Corten Steel Fire Pits vs Chimineas: Which Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose a fire pit if you want a sociable, 360-degree gathering point for a group; choose a chiminea if you want a more contained, directional fire with a chimney that carries smoke away from seating. Here's how Edensteel's ranges compare.

Corten steel fire pits

The Corten Steel Curved Fire Pit (600mm–1500mm diameter, from £135) is open on all sides, letting a group gather around the full circle. It suits patios, decking and lawn areas where you want the fire itself to be the centrepiece, and pairs naturally with garden seating in a circle or crescent.

Classic steel chimineas

The Classic Steel Chiminea – Supernova (£215) has a distinctive laser-cut body and chimney that draws smoke upward and away, making it a better fit for smaller patios, near-boundary positions, or gardens where smoke direction matters more.

Which gives more heat?

Open fire pits generally radiate heat more evenly in all directions, which is why larger sizes suit bigger seating groups. Chimineas concentrate heat toward the front opening, so they're better suited to a smaller cluster of chairs positioned facing the fire.

Sizing guide

• 600–800mm fire pit — a couple or small patio table.
• 1000–1200mm fire pit — the most popular size for family gatherings.
• 1500mm fire pit — a statement piece for larger gardens and entertaining spaces.
• Chiminea — sized for 2–4 people seated facing the opening.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cook on a Corten steel fire pit?

Yes — many customers use theirs for informal cooking with a grill grate, alongside its use for warmth and ambience.

Do fire pits or chimineas need covering in winter?

Neither is strictly necessary — the steel is built to weather outdoors year-round — but a cover can keep ash and rainwater from building up inside when not in use.

Which is safer near a patio or decking?

Always sit either on a heatproof base such as paving, gravel or stone, with clearance from timber decking, fences and overhanging branches.

Will the fire affect the Corten patina?

No — heat cycling from regular use is part of what gives a Corten fire pit its unique, deepening character over time.

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