Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace Model 30199

My last chimenea lasted almost 10 years before rusting out, and we selected this one as a replacement. I was immediately impressed with the quality of the cast iron components (much improved over my last one) and the solid cast chimney (which is the part which finally failed on my last one.) I was initially a bit concerned about the "sliding" door, but it works very well -- much better than a hinged one in fact. The ash clean-out tray on the bottom works well, and allows for the creation of a bit of draft if it is pulled out a little bit. To insure that the chimenea stays solid, I did buy some stainless steel lock washers which I placed under all bolts (insurance). The only "con" I found was the the wood grate came in two pieces, and moved around a little when placing logs onto it. I solved this by placing two metal braces onto the grates, thereby locking them in place. This is a first class product and an excellent value for the money. (P.S. -- this is my first evaluation on Amazon -- and only being done because of the perceived value of this product.

My first delivery had been banged around and arrived in a heavily taped up box. I probably should have immediately sent it back, but I didn't think the parts were damaged when I unpacked it. Then when I got half way thru the assembly, I realized that the circular screen was bent at the opening, to the point that it would not fit the bottom pan tightly. I called Amazon, only because it was such a big item and I no longer had the box - which had been badly damaged. Customer service was awesome and immediately offered to send a replacement and have the damaged one picked up. Since I had no box for the return, I worked out a deal with my UPS guy who showed up to get it (with no box), that I should repack the old one in the new box, and then texted him and he came and picked it up. The new one went together perfectly, and all is well. I highly recommend getting a chiminea cover, since the circular screen can allow water to pool, which could eventually rust out the pan bottom.

We bought this to have the ambience of a fire when we wanted. We had a low firepit, but the smoke often got in our eyes and nose. This Chiminea's chimney lifts the smoke above seating level and provides an excellent draft which causes the fire to build quickly as new wood ignites. It makes for a quick and hot fire, but you have to stand or sit close on a cold evening (30's and 40's). Maybe the heat goes up the chimney, too. And it isn't designed to heat an open patio! Not a drawback for us because enjoying a fire that takes little work to keep going (as long as the wood supply lasts) without being chased around by smoke was our goal. This product provides that. It is also sturdy, easy to assemble, and well constructed. The sliding door works smoothly and the ash pan fits perfectly ( and also makes cleaning out the ashes easy). Well pleased. It would be worth the money even if it didn't sell for a modest price.

This is a beautiful Chimnea, I will say that much! The patterns and paint antiquing are beautifully copied. Unfortunately the function of the patina is aging, something this unit only copies, which is quite laughable, because it’s trying to look like something that will last forever, but it’s all a ruse! Case in point: This is my second unit. I gave my son my old one and went “new”. The first was all cast iron including the stove pipe. Now it’s rolled sheet metal. The top cover is now stamped sheet metal. The grate went from sturdy cast iron to welded wire very similar to a charcoal cooking grate. The only parts that were not cast iron: the section in the middle you can see thru, the ash tray, and the sliding access door. The weight difference is very obvious. I would estimate they have cut the weight in half, thus cheapening the product into something that will not last long. You simply cannot expect sheet metal to compete with cast iron. I actually spoke to a representative of the company that reps the product and she told me it was because they were having burn outs in the bottom cast iron. So their answer to correct their problem THEY caused by cheapening the complete product was to cheapen the grate to where people cannot put too much wood into the unit. Sadly, this pathetic thought process is being copied by most all manufacturers. China has ruined so many products to where they no longer function it is a tragedy and a travesty. Just to be clear here, my first unit was purchased locally at a big box store about 15 years ago, and weighed over 40 pounds, nothing like the current model. The old grate still works although it did crack, as cast iron does over time with abuse of fire wood as one would expect. The sheet metal ash tray rotted into nothing, but it still is a functional chimnea. My advice if you want this unit to last would be to do as I did on the old one and use a few broken bricks under the grate for support along with some sand to keep the heat down. Additionally, anyone who expects cast iron NOT to rust doesn’t understand metals. Additionally, paint burns off over time, even heat rated paint. They sell a 1100 degree paint if you need to touch up. Also I would recommend NOT leaving this out in the elements throughout its life. The Colorado video is very old and is no longer representative of the product. The unit she has is no longer made and is actually something in between the old one I have, and the new one. Best of luck and happy fires! I hope this review has helped in some way. It’s really too bad a great product has to be sold off and cheapened into something it visually used to be, but simply will not last beyond a few years with luck and care.

This is inexpensive and made of cast-metal, so use appropriate assembly techniques and you should be fine. It's reasonably sized and will give good service when set up and and kept covered. Before it arrives, buy a package of about 25 1/4" lock washers to go behind each nut. Get the all-metal split-ring or ribbed kind; don't get Nylok as the nylon part will melt in the heat. Four 12x12 cement patio blocks will just barely fit the leg profile. Use only hand tools to assemble (ideally a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a small box-end wrench. In most sections you have to assemble sections around the perimeter of a circle; make repetitive tightening passes and tighten gradually on each pass (this avoids putting too much pressure unevenly on a single assembly point). Snug each connection down, but don't be a gorilla. Casual assembly is maybe an hour or so. When mounting the screen belly to the lower bowl, orient the door opening over the slot in the lower bowl. Probably an obvious step to most, but not for me... After this step, I'd recommend placing the unit in its final position while it's still light enough to move without stress on the legs. The two most delicate steps are (1)mounting the metal cover to the belly screen - this step involves screwing to 3 rather delicate brazed-on tabs on the belly screen. Go slow, go in a circle, repeat, and maybe a little less snug than the other screws. and (2) mounting the lower cast pipe section on top of that. This section just requires that the screws be snug, too much pressure and it's easy to deform the inner metal cover. The upper(top) cast pipe was a little bit of a surprise. No nuts needed here - the section is already pre-threaded. If you are going to use a vinyl cover, I'd suggest not installing the door "fork" hook and making a mount for it elsewhere. It looks like a potential point that'd stick out and may eventually puncture the vinyl. Enjoy!

This was my second model 30199. My instructions actually refer to it as the Panacea. I opted to sell my first one because of a move and always regretted it. This model is very well made. The sliding door allows you to poke the wood or what ever you may be burning and close it quickly. The grate comes as two parts; this allows for easy cleaning out, plus there is a n ash pan which slides out and is tremendous help in cleaning. It assembles relatively easily, however two people come in handy when attaching the first leg. Do not tighten the leg bolts until all are in, as there is a little moving the leg back and forth to get the three bolts seated. Other than that, it is a great product. Well made. Should last a life-time. I would buy it again, if need be.

Just returned my 2nd Sonora chiminea for chimney tilt caused by holes drilled in the top flue not matching holes drilled in the bottom flue. Two of the 3 holes were drilled at different heights from the bottom of the top flue. In order for the holes to match up with the bottom flue holes, the top flue has to be tilted. This is exactly the same problem I had with the first chiminea. This 2nd box shows its "402 of 850", the 1st was in the 100s of 850, so this misalignment of drill holes has been going on for awhile. At $180, this is a major quality assurance fail by the manufacturer. I hope Amazon takes note.

Item was ok but was to open, not like the original ones that were more in closed. Not good for smaller area to have heat with. Was nicely made.