Blue Rooster Chiminea Review: Absolute Must-Have for Backyards

blue rooster chiminea reviews

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This Blue Rooster chiminea is compact, versatile, and extremely trendy. Chimineas have long been popular in Mexico, where they have been used for hundreds of years to light small fires for heating and cooking. Today’s models are mostly for entertaining, providing an atmosphere for relaxation and fun.

I tested sun fire chiminea From the Blue Rooster as part of a larger test to find best chimineas For deck and patio use, and it took the top spot in the lineup. Keep reading to learn more about the Blue Rooster outdoor fireplace and why it could be the perfect addition to your backyard.

Blue Rooster Sun Fire Chiminea: At a Glance

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Blue Rooster Sun Fire Chiminea Specs
Material cast aluminum
DIMENSIONS 44 inches long and 18 inches diameter
Colour charcoal
weight 48 pounds
stuff Rain Lid, Grate, Spark Insert, Screen Tool

test of sun fire chimney

test of Blue Rooster Chiminea This involved lighting a fire and analyzing how well the chiminea pulled smoke through the stack without leaving red-hot sparks in the air or on the ground. I burned seasoned hickory and ash with a little kindling material obtained from splitting scrap wood.

I lit several fires in the belly of the Sun Fire and observed how well the safety features kept burning embers from flying into the air. I also paid special attention to the quality of the materials used in the construction of the chimney. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to this Blue Rooster wood-burning chiminea.

what we like what we don’t like
Quick and easy assembly Wood requires frequent joining
radiates heat in all directions Cools more quickly than cast iron
Attractive design adds a focal point Limited space on small cooking grills

Setup and Assembly

blue rooster chiminea reviews
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

The chiminea arrived carefully packaged in a single box, and it took me about 10 minutes to assemble. All I really had to do was attach the legs to the bottom of the fire bowl (including fasteners) and then put the grates, stack, and spark arrester and lid in place.

sun fire Comes with two grates – one near the bottom of the fire bowl that serves as a platform for stacking the wood, and the other with a smaller 9-inch grate between the fire bowl and the stack. The second grate can be used to grill smaller amounts of food. I grilled some hot dogs and they turned out great, but the grill isn’t big enough to cook for a family.

The chimney stack sits above the fire bowl, and a removable spark arrester fits into the upper stack opening. Sun Fire also comes with a lid that will keep unwanted rain off the chiminea.

heat production

Blue Rooster Chiminea It’s made of cast aluminum, so when a fire flares up in the fire bowl, heat spreads from all sides. Compared to the cast iron and clay chimineas I’ve used, it heats up relatively quickly but also cools down faster than others. Similarly, while the exterior of the Sun Fire became very hot to the touch, it was not as scorching hot as cast iron, and it still emitted heat up to about 3 to 5 feet.

Most of the heat radiated from the open front of the fire bowl, which is normal, and when I sat in the front, I was very warm. The Sun Fire has a protective front grill that keeps the hot embers in place, so I don’t have to worry about hot embers flying out and coming towards me.

I had to frequently add more wood to keep the fire going, but that’s to be expected with an 18-inch fire bowl. If I had lit the oak, it would have burned longer. If you want a long lasting fire in a chiminea, try lighting a fire log It is designed to last for 2 hours or more.

blue rooster chiminea reviews
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

Durability and maintenance

Cast aluminum is very durable, and Sun Fire does not require much maintenance. However, it is a good idea to take some basic care. After using the chiminea, allow it to cool completely and then pour out the cooled ashes or use a ash vacuum To suck them out.

You can also wipe the interior with a damp cloth to remove soot and residue. If necessary, you can use a mild soap solution, but avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the finish. Blue Rooster includes a small jar of touch-up paint that can be used to cover scratches on the exterior.

I plan to store the Sun Fire in my garage in the winter to keep it from freezing, but if you don’t have room to store it in a garage or shed, Blue Rooster makes one chiminea cover You might want to consider buying it just to be safe.

blue rooster chiminea reviews
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

Blue Rooster Chiminea: Good balance of price and quality

Sun Fire Chiminea from Blue Rooster Sells for $389 on both Amazon and Blue Rooster. It is a little more expensive than some chimineas but much less than others. This is one of the more affordable models from Blue Roosters, but from a physical standpoint I didn’t find it cheap.

In the form of a quality cast-aluminum chiminea, it can serve as a focal point for entertaining while providing a small element of warmth and cooking. For my money, the Sun Fire is a little smart outdoor fireplace That will provide warmth and entertainment value for years to come.

blue rooster chiminea reviews
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

product comparison

So, is a Sun Fire Chiminea right for you?

If you’re looking for a stylish outdoor fireplace to boost your backyard decor, Blue Rooster Sun Fire An excellent option. It attaches quickly, and it’s made of lightweight cast aluminum that’s durable and provides soothing warmth without getting overly hot to the touch.

The wood-burning chiminea comes with a small cooking grate for those times you want to grill some hot dogs or burgers. I prefer this over a cast-iron chimney, which can get dangerously hot, and clay, which tends to develop cracks over time. It is an ideal choice for family gatherings and casual evenings out.

meet the tester

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer who focuses primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances.

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