How to Safely Maintain an outdoor chiminea (click here to find out more)

Outdoor chimineas add warmth and an atmosphere to your garden or patio. They're also better suited to smaller spaces than traditional fire pits.

Chimineas should be placed on a non-flammable surface such as a concrete, brick or stone patio. They should be away from eaves as well as any type of overhead cover that might catch fire.

Types

Chimineas are a form of outdoor fire pit that has a chimney and a tall the hood that directs smoke upwards instead of out. Chimineas are constructed of clay or steel and come in a wide range of styles that can be adapted to any style of garden. Some chimineas are designed to cook on the fire and help you cook delicious meals at home or enjoy outdoor snacks while talking with friends and family.

Many types of wood can be utilized in the chiminea. Oak is a well-known choice because it produces plenty of heat and burns very slowly, but other hardwoods can be used in your chiminea. Apple is a great choice since it burns slowly, releases pleasant aromas and is versatile. Other options include cedar wood, hickory wood, mesquite, and pinon. These are aromatic and create pleasant smoke.

Metal chimineas clay offer more variety in design than traditional terracotta models and are less prone to damage by rain. However, they can also be susceptible to corrosion and are typically heavier than clay models. Certain metal chimineas come with rust-resistant paint that can protect them from the weather. Some are made of cast iron, which offers a classic rustic style but may be the heaviest of all alternatives.

Before starting an igniting fire in a chiminea it is essential to prepare the area by placing a layer of gravel or sand on the bottom to stop any ash from spilling over and harming the base. Include a few pieces of wood as well as some kindling. When the paper starts to burn, it creates an air draft that ignites the rest of your kindling, and then starts the fire.

It is recommended to keep a chiminea far from structures and plants. It's important to leave enough space around the chiminea in case it falls over or becomes too hot. Covering the chimney with metal mesh will stop sparks and Ash from flying into flammable material.

Materials

If you decide to go with clay or cast iron, your chiminea fireplaces needs to be constructed from a sturdy material that is able to endure the heat. You'll also want to ensure that your chiminea has been built to fit in your space and can be easily moved and stored. It is also important to understand how much smoke your chiminea emits in order to cause trouble for neighbors.

The type of wood that you choose to use will determine the amount of heat and duration of your chiminea. No serious chimenea owner would contemplate burning softwoods like pine or cedar, instead they will choose to use more dense, harder hardwoods like cherry, apple and walnut, as well as hickory and oak. Hardwoods are more efficient and last longer producing more heat than softwoods.

There are a wide range of modern and contemporary cast-aluminum chimneys that feature modern lines and geometric shapes. These models are also lighter in weight and can be used with wood-burning and gas-burning fires making them a versatile choice for a variety of outdoor spaces.

Both clay and cast iron chimineas require careful maintenance that includes cleaning and re-seasoning on occasion. They should be placed on a solid, fire-proof base such as a concrete tile, terracotta, or leveled sand. Avoid water around the Chiminea because it can damage the metal and crack terracotta or clay.

The initial seasoning process for the chiminea is to ignite several small fires, then let them cool before starting another. This will increase the resistance to heat and heat tolerance of your chiminea. If you do not take this step, your chiminea could break or crack during its first use. Covering your chiminea in the winter or when you won't be using it regularly is a good idea. It will protect it from rain and snow which could cause damage. If you are worried about the safety of your chiminea, consider choosing a model with a spark arrestor that will guard against dangerous sparks.

Design

Chimineas are attractive and versatile outdoor fire feature. It is crucial to keep in mind that, just like any other fireplace that burns wood it must be maintained in a way that will prevent damage and ensure the safety of the people who use the flames. Protective covers and the right cleaning methods can make a significant difference in the life of your decorated chiminea.

Chimineas are available in various sizes, shapes and materials to suit a range functional and aesthetic requirements. Terracotta clay is a traditional material that gives a classic mexican chimineas style. Metal chimineas are resistant to damage and offer a sleek, contemporary presence.

It is also important to consider the position of your chiminea. The chiminea should be set in an open space to encourage airflow. This will increase efficiency and create a warm ambience around the fire. Away from patio overhangs and patio covers helps prevent smoke buildup which can cause damage to the structures.

If your Chiminea has a chimney consider protecting it with a mesh screen to limit the amount of sparks that fly up into the space. For a simple solution, you can use a piece chicken wire or a small-holed fencing bent slightly inward to create a barrier. You can also purchase a Ceramic chimineas tile screen that is designed to capture sparks, and then lower them down below the stack.

While it is tempting to use accelerants such as gasoline or lighter fluid to ignite a fire, these chemicals can actually damage your chiminea by adding excessive heat too quickly. This could cause the walls to crack or shatter, resulting in injuries at the worst, and a ruined chiminea the very best. Accelerants can also cause the walls of the chiminea to break or shatter, which can result in injuries at the worst and a damaged chiminea the very least.

It is recommended to coat your chiminea with a layer of seasoning by slowly increasing the size of the flames you ignite in it over three to four small burns. This will allow the chiminea heal which will lead to less cracks and a lower risk of explosions. It is recommended not to burn anything but dry, well-seasoned hardwoods inside your chiminea.

Safety

Chimineas are an excellent method to relax by an outdoor fire with your family and friends. Like any outdoor flame they could pose danger to property and people. You can ensure that you and your family enjoy the warmth from your chiminea in the absence of an accident or fire by following a few simple safety precautions.

To ensure your chiminea's safety it is recommended to first set it on a nonflammable surface like bricks, pavers, or cement. This will stop the chiminea from accidentally falling over and reduce the chance of it burning anything in its vicinity.

It is also essential to use only dry, seasoned firewood for your chiminea. Wet wood does not burn as well and can cause the chiminea's flames to go up or catch fire. A spark arrestor for a fireplace is also a must-have. This can be as simple a piece chicken wire bent around the top of the chimney or as intricate as a custom chimney insert that is screen-screened. Spark arrestors stop sparks from exploding into the neighbor's yard or onto flammable materials such as bushes and grass.

Not least, keep your chiminea a minimum of 30 feet from anything that is flammable, like sheds, buildings clothinglines, awnings, and even clotheslines. This will help prevent an accidental fire that could damage your property or home.

Once your chiminea is set and you've followed all the precautions previously mentioned, it's time to enjoy the glowing flames and warm warmth! Be sure to build small fires, using just kindling to get the flame moving and then gradually adding larger wood to the blaze. Keep an assortment of fireplace tools in your kit to add logs to the fire and then stoke it so that you don't need to touch it. It is also an excellent idea to wear long barbecue tongs when dealing with the hot grate and coals, and a pair of fire gloves. This will allow you to handle the chiminea with less risk of burning your hands.