Remember, remember the fifth of November, and this year it falls on a Thursday. Whether you're heading out to a display at the weekend or keeping things cosy in the back garden, there's nothing quite like gathering round real flames on a cold, crackling autumn night.
The trouble is that a traditional bonfire is a big commitment. It needs space, a mountain of wood, and a careful eye on the wind. For most UK gardens, a chiminea (or chimenea, as it's often spelled) is the smarter way to bring the fire home. You get the glow, the warmth and the woodsmoke smell, without turning your lawn into a scorched patch.
Why a chiminea beats a bonfire in the back garden
- It fits any garden. A chiminea takes up about the same space as a garden chair, so you don't need an open field to enjoy a real fire.
- The fire stays contained. The flames sit inside a solid body with a spark guard door, so you're not watching embers drift towards the fence or the shed.
- Smoke goes up and away. The tall chimney draws smoke upwards, away from your guests' eyes (and your washing).
- There's no big clean-up. Forget raking a pile of ash off the lawn the next morning. The ash stays inside, ready to empty once it's cold.
- It lasts beyond one night. A bonfire is gone by the morning of the 6th. A chiminea keeps you warm on the patio all through autumn and winter.
Meet our Cast Iron Chiminea
Our Cast Iron Chiminea is built for proper British weather. It's solid cast iron in a black finish with bronze highlights, and it's frost-proof, so it can stay out on the patio long after Bonfire Night.
What makes it great for 5 November:
- Spark guard door. Add logs safely without leaning over open flames, and keep sparks where they belong.
- Adjustable air vent. Turn the flames up for a roaring fire or down for a gentle glow, and stop the fire getting too fierce.
- Free stainless steel BBQ rack. Toast marshmallows, warm sausages for hot dogs or grill a few burgers right over the flames. A Bonfire Night feast, sorted.
- Removable lid and ash grate. These make lighting, fuelling and cleaning out simple.
- Free rain cover and fire poker. The waterproof, UV-resistant 600D Oxford cover keeps it protected between fires, and the poker means you're ready to go out of the box.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Material |
Cast iron |
|
Finish |
Black with bronze finish |
|
Height |
110 cm |
|
Depth |
50 cm |
|
Weight |
23.5 kg |
|
Included |
Stainless steel BBQ rack, rain cover, fire poker, ash grate |
At 23.5 kg, it's heavy enough to stand steady on the patio but still manageable for two people to move into position.
Bonfire Night safety tips for your chiminea
A chiminea is a safer way to enjoy a fire at home, but it's still a fire. Keep these tips in mind:
- Pick the right spot. Stand it on a level, non-flammable surface such as patio slabs or gravel, never decking or grass. Keep it well away from fences, sheds, overhanging branches and the house.
- Use the right fuel. Burn dry, seasoned hardwood or kiln-dried logs. Never use petrol, lighter fluid or other accelerants, and don't burn rubbish, painted wood or plastics.
- Don't overload it. Keep the fire well below the mouth of the chiminea and add logs a little at a time. Use the air vent to keep the flames under control.
- Break it in gently. For the first few fires, keep them small to let the cast iron warm up gradually.
- Keep little ones and pets back. Cast iron gets very hot. Set a clear "no-go" zone around the chiminea and never leave the fire unattended.
- Keep fireworks and sparklers well away. Never light fireworks near the chiminea or throw anything into it. Have a bucket of water handy for used sparklers.
- Think of the neighbours. Check the wind direction so smoke doesn't drift into neighbouring gardens or open windows.
- Let it cool completely. Ash can stay hot for many hours. Leave it overnight before emptying, and only fit the rain cover once the chiminea is fully cold.
Not just for the fifth of November
Bonfire Night might be the perfect excuse, but your chiminea will earn its place all season long. Use it for chilly evening drinks on the patio, toasting marshmallows with the kids at half-term, or a Christmas-week catch-up with friends wrapped in blankets outside.
Looking after it is easy:
- Fit the free rain cover between uses, once it has cooled, to protect it from wet weather.
- Empty the ash regularly so the air can flow and the fire burns cleanly.
- If a little surface rust appears over winter, brush it off and keep it covered.
Light up your Bonfire Night
Whether you're hosting a small gathering on the 5th or catching the weekend fireworks from the back garden, the Cast Iron Chiminea brings the warmth and glow of a bonfire without the hassle. With a free BBQ rack, rain cover and poker included, plus free standard UK delivery, it's everything you need for cosy nights outdoors this winter.