BLACK CAST IRON/STEEL MIX 105CM CHIMENEA CHIMINEA WITH SWING OUT GRILL FOR BBQ

I bought this as a gift for my parents in 2011 and it's still going strong in 2016, so I felt compelled to write a good review.It still looks like new, but this is probably partly due to the fact that when not in use, it is stored in the garage out of the elements.I'm considering buying another for myself, though would definitely also buy a strong and durable cover to go with it so I can leave it outside.It's a heavy item to carry in an out of the garage every time.My Dad is a bit of a pyromaniac and enjoys packing this chimnea full of logs on a cold night. He went overboard once and flames started billowing out of the top! The chimnea could more than handle the heat, but I'd err on the side of caution and not put too many logs on at once, especially if you value your eyebrows.It was a great buy and is still getting a lot of use. Definitely recommended to bring some extra warmth and coziness to the garden table during family get togethers.Look after your chimnea and your chimnea will look after you!

Arrived very promptly, undamaged, all listed parts present, quite impressive. Legs and bowl are cast iron, but the parts of the flue appears to be fabricated (from sheet metal) which is a mixed blessing; makes it lighter to move but does not retain/radiate the heat quite like cast iron would. Assembly was fairly straightforward except that the instructions refer to use of more washers/spring washers than are listed/supplied (so I used some spares of my own). The swing out cooking grill can be removed prior to lighting - this makes it easier to top up with wood when in use. Note: The instructions depict a 'cooking grill' however bizzarely the warnings and cautions state that the product is NOT intended for cooking or heating food! The cooking grill is quite close to the wood and gets licked by flames - maybe this is the reason for the disclaimer? Careful heating above a gentle flame or embers might work out but not when the wood is burning fiercely - after all nobody wants to incinerate their supper. As with other chimenea's having a door, it is not particularly well fitted, nevertheless it adds a bit of security in case a bit of wood in inclined to shift/move as it burns down - just don't sit too close. Overall I am very pleased with it, very stable and heavy with sturdy cast iron handles. It is very nice when lit but do not add too much wood or else a lot of the heat is wasted (if flames are coming out the top you've obviously got too much wood in it - and at risk of setting light to something/someone). Oddly there are no instructions/guidance how to light it. I found the safe guidance in 'How to Light a Chimenea' on e.How most useful.

I have only seen one chiminea working but I have fiddled with many at garden centers. The build quality is exactly the same as the others I have viewed. Unfortunately that doesn't make it good. It is nothing massive just small things which for me has pulled the rating down. For example the front grid to get into the fire needs to be fastened loosely otherwise the door doesn't sit flush in the door frame. Every time I open the door it bugs me that you can feel the nuts are loose as their is a lot of vertical movement. When you pay £90 (which is better than most garden centres) you expect a certain level of build quality which my mind was slightly better than this product gives. If I were to design this product I would also make it easier to empty the ask as you have to scoop it out which can be a slightly messy job.We have a small garden but I didn't want to buy the smallest in the range as when seated I thought the smoke would go in every bodies face, so I thought the little bit of height would be good. This product gives a little bit of height without being overbearing in our small garden. Also the BBQ function isn't on the smaller versions, I haven't cooked anything on it and you wouldn't be able to cook much. But you would be able to cook a pair or sausages or burgers if you are a couple but not a family. It is a good size and capable of having a fair fire but not at the same time as cooking food. It is very easy to get fires going as it has a good design of placing the fuel on a grid which allows plenty of oxygen to get to the fire. The whole container gets very hot when the fire is going, so if you have small children you would have to be very careful. It also radiate a nice level of heat. I have burnt a lot of paper and charcoal and I look forward to putting some wood in as I think this would suite it best giving a better flame / heat ratio. It looks very attractive when going in a summers evening and becomes a focal point when chatting to friends in the diminishing light.I have used this product over a paper shredder as it is more fun to play with fire than to be shouting at a machine which needs a 5 minute cool down period when you put a sheet of paper into it which a 1mm too thick.Over all this is a product which is very nice a present, it has been used many times in the two weeks I have had it and it will be used for a long time to come.3.5 stars would be my ideal rating

The item arrived quicker than we expected and well packaged although the box was a bit bent. It's a bit on the heavy side and the poor delivery driver carried it all the way down our steps.It looks splendid and quite easy to put together plus it came with 2 soft waterproof covers. ( If we had known this we wouldn't have ordered a separate one which was supplied by others. Still it will come in handy.)Unfortunately it has been raining so we haven't had much chance to try it out but we shall as soon as we can.

Rusty piece of rubbish sitting in garden waiting for tip. Forget cooking with it. Forget being heated by it. Just avoid.

The rating is so low because I am disappointed with the item, it has discoloured badly on the outside, I thought with it being cast iron it would fair a bit better than it did. I gave it as a present to my son-in-law and feel bad every time I see it.

Good easy to follow instructions to put together. Nice sturdy chimenea and looks great in our small garden. The grill works great too. Overall great value,you get a lot for your money.