I think the one you show is meant for a small suburban patio, so not sure how much heat it will actually put out. If you get really chilly sitting out at night, then you might want to consider some propane patio heaters. We have 2 of the stand up type you see in outdoor restaurants ... they work great if you are close by, but like any heat source out in the open, you don't feel the heat a few feet away ... you can't heat the outdoors!

It would depend on the material. Traditional chimineas are clay, typically a high fired, painted (not glazed) clay. But even sealed - which is highly recommended before use - they can still absorb moisture if left out exposed to the elements. If that moisture is present when the stove is fired up, the steam created internally can cause cracking or even cause the chiminea to explode. They are also not very portable - heavy to move and somewhat fragile

But you can find them in materials other than clay. In a rainy climate like the Gulf Coast, I'd stick with a metal chiminea.

I’ve seen cast iron ones asvertised. I grew up with a cast iron ”Franklin” type stove and I love how they gently radiate the heat, but of course that’s indoors.

My son has two and he really likes them. He hasn't shared any negatives with me, but they look lovely when the fire is going and he has not complained about cleaning-considering they have a 3-year-old daughter and twin 1-year-old daughters, too, I suspect he would have if it were onerous. Enjoy yours when you get it!

ETA: His are clay.

cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA),

Thanks for that feedback! Are your son's made of cast iron? Do you have any idea what size, brand, etc? It can be heavy; we probably will never move it once it's placed. I'm interested in quality, rather than buying something cheap just for cheap's sake.

ETA, I missed your comment that his are clay. Sorry for asking about cast iron.

Have you considered a Solo Stove? They burn very cleanly and put out very little smoke. And, oh boy, can they put out heat! Super easy to start … can’t say enough good things about them.

I looked at them and it said not to let it get rained on. They sell a cover, so you can leave it outside, but you have to wait until it cools down completely before putting the cover on. I thought that might create a problem if a storm rolls in quickly which does happen here very frequently even on an otherwise sunny clear day.

But the thing does look great. Maybe I could get a fabricator to make me a metal cover for it so that I could quickly put that on to keep rain out until it cools. I'll look that up again.

One negative to think about is proximity to neighbors. Our neighbor has one on their patio and fires it up in the evenings. Our houses aren't real close...1/2 acre lots... but because of the topography and prevailing breezes in the evenings, it fills my yard and house (if I have my windows open) with smoke. So be sure to think about where that smoke will end up.

AJCN … there is a lid (as opposed to the cover) for the Solo Stove and you can place it over the stove while it is still warm (not as a method to snuff it out.) It is for the exact scenario you mentioned … the possibility of a storm overnight. Hope this helps. 😎