Clay Chiminea Fire Pit
Clay chimineas can be a fire hazard unless it is placed on the metal stand that (hopefully) came with it. They can also heat up extremely high and burn small hands if children get too close.
Large chimineas can be hefty and difficult for you to move. They can also break easily and may break when dropped or tipped over.
Rustic Design
A chiminea fire pit adds a distinct rustic design element to your backyard, providing an ideal setting for outdoor conversation and relaxation. Some come in a variety styles that complement your garden or patio. They have a large base that tapers into a fireplace. Although more cumbersome than some fire pit designs, a chiminea is easy to move around your yard and fits well in smaller spaces.
Like fire pits, chimineas are available in many different materials like clay and terracotta to give an authentic Mexican look and cast iron or steel. They can be painted to provide an attractive accent and often feature hand-crafted details. Clay and terracotta chimineas are less sturdy than metal and can break or crack when exposed to extreme temperatures and rough handling. They do not heat as quickly as metal ones and are better for homes with children or pets.
Because of their design they are more secure than fire pits as they are contained. Chimines direct smoke upwards, reducing the amount of smoke you or your neighbors experience. They're a great choice for homeowners in areas where open-flame fires are not permitted or want to avoid the smoke smell from an open flame.
Chimineas are best used when cooked with wood, but they can also be used with propane liquid or gas. Certain models can be used to cook. When using a chiminea you should be sure to keep it away from turbulent conditions as strong winds can send smoke and embers into the air. It is recommended to build a chiminea in an area that is fire-proof, also known as a patio hearth, which is a three-by-four-foot square covered in pavers or any other fireproof materials.
When you build a chiminea you should use kiln-dried firewood that is stacked in a uniform manner. Avoid large logs and branches, as they can easily break or split when handled. It is also essential to keep an appropriate distance of at least 10 feet away from any structure, like your shed or home. It is essential to avoid lifting your chiminea using its chimney or stack since this could cause it to crack. When not in use, it is a good idea to cover your chiminea with a firepit.
Versatility
Chiminea fire pits are more adaptable than a steel one, as it can be used with various fuels. It can be filled with wood or propane gas. It can be used with various briquettes, however it is recommended to use kiln dried firewood that is easy to ignite and burns quickly, without releasing a lot of smoke. This will reduce the amount pollution your backyard and neighbors suffer due to smoke.
It also comes with an integrated chimney that funnels smoke away from the people sitting on it, assisting to keep your outdoor space clean and pleasant. You can also include accessories like an edging for logs or a fire poker to help you manage the fire. If you are concerned about the amount of smoke a chiminea will release, it is worth trying using a model that utilizes an stainless steel firebox to control the amount of smokiness emitted.
Chimineas can be used in all sorts of places and in smaller backyards and even on balconies with careful placement. Chimineas are more powerful than fire pits and can be used to heat larger areas. Therefore, it is essential to build a patio hearth or any other area that is fire-safe where you can place the Chiminea. It should be a small, circular or square area that is covered in pavers and situated at a minimum distance from other flammable structures or materials.
Clay chimineas can last for many years with proper care and use. They are best placed on a concrete or stone fire pit or patio hearth and on top of a layer of lava stones or sand to prevent them from cracking due to heat stress. Don't pour water over a hot clay chiminea since this could cause it to break or crack.
You can find several models that are reasonably priced if you're looking for a chiminea that fits your budget. However, if you're seeking the classic, traditional style, you will have to pay more for the hand-crafted model made from top-quality clay.
Safety
If you decide to go with clay models, they must find its permanent home straight away because moving it often could damage the clay and cause cracks. If you don't have the space to permanently house your chiminea, a quality cover for your chiminea is a great websites way to protect it from damage from rain and prevent the build-up of dirt and leaves which can block air flow and cause fire hazards.
Chimineas are heavy. If you plan to use it as a garden ornament or place it in an outdoor space that is large ensure that it is secured and that there is sufficient space around it to ensure safe operation. Also, think about installing a stone or brick patio to protect the chiminea from being damaged by wind.
Fill the chiminea with sand until the chiminea is half full. This will stop the fire from touching the sides of the stack and help to keep the clay cool. Once the sand is dry you can light a small fire of newspaper and some kindling, but make sure that the fire is kept away from the sides of the stack. When the fire is burning, you can add a few logs or larger pieces of wood.
After you've started some small fires in your new chiminea it's a good idea to apply a sealer on the outside of the clay. This will help protect the clay and prevent water damage to the paint finish.
The sealer should be reapplied regularly, since the initial sealer wears off over time. You can buy clay sealers at the hardware or garden store. Alternately, you could use a high-temperature silicone sealant, such as Future Acrylic Floor Finish, which is perfect for ceramic and metal surfaces that are exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is recommended to burn only hardwood or split softwood wood logs that are seasoned when using your chiminea. Also, always make sure the chiminea is not situated from eaves or any other type of roof that could catch fire and never extinguish a chiminea with water, as this could damage clay and terracotta.
Maintenance
Chimineas have a rustic appeal that draws people to them, however they require special care to keep them in good shape. You can extend the life of your terracotta chiminea by implementing certain preventative steps.
Always make sure you have a fire-proof surface when you use your chiminea. Place it on a brick or concrete patio, outdoor fire pit, or a solid wooden deck. Also, make sure that there is nothing over it that can catch fire, such as a wooden pergola or eaves of the house.
You should also keep the chiminea clean, especially in the beginning fires. This lets the clay "season" and becomes more heat resistant. Start your first few fires with only small pieces of kindling and let them burn completely. You can build up larger fires by adding more of the kindling. It is best to avoid using wood that is full of bark, which can generate a lot of sparks. Instead, opt for mature wood, which is more likely to create less sparks.
When the chiminea has been seasoned and ready to use, fill it three-quarters of the way full with sand, ensuring that it does not touch the clay. Use a fire starter which does not contain lighter fluid or any other products that enhance the flame. Once the sand is covered by the clay, light a small fire with just paper and kindling. The fire should get growing in size each time. Be careful not to let it touch the clay or other flammable materials.
A chiminea made of clay will last longer if it is regularly cleaned. This helps reduce the chance of structural damage caused by accumulation of soot and ash. It also helps in preventing an accident that could cause fire due to unburnt ash which can quickly ignite.
It is also recommended to apply a protective seal to the clay chiminea at least once or twice a year. This shields it from the elements and keeps moisture from seeping into the clay, which may make it more brittle.