easy matter and doesn’t take long. Respect this chiminea and it’ll grace your garden for years to come.
The XL Toledo cast iron chiminea
If metal floats your boat better than clay, try the XL Toledo cast iron chiminea. It stands 129cm high, a beautiful beast of a garden accessory. The strong cast iron body takes big fires and burns every type of fuel with confidence to generate awesome amounts of heat. It comes with its own cool swing-out BBQ grill for simple alfresco cooking excellence and three legs keep it stable even on wobbly surfaces. The swing-out mesh panel at the front gives you great views of the flames, too.
Which XL chiminea will you choose?
They’re just three of a beautiful collection of big, dramatic chimineas to add fun and flavour to your outdoor space. Take a look and see which one inspires you. Then grab one, invite your besties, and enjoy the alfresco time of your life!