Clay Chiminea Fire PitClay chimineas can be dangerous to fire if they are placed on the stand made of steel that (hopefully) came with it. They can also heat up extremely high and burn small hands if children are too close.
Large chimineas are often heavy and difficult to move. They can also break easily and break when dropped or tipped on top of.
Rustic Design
Chiminea fire pits add a distinct rustic look to your backyard, creating an ideal setting for outdoor conversations and relaxing. They have a broad base that tapers into a chimney, and some come in a variety styles to fit with your patio or garden design. A chiminea, though more heavy than other fire pit designs and difficult to move around the yard, is easy to fit in smaller spaces.
Like fire pits, chimineas can be available in many different materials like clay and terracotta for an authentic mexican chimineas appearance and steel or cast iron. They can be painted as an attractive accent and usually have handcrafted details. Chimineas made of clay and terracotta are less sturdy than metal chimineas and can break or crack when exposed to high temperatures and rough handling. They do not heat as fast as metal ones and are more suitable for homes with pets or children.
Chimineas are safer because of their structure. They are surrounded. Chimines direct smoke upwards to lessen the amount of smoke you or your neighbors are exposed to. They're a great choice for homeowners in areas where open flame fires are not permitted or want to stay clear of the smell of smoke from an open flame.
Chimineas are best used when used with wood, however they can also be used with propane liquid or gas. Some models are also designed to cook. If you are using a chiminea, you must keep it away from overly windy conditions since strong gusts can send smoke and embers into the air. It is recommended that you build a chiminea on a patio hearth. It is a three-by-four foot space that is covered in pavers or other fireproof materials.
It is best to use firewood that has been kiln dried and stacked uniformly when making an chiminea. Avoid large chiminea branches and logs because they are likely to break or split if handled. You should also keep at least 10 feet or more away from any structure like your home or shed. It is also important to be cautious not to raise your chiminea over its chimney or the stack because this could cause it to break. When it's not in use, it's a good idea cover your chiminea using an open fire pit.
Versatility
Chiminea fire pits are more adaptable than a steel one since it can be used with a variety of fuels. It can be filled with wood but it can also be filled with propane gas or natural gas. You can use it with a variety of brquettes, but it's preferred to use kiln-dried firewood that is light and burns quickly without emitting a lot of smoke. This will reduce the amount pollution that your garden and neighbors experience because of smoke.
It also has an integrated chimney that draws smoke away from those sitting on it, assisting to keep your outdoor area neat and inviting. You can also add other accessories like a log grate and a fire poker to make it easier to tend the fire. If you're worried about the amount of smoke the chiminea produces, it's worth looking for a model with a stainless steel firebox.
Chimineas can be used in any type of location. They can be placed in small backyards, or on balconies with proper care. Chimineas are more efficient than fire pits and can be used to heat larger areas. It is therefore essential to build a patio hearth, or other fire-safe area that can be used to install the chiminea. It should be a small circular or square area covered with pavers, and located in a safe distance from other flammable materials or structures.
Clay chimineas will last for many years if they are properly cared for and used. Place them on a concrete, stone or hearth in a patio. Cover the fire place with a layer of sand or lava stones. This will prevent cracking due to heat stress. Do not pour water onto a hot clay chimney, as it will cause the chiminea to break or crack.
There are many models that are affordable if you're looking for a chiminea that will fit your budget. However, if you're seeking the traditional, classic look you'll have to spend more for a hand-crafted model made from high-quality clay.
Safety
If you choose to purchase a clay model ensure that it is placed in a permanent location. Moving it around could cause damage to the clay and cracks. If you don't have the space to permanently house your chiminea, a quality chiminea cover is a great option to protect it from damage from rain and to prevent the accumulation of dirt and leaves which can block air flow and cause fire hazards.
Chimineas are heavy. If you are planning to use them as garden ornaments or place it in the outdoors be sure it is placed securely and that there is sufficient space around it to ensure its safety operation. Consider a patio made of stone or bricks to protect your chiminea from wind damage.
Fill the chiminea with sand until it is about half full. This will prevent the fire from touching the sides of the stack and will help to keep the clay cool. When the sand is dry, you can start a small flame of newspaper and some kindling, making sure it is kept well away from the sides of the stack. Once the fire has started to smolder, you can add a few logs or larger pieces of wood.
After you've made a few small flames in your chiminea, it's a good idea apply a sealer to the outside of the clay. This will protect the clay finish and prevent moisture damage.
Sealer should be applied periodically as the sealer will wear out with repeated use. You can purchase an appropriate clay sealer from a hardware or garden retailer, or you can use a high temperature silicone sealant such as Future acrylic floor finish, which is perfect for use on ceramic and metal items that are exposed to extreme heat.
When using a chiminea, it is best to only burn wood or split softwood logs that have been seasoned. Be sure to ensure that the chiminea is not situated from eaves or any other type of roof that might catch fire and never remove a chiminea from flames using water, as this could cause cracks in clay and terracotta.
Maintenance
Chimineas are popular because of their rustic appeal, however they require special care to maintain them. A few preventative measures can ensure that your terracotta chiminea lasts for a long time.
Make sure to use a chiminea on the surface that is safe for fire. This means putting it on an outdoor patio made of concrete or brick outdoor fire pit, on an unfinished wood deck or on paving stones that are set in a small area. Be sure to remove anything that could catch the fire like a wooden eave or pergola.
Keep the chiminea spotless at all times particularly during initial fires. This will allow the clay "season" to become more heat resistant. Start your fires with only handfuls of kindling and let them burn for a long time. You can build larger fires by adding more kindling. Beware of wood that has a lot of bark as it can create a lot more sparks. Instead, you should opt for mature wood, which is more likely to produce less sparking.
Fill the chiminea to three quarters full of sand when it is ready to be used. Make sure that it does not touch any clay. Use a fire starter which does not contain lighter fluid or other products that enhance the flame. After the sand has been covered, you can start small-scale fires using paper and kindling. Make the fire larger each time, but be sure it does not touch the clay or any other flammable material.
Regular cleaning is crucial to prolong the life of a chiminea made of clay. This decreases the risk of structural damage due to accumulation of soot and ash. Ash that is not burned could pose an increase in fire risk.
It is also recommended to apply a sealant to the Clay Chiminea large chiminea every once or twice a year. This shields it from elements and keeps moisture from leaking into the clay, which could make it more brittle.