Getting the Best Chiminea Pizza Oven on the Market Possible
In-depth Guide
It is obvious that there are plenty of options for the best chiminea pizza oven.
A chiminea (from the Spanish word for “chimney) is a freestanding fireplace with a round body and a vertical chimney.
They were invented in Mexico nearly 400 years ago and were used inside traditional earth-floor huts for both cooking and warmth.
Notably, an opening in the roof of the hut allowed smoke to escape, and the hard earth floors reduced risk of fire from a broken chiminea.
Moreover, unlike other fireplaces, the unique shape of a chiminea creates an airflow that draws fresh air in through the front of the fireplace.
Hence, feeding the flames, and then venting heat and smoke vertically.
Thus, this airflow design means that they keep flames and smoke away from surrounding objects and people, and make the fire burn hotter and cleaner, reducing residual ash.
Additionally, it also means that fire in a chiminea will burn out completely in a relatively short period of time, an important safety consideration in both ancient and modern applications.
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Evolution of the Chiminea Oven
Above all, the chiminea has become a popular accessory for outdoor entertaining around the world.
Moreover, the shape and design make it easy and safe to use on decks and terraces, with less risk and trouble than a fire pit.
And, while many people use these products simply for heat and enjoyment outdoors, they are also still very popular for their original application: cooking. They were originally made out of clay; a cheap, plentiful material that excels at heat distribution.
A modern chiminea baking oven is made out of clay or cast iron, and each material has its strengths, both literally and figuratively.
Clay Chiminea
Pros:
- Less expensive than cast iron
- No assembly required
- Clay may be more visually appealing in design since it often matches other terra-cotta and clay garden accessories
- Easier to relocate
- Cools off more quickly
- Lower temperature than cast iron gives more placement options and means that contact burns are less severe (although of course, no one should ever touch a hot oven)
Cons:
- May crack or break
- Clay versions need to be cured before first use
- Clay versions should be warmed in cold temperatures before using to prevent shattering
- Doesn’t get as hot as cast iron
- They should be covered or stored in bad weather; frozen water inside a clay chiminea oven will lead to cracking or shattering
- Only suitable for burning wood
Cast Iron Chiminea
Pros:
- More durable and longer-lasting than clay
- Design differences mean that a cast iron chiminea oven is less likely to tip over
- Cast iron will not shatter
- Cast iron heats faster and burns hotter
- Retains heat longer than clay
- No need to be cured before using (although curing is still recommended)
- Cast iron can burn wood or charcoal and allows the use of lighting fluid
Cons:
- Assembly required
- Cast iron is much heavier than clay; Hence, difficult to move or store
- Often, they stain the surface beneath the chiminea oven
- Cast iron is prone to rust
- More expensive than clay
- Greater risk of injury from hotter heat for longer periods of time
- Requires more surrounding space than chiminea to reduce risk from radiant heat
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Chiminea Oven Options
Generally speaking, a clay chiminea oven is great for entertaining; since it requires no assembly, doesn’t burn as hot, and cools off more quickly.
Additionally, it can be placed more easily for a party or a season and stored away from water and extreme cold temperatures in winter.
However, a cast-iron chiminea oven is better when situated as desired and then left in place, covered for winter.
Nevertheless, the fact is that it is heavier and more difficult to move.
Therefore, it requires more surrounding clearance and may stain the surface below it.
However, the fact that it burns hotter and can burn a wider variety of materials makes it the better choice for outdoor cooking.
Particularly if you want not just to grill or barbecue, but are looking for an outdoor pizza oven.
In fact, many cast iron versions come with grills and accessories for outdoor cooking, since they are so useful for this purpose.
Additionally, If your chiminea pizza oven doesn’t come with a built-in grill, you can still make a great pizza using fire bricks and a grill or a pizza stone.
Otherwise, you could buy one with a built-in pizza oven, like these popular models:
The Blue Rooster Co. Casita Style Cast Iron Wood Burning Chiminea in Charcoal
The Blue Rooster Casita Style Chiminea pizza oven is a compact, beautiful cast iron model with a built-in grill and oven, perfect for cooking while enjoying a warming fire.
Product details:
- Easy assembly
- Final dimensions: 18 x 22 x 49 inches
- Shipping weight: 230 pounds
- While it is possible to burn charcoal, wood is recommended for this chimenea pizza oven
- Accommodates 14-16” pizza stone
- Requires a metal tray (also available from Blue Rooster) beneath it if not placed on concrete
On the other hand, like all cast-iron versions, the Blue Rooster Casita Style will need occasional maintenance to prevent rust.
Also, it should be covered in winter. Make sure that you start your pizza after the flames have burned down to hot coals, and use a non-stick peel.
Nevertheless, Amazon reviewers love the pizzas they make out of this beautiful, durable chiminea pizza oven.
Deeco DM-0039-IA-C Aztec Allure Cast Iron Pizza Oven Chiminea
The Deeco Aztec allure has a distinctive design and is specially made for cooking pizza outdoors.
Mainly, It comes with a pizza stone, peel, and tools. In addition, it also comes with a removable ash pan for easy cleanup, and an attractive removable rain lid.
Product details:
- Easy assembly required
- Final dimensions: 16 x 18.5 x 44 inches
- Shipping weight: 265 pounds Burns wood or charcoal
- Accommodates 14” pizza stone Removable chimney for grilling or oven use
Notably, the Deeco Aztec is an outdoor pizza-making machine.
Slightly less versatile than larger chimineas, this durable oven garners rave reviews for pizzas, grilling, and outdoor heating.
While it comes with a rain lid, it should be covered in inclement weather and, occasionally treated to prevent rust.
Furthermore, As with all cast-iron models, place it on concrete with surrounding clearance for safety.
Summary
Making your own pizzas in your garden on a chiminea pizza oven is a fun and delicious way to feed family and friends.
Furthermore, the smaller size of these pizzas means that everyone can have fun making their own just the way they like.
Likewise, chimineas are also great for barbeques, grilling, smores, and simply warming up cooler evenings outdoors.
With some care and maintenance, you will enjoy for decades and transform outdoor entertaining.
Also, make sure you go take a look at our blog for more insights on pizza-related items.