The advantage of a Chiminea as compared to a fire pit, is (most) of the smoke exists the chimney and over your head. With fire pits, the smoke from a smokey fire will saturate your clothing, leaving you with a delightful “eu de smoke” scent.
This chiminea, Advantages Puts out serious heat! Got us through the pandemic winter of 2021. Disadvantages Longer logs have to get stacked in vertically which is tricky. Longer logs tend also to overhang the front, burn and break off dropping hot embers in front of the chiminea. Not a problem in my damp, North East setting but something to consider.
All said, this is a good value for the money, especially if heat and a good looking fire is your main objective.