A Chiminea Terracotta Adds Warmth and Ambiance to Your Backyard Patio

Chimineas bring warmth and ambience to your backyard. Its chimney draws smoke upwards to prevent sparks and flames from causing damage to the plants around them and igniting your home or deck.

Chimineas made from clay must be coated with a seasoned (broken in) slowly. The initial flames should be small and slow. Sealing your chiminea, especially if you live in a rainy climate, is also recommended.

Material

A chiminea is an excellent option to add warmth and personality to your backyard patio. The pot-belly design of the Chiminea is great for entertaining. However, new designs are now available to fit different styles of decoration. While clay is the most commonly used material, chimineas are available in cast iron and aluminum. Each type of material has its own advantages. While clay is easy-to-maintain while metal is more robust. It also can endure higher temperatures.

Take into consideration the design, size and type of fuel when selecting the right chiminea. The size of the chiminea must be able to hold the amount wood you will be using to ensure an even flame. The larger chimneys are suitable for large gatherings while smaller models work better in smaller settings. A chimney directs smoke upward and protects the surrounding area from rain and preventing it from blowing around in strong winds.

The design of the chiminea is unique from other outdoor firepits. The bowl-shaped base guards the flames from rain, wind and debris. The chimney is beautiful and allows you to regulate the size of the flames.

Chimineas of clay are formed and molded by hand, then fired at high temperatures. They're usually coated with ceramic glaze to create a beautiful and durable object to weather damage. Some are decorated with Mexican-inspired designs. These chimineas are usually sold at gardening stores and home improvement stores.

Before you light the chiminea, cover the interior of its base with sand that is coarse-grained or gravel. Sand helps to reduce smoke and also prevents the clay from cracking during firing. Once you've covered the base, you can place small chiminea pieces of kindling in the center. Use a natural lighter, like this one from Amazon, to make lighting easier.

Use an extended spatula or fork to move the hot embers around when you're ready. It is not recommended to cook food directly on active flames as it could cause burning and darken the food beyond recognition. Start with a small fire and gradually increase the heat. Then, lift the pan to the top.

Design

A chiminea is a type of fire pit that looks a bit like a wide-bottomed potbelly stove, with a mouth for the fire and a long, narrow chimney for smoke. The chimney protects the fire against wind and rain which can create an open fire pit. Since more than 400 years Chimineas have been used to cook for gatherings and cooking as well as for heating homes. Originally made of clay but now they are made in both traditional and contemporary designs, made of cast iron or Terracotta.

Modern chimineas may not have the traditional curves, but they still have distinctive chimneys. You can find them in a variety of shapes and sizes. They vary from 12 to 16 inch diameter at the base, and up to 25 to 30 inches in height (including the stand). The chimney typically rises around 6 feet.

The height of the chiminea can be important, as it can move smoke upwards and stop it from blowing on objects or people in your yard. You can also use aromatic woods, which will make a wonderful aroma when they burn. This adds to the experience.

When you're choosing a chiminea make sure you choose one made of durable material that can withstand extreme temperatures. Do not purchase a chiminea with decorative elements or other features that can crack or break under heat. If you opt for a clay or terracotta chiminea (learn here), it should be seasoned by burning small amounts of wood for three to four fires until the clay is able to become cured. The chiminea should be covered with a lid when not in use to keep water from leaking over the flames and burning it.

Cast iron chimineas are able to withstand higher temperatures and more rough treatment since they are stronger and more durable than clay models. They are also more versatile as they can burn briquettes, coal, or briquettes in addition to wood. However, if you're going for a classic style, go with a clay chiminea.

Whatever material you pick, be sure that you place your chiminea away from your house and any outdoor furniture. The chiminea should also be located at least 10 feet from any other structure like a fence or shed. Create a hearth in your patio by laying pavers across an area that can serve as a platform for your chiminea and also to make it easier to manage the fire.

Installation

Chimineas add a completely new dimension to any outdoor chiminea space, and is the centerpiece for gatherings with the family. But like any fire pit or fireplace it is essential to be aware of the maintenance requirements prior to purchasing one. Traditional clay chimineas tend be more fragile than chimineas made of cast iron, although both can be able to withstand the elements, however the different designs and materials require a different approach to maintenance.

The first thing to do is prepare the base of the chiminea. The base of the chiminea must be covered with gravel or sand to prevent it from coming in direct contact with fire. This will reduce smoke and keep the chiminea from breaking.

It is also important to ensure that the chiminea is set up on the ground in a stable and safe location. Never place it on decks or other surfaces that could ignite. If it must be placed on a surface that is flammable, use an iron grate to raise the wood and protect the chiminea from the heat of the flame and sparks.

It is essential to spruce up the chiminea prior to lighting it for the first time. This can be accomplished by burning several small fires. This is done to prevent it from cracking if you burn a large amount of wood.

After each fire, clean the chiminea thoroughly by brushing it clean with a wire bristle brush or dry cloth. You should remove any ash or creosote from the inside of the chiminea too. If these chemicals are not removed, they will impact the quality of any subsequent fires you have within it.

The chiminea should be sealed with a protective cover when it is not in use. This will stop the clay from becoming too moist which causes it to shrink and crack. Chimineas are susceptible to this kind of damage if exposed for a long period of time to snow and rain.

Even in the summer, it is best chiminea to cover the chiminea. It is also a good idea to have a different fuel source for the fire such as wood or propane chiminea tanks. In addition, it's a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby to eliminate any sudden flames.

Maintenance

To ensure that the chimineas will last as long as they can, they need regular maintenance. This involves cleaning the structure by applying protective coatings, and properly storing it during off-season to guard against extreme temperatures. These measures and basic usage guidelines can extend the life of your Chiminea and reduce risks to safety.

Chimineas are constructed from clay, and may crack when exposed sudden changes in temperature. It is essential to keep your terra-cotta in a place that is dry and safe in the off-season. A cover can help keep it safe from rain and frost. It's also an excellent idea to apply a sealant of protection to your clay chiminea in order to help shield it from changes in temperature and moisture.

To avoid damaging the clay surface, make use of a non-abrasive material and a soft brush or cloth when cleaning a chimney. After scrubbing the surface, clean it off with a bucket or hose. Allow the chiminea time to dry completely before re-using it. This will stop mildew and mold growth, and keep the chiminea looking new.

If your chiminea has a cracked section, it's essential to secure the damaged pieces together before applying outdoor oven cement to the crack. You can purchase this from many hardware stores. It must be applied using the help of a spatula or pointing trowel. It is important to allow the cement to fully dry before lighting a test flame in the chiminea.

After the cement has dried, use medium-coarse sandpaper on the damaged area to prepare it for painting. Then, you can paint it using more than or less any emulsion paint for masonry or household use in a shade that matches the rest of your chiminea. If there is any rust or corrosion you can get rid of it by sanding, and then cleaning the affected areas with water.