The Basics of a Ceramic Chiminea
Clay is the most popular material used in the making of chimineas. Think of terra cotta pots, or those red pottery ones. Clay is strong and hard, but it can crack if handled improperly.
Clay is highly absorbent, so it needs to be protected by sand and gravel at the bottom of the chiminea along with logs or kindling. This protects the clay from burning too hot and seals hairline cracks.
Materials
The traditional clay chimineas (also called pot-bellied ovens) have a chimney which emits smoke upwards. These chimneys are typically glazed to shield them from cracking and weathering due to sudden temperature changes. They are still susceptible to sun and rain. This is why it is important to cover them when not in use and to ensure that no water puddles form within the clay.
The majority of chimineas are made of clay from terracotta. Other materials such as steel and cast iron can also be used. Terracotta provides an authentic Mexican-inspired design, while cast iron and aluminum are durable alternatives that require less maintenance than terracotta. Certain manufacturers also offer contemporary designs that blend the beauty of a clay chiminea with the toughness of metal.
Many people opt to pair their chimineas with flowering plants or evergreens. This creates a natural-looking look to complement the ambiance in their backyard. It is important to carefully select the plants you want to plant but, because a Chiminea needs to be placed in a place that is free of structures that could catch fire. It is also essential to make sure that the chiminea is located on a fire-safe surface such as concrete, brick or stone patios.
A chiminea can be created by hand using high-fired unglazed clay. The potter is the person who molds the clay. They can employ a plaster mold or a wheel of a potter. In either case, clay is kneaded prior allowed to dry. Some of the more recent clay chimineas are pre-grogged. This is a compound that helps them resist thermal stress that can cause cracking in earthenware.
Other chimineas can be constructed in metal moulds that give them a variety of designs and shapes to fit any backyard. Cast iron chimineas can be heavier than clay models however, they are more robust and less likely to break or crack because of sudden temperature fluctuations. They are cheaper than other kinds of chimineas too and come in gas-burning models, too to provide additional versatility.
Styles
A chiminea is a fireplace that can be decorated with different styles and materials. Terracotta chimineas are a classic style that has been in use for centuries, whereas metal chimineas are stronger and are able to withstand high temperatures. Many chimineas have decorative patterns and designs that match the furniture of the patio. A rusty patina finish is a good example. It can give a chiminea an old-fashioned flair, especially when coupled with iron and wood patio furniture.
Chimineas are usually designed to be freestanding, but they could also be placed on a brick, stone or concrete patio. No matter where you decide to place your chiminea make sure it is safe from the elements and from any plant or structure that is flammable. It is important to remember that chimineas emit soot and smoke that could affect the air quality in the area.
Some chimineas feature a chimney opening at the bottom, whereas others are squat and have a point upwards. Both models come with or without a wide opening for adding firewood. The chimneys of squat models may also be shaped to add visual appeal and create a striking appearance.
You can also add decorative features to the outside of your Chiminea, like wrought iron, marble, or granite. To add a touch of style, you could consider the option of a copper or ceramic top. These finishes reflect light and improve the appearance of your chiminea.
Chiminea polishing on a regular basis is a great method to beautify your outdoor fire pit and shield it from damage. Make use of olive oil, beeswax or other natural products to polish the surface for a rich and glowing finish. Apply a thin layer and gently rub, then rinse and dry the chiminea to get a stunning result.
Chimineas can be a lot of work but with the right care and attention your outdoor chiminea will look stylish for many years. By using practical decorating and maintenance strategies you can enjoy your backyard chiminea all through the colder months.
Safety
Although chimineas are very popular however they could pose an injury risk if properly used. Chimineas made from clay are prone to cracking, particularly ones that aren't glaze-coated. They also pose an ignition source if they are too close to flammable materials such as your furniture, your home and the garden. It is best to use a chiminea outside and in an area that is secured or surrounded by fire-proof materials.
Always keep a fire extinguisher in your home and use it to extinguish small flames or hot coals that may occur while you tend to the flame. You can also use a long lighter for lighting your fire, and move the coals using tongs rather than your hands. A bucket of water is an excellent thing to keep close by in the event that the chiminea requires to be put out. It is crucial not to use water to smother the chiminea's fire after it has cooled. Instead, add water only when the fire has died down or if the chimney is in danger of bursting.
The draft that is created by a chiminea can bring sparks up the stack, and it is essential to shield your property and your neighbors from accidental burns by using simple spark arrestors constructed from chicken wire placed around the top of the smokestack. Chimineas also produce a lot of heat and the area Clay Chiminea large surrounding them can get extremely hot, which is why you should place a low wall around the chiminea in order to remind people that getting too close could result in painful burns.
Don't burn your chiminea when it's rainy or windy conditions. The sparks can cause a chimney to catch fire, which could cause damage to your home. Inquire with your local fire department if there burning restrictions in place prior to using a chimney. Before adding firewood to your chiminea, you should clear the area surrounding it. This will ensure that there aren't any burning materials within the area. You should also clean the interior of your fireplace after each use. This will stop the accumulation of ash, which can cause smoke inhalation or a sooty outside.
Maintenance
Clay chimineas require a bit of maintenance even although they can be used to create outdoor fires. To ensure their durability they must be handled exactly the same way as all clay products. This means not making them too hot and taking the time to allow them to cool between each use. They must also be sanded frequently and sealed to prevent the paint from being damaged.
It is essential to clean the ashes after each use of your chiminea, however, only after it has completely cool. It will remain warm, even though it appears to be cooling, so make use of an ice breaker and a brush to get rid of the ash. After you have carefully removed the ash and disposed of the debris the next step would be to fill the inside of the chiminea's bottom with either gravel or sand. This is crucial, as if you don't do this, the chiminea will crack. The clay absorbs moisture and can crack if it gets too dried.
Some sources recommend sealing the outside of the chiminea using an acrylic waterproofing agent, similar to the ones used to seal tiles. This will prevent moisture from getting into the chiminea, and damaging it. It is recommended that the chiminea gets cleaned and sealed every 6-8 weeks during times of heavy use.
Chimineas are only to be used on surfaces that are free of wood or other coverings. Only using hardwood that has been well-seasoned will decrease the amount of sparks and stop the clay from cracking.
Because a chiminea is made of clay, it won't last forever, but it is extremely difficult to break unless you hit it with a Hammer or drop it. Cracks can develop for a variety of reasons, including poor combustion or the lack of proper maintenance. They also are susceptible to rust and require to be covered at the very least, when not in use. This will keep the rain and snow off of it, so that it will not begin to corrode the metal parts of the chiminea.