8 best chimineas for garden gatherings after the sun goes down

This contemporary outdoor wood burner is an imposing presence on the patio, thanks to its jet-black colourway and lofty dimensions. At 150cm in height, it demands attention. The Primo is well-crafted from high-quality powder-coated steel, and features a handy wood storage compartment at its base.

Of course, this is an aesthetic addition as much as a practical one, with chopped wood or logs on display in all their rustic charm. Thanks to its tall, cylindrical design, the chiminea directs smoke upwards and away from garden party guests, which we found goes a long way in protecting clothes from lingering smoky odours.

If you’re after a traditional chiminea with South American design roots, this lidded number hits all the right notes. The Venezuela is crafted from clay, and boasts a simple and easy-to-use shape, with its rounded open belly and its classic bottle neck – we loved the addition of the geometric leaf motif in contrasting charcoal.

The outdoor burner may be on the smaller side, especially when compared with its imposing contemporary counterparts, but it is elevated off the ground via a simple but sturdy metal tripod frame, which encourages smoke to escape upwards, not outwards. Pop the rain lid on when not in use to keep the interior from getting soggy.

A contemporary take on the classic chiminea, this striking tear-shaped design proved a hit on our patio space. It is made from premium-quality steel with both frost-proof and UV resistance, and it boasts a smooth, almost-black finish, which is offset with a glamorous flash of gold on the base.

While the voluptuous Cooper is undeniably stylish, its design is altogether practical, too. Thanks to its continuous form, the whole chiminea heats up efficiently, and quickly emanates warmth and light. Its slimline design makes it ideal as a space-saver for smaller patios, yet it is plenty tall enough to direct the smoke up and away.

This is another sizeable, industrial-style chiminea that boasts a generous opening for cosy warmth, light, and watching the flames move. It also has substantial storage space for keeping logs both dry and accessible. Thanks to its integrated, peaked rain lid, the steel chiminea is kept reliably dry without you having to remember a separate piece, which is ideal for unexpected showers that threaten to spoil the party. The Kilauea demands attention, and a fair bit of space, but it will be your friend long after the sun goes down.

While most traditional-style chimineas are diminutive in form, this one boasts dimensions to rival any of its contemporary counterparts. One for purists, the extra-large Colima has been hand-crafted and hand-painted in Mexico and features a classic wide belly with a generous opening, a tall chimney, separate rain lid, and a decorative but sturdy steel stand. As with any clay chiminea, the material itself absorbs heat and acts as a radiator, emanating an impressive amount of warmth. For all its artisanal charm, this one proves an efficient patio heater, too.

With its decorative cut-out design, this is a stylish modern take on a classic black chiminea. The Havana features a chunky built-in base, making it sit low, but this doesn’t detract from its overall height. In fact, at more than 100cm tall, this is one imposing patio piece. Crafted from steel, it is also reliably weighty. We loved the way the flickering flames can be seen through the swirling pattern, and, of course, the heat escapes through the cut-outs as well as the circular void. Thanks to its generous depth, the flat top can double as a cooking stove if you use a small, cast iron pot or frying pan.

Bringing rustic charm by the bucket-load is this oxidised number from Graham & Green. Industrial and angular in design, the tall chiminea features integrated log storage, as well as a handy integrated rain lid, making it practical as well as stylish. The imposing patio heater boasts an attractive all-over patina that gives it a rich visual texture. It looks every bit a back garden relic from the get-go but it promises to age beautifully over time, too. We loved its simple functionality and its fashionable finish.

Crafted from cast iron and finished with black textured brushstrokes for a rustic, weathered look, this chiminea is all about traditional charm. The log burner boasts an adjustable air vent, a removable lid, and a mesh door for safety. We found its tall chimney ensures smoke is kept away from those seated near it, while it offered cosy warmth all-round. It also heats up quickly, thanks to its material – a bonus if you’re impatient to get the garden party started.