Go full Mexican with the iguana chiminea

‘Quirky’ gardens always make an impact, which is why one of our best-selling models is the magnificent iguana chiminea. Here’s what you need to know.

About our brilliant iguana chiminea

Made by hand in Mexico by skilled potters, the iguana motif on this dramatic chiminea is applied onto the clay body before it’s fired, created in a mould then peeled out of its mould and stuck on using a ‘slurry’ of wet clay as glue. The technique is called sprigging, the same as artisans use when making posh Wedgewood pottery.

Because the iguana motif is 3d and coloured bright green, it adds real personality to the chim. The little green swirls around the chimney enhance the design. We love the background, which showcases the brush marks made by the clever people who painted it – and means every one is unique.

This model comes in medium, large (73 x 42cm) and extra large. The three legged stand means they stand firm and safe even when the ground’s a bit wobbly, a sensible safety feature for something that gets very hot indeed. The chiminea also comes with a handy matching clay rain lid.

Why the iguana? There are 19 different types of iguana in Mexico, making them an everyday sight. Some species are enormous, others are brightly coloured, but they’re all masters of disguise and all look like mini-dinosaurs. Some people even eat them.

Like all clay chimineas, this model thrives on a small, neat fire so it’s very fuel-efficient. A big fire can crack the clay if it’s wet or damp, superheating the moisture so it expands and causes cracks. A little fire heats the big body up steadily and powerfully until it starts radiating heat outwards, so much more effective than an open fire. Because it’s round you get 360 degree comfort.

Because they were invented and perfected in Mexico over hundreds of years, Mexican models are the best performers of all. They’ve nailed the relationship between chimney height and width, body diameter and mouth size to create an excellent draw, which delivers a good, hot, beautifully-burning fire. Thick clay and a good, chunky rim keep things sturdy.

In bad weather simply pop a special fitted cover on top, layered with insulation to protect the clay from cracking in frost. It can stay out all year as long as it’s protected, a good-looking addition to any garden. But this is so much more than a pretty face. Like all the best chimineas it is a dream to BBQ on, with a thrilling choice of ways to create delicious food outdoors the simplest possible way: casseroles and kebabs, grills and roasts, smoked delicacies, crisp pizzas and more.

Which size will suit your garden best?