A chiminea, also known as a standalone fireplace typically used in the back garden. With a front-loading, bulbous body and tall, chimney-like vent. Its primary use is often as a heat source but can also be used for cooking. Its origins are traced to ancient Mexico and while still traditionally used in the country, it has also become popular all over the United Kingdom and in the United States. When they were first imported to theUK , they were only available in fireplace shops, but now they can be found in retail stores and garden centres. Chimineas often require special handling, and most orders come with detailed special careinstructions, most sellers often give you sound advice regarding this matter.
There are three common materials used in making chimineas: aluminum, cast iron chimeneas , and traditionally, clay. Chimineas are constructed of two parts – the base, also known as the pot is where the fire is made, and the neck, which is the vertical flue that guides the smoke. These two parts are put together separately and are only fused together after each component has been fully made, and in the case of 100% fully dry clay. The join has a limited threshold, especially in clay chimineas, so never lift the chiminea from the neck, as the structure will be exposed to the risk of breaking.
Chimineas should be placed onto an iron stand which comes along with the product. It should be placed on a flat, level surface to ensure stability. If you are placing it onto a wooden surface , you need to have a fire-resistant hearth matt on the wood before placing the chiminea. It is highly advised that there aren’t any objects directly above the fireplace that may be a fire hazard – like an overhanging tree .
Chimineas, and in particular the clay ones, need to go through a process before they are used, and this is known as seasoning . Seasoning is theprocess of hardening the inside part of the chiminea in order to prevent cracks from appearing. Simply just , light a small fire inside the chiminea and let it burn out naturally on its own . Leave it to cool right down and light another small fire. It is advised that you repeat the process several times to complete the seasoning process. You will have then reached the next stage , your chiminea is now ready for use . Be sure keep the wood in a central position of the bowl to allow even heating of the entire structure.
There are many types of wood that can be used in your chiminea. Fat wood is ideal and is a very popular one to use. Apple wood, Mesquite, Pinion Pine, and Hickory logs are also a popular choice by many chiminea owners . Mesquite is ideal for BBQ’s as it adds an aromatic flavour to your outdoor cooking. The downside of Mesquite is that it tends to get hotter than the other types of wood. If you opt to use Mesquite for your chiminea, take extreme care . It is up to you which firewood to use, but do avoid burning damp wood as it causes excessive smoke.
Chimineas are not designed for very large fires and it is not meant to be used as your main and primary of heat.
Extra care is required for clay chimenea to make sure it lasts a long time. If you want to protect it from the weather, covering it with wood sealant is a precaution you can take to prevent cracks. Chiminea covers are also available to stop rain getting inside and from rusting the outside surface.
Use every safety precaution when operating the chiminea. The surfaces can get very hot so avoid contact at all times during use and until it has completely burnt out and cooled down . Never let kids or pets get close to the chiminea for obvious reasons. It is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher at hand incase any accidents occur .
If you have freezing winters where you live, it would be a good idea store your chiminea.Clay chimineas are vulnerable when exposed to cold temperatures andmoisture , so find a spot in your garage to keep it there during winter. Chimineas were never intended to be a primary heat source for the residents of theUK , so store it , stay inside, and wait it out until the winters ends . You can then get out your chiminea, spark it up, and enjoy the heat.
