Chimineas

[LeMarchand]

Was thinking about getting one of these to keep the patio warm, and burn a bit of garden waste (which I think they can do - can anyone confirm?). A few questions: cast iron or clay - I'd like to be able to leave it out over winter, and is there somewhere in the Portsmouth/Southampton region or online that I can get a medium/large one for less than �75 (under �50 would be good).

[BOBANDSANDRA]

Don't know about suppliers in your area but I can recommend cast iron over clay. Clay tend to have a much shorter lifespan due to cracking. A cast iron chiminea can be left outside throughout the year, although it will change to a rusty complection after a while. This is easily masked every so often with ZEBO black grate polish, available in tubes quite cheap. We use ours to burn all confidential paperwork such as expired receipts which contain your credit card details. All fuels burn well but if you don't use well seasoned logs you end up sitting in clouds of smelly smoke which spoils the barbeque. Try initial lighting with charcoal and firelighters then keep topping up with smokeless fuel briquettes or well seasonned DRY logs. ENJOY!!!!!

[LeMarchand]

Thanks for the input, BOBANDSANDRA. I had a feeling that iron was the better bet, so you've confirmed that for me. Great advice about the fuel. Now all I need is a to find a low-priced one. Maybe in the Sales?