A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess

With this small chiminea, you get all the warmth of a fire that burns wood without the mess. Place newspaper lightly scrunched in the sand grate or log grates, and then add logs and kindling before lighting.

This sleek black steel chiminea comes with an oxidized finish for casual style. The 360-degree grate increases the size of your burning flames while the tall chimney carries smoke upwards and away from you.

Types

A small chiminea is used to warm an outdoor patio or seating area. They also make a great alternative to a barbecue grill for outdoor cooking. These grills are available in a variety of materials, from clay terra cotta to cast iron and steel. They can also be designed in a traditional or more contemporary style.

Certain models come with a chimney which directs smoke away the seating area. This may be useful if you reside in an area that has regulations on the amount of smoke that outdoor fireplaces and other sources of heat can emit. Certain models also have an ash catcher and a spark screen in the chimney. You may want to choose one with a big chiminea capacity for fire or one that is able to hold a lot wood, depending on the size of the room.

The material of your chiminea and grill has an immediate influence on its performance and appearance in your outdoor space. Terra cotta models are timeless, but they can be damaged by the elements. Metal Chimineas are stronger, but may require a protective coating to stop rust. A hybrid chiminea that is typically constructed from a mix of steel and cast iron can provide the best of both worlds.

In addition to the type of material the size of your chiminea influences how much heat it produces. A larger chiminea is heavier and more expensive but can produce more heat.

Chimineas often have a decorative surface that gives them an added touch of charm. Some are embellished with ornaments and carved designs while others are simple lines and a basic finish. Some models have a lid to keep children and pets away from the fire. Some models come with doors to make it easier to add fuel and to remove the ashes. Chimineas can be found with built-in barbecues, which lets you cook food over an open fire.

Safety

If you're thinking about purchasing a small chiminea there are some important precautions to bear in mind. Chimineas aren't an immediate threat to pets or children, but they can get very hot. Make sure to take a few steps to ensure that you enjoy your chiminea for years to come.

It is important to understand that a wood stove or fireplace is not a fireplace chiminea. They don't have dampers to control the flame and can easily break if they are not handled carefully.

Use a lid that is fire-proof on your chiminea. This will stop rain from getting in and causing damage to the stack. This will also help reduce smoke nuisance. You could consider purchasing a fireproof frame freestanding that can be placed above the smoke stack. This will shield it from weather.

Chimineas can produce many sparks when they're burning, so it's best to avoid placing them in proximity to flame-prone materials like fences, clothes lines, and plants. It is also important to clear the area around your chiminea before lighting it. Be sure there are at least six feet between it and anything combustible.

Another precaution to take is not to use gasoline, lighter liquid or any other accelerator in your chiminea. These liquids can cause an explosive explosion in the chimney and are a fire risk. It is also not recommended to use water to put out the flames in a chiminea as it can cause the clay to crack, or even break.

Use only wood to heat your chiminea. It emits less smoke than other fuels. When you start your chiminea fire pit, you should begin with small pieces of kindling then add larger logs to the flames. If you aren't able to ignite the fire quickly, try balling up some newspaper and leaning it against the grate within the stack. This will create powerful draft that quickly lights the paper as well as your kindling.

Never burn a chiminea indoors as it will release dangerous carbon monoxide fumes, which are lethal to people and animals alike. In addition, it's an ablaze hazard and could cause serious damage to your home.

Maintenance

If used frequently, a chiminea can be an attractive addition to any outdoor space. It provides warmth and ambience. Regular maintenance will improve its appearance, avoid damage and safety hazards and ensure that it can be enjoyed for many years to be. Regular maintenance should include cleaning and inspections both outside and inside and proper storage in winter weather.

Chimineas must be placed in an area that is away from branches and structures that hang over, and also away from combustible materials such as pavers and concrete. Placing a chiminea directly beneath a roof or another structure can be risky as sparks could escape from the chimney and ignite anything above it. The area should be large enough to accommodate a chiminea and its flue. Also, there should be some space on all sides.

Chiminies must be cleaned using a mild detergent and water, using soft brushes and cloths to prevent damaging the clay surface. After washing the chiminea it should be thoroughly rinsed and allowed to completely dry. Before cleaning, it's crucial to remove any ash from the chimney and chiminea's bowl. During the cleaning process, it is important to wear gloves to avoid touching the hot soot and ash. During the cleaning process, it is important to inspect the interior and exterior of the vehicle for any cracks or chips which may need to be repaired.

Most chiminea retailers sell a clay repair kit that can be used to repair cracks. These kits contain all the necessary sealants and adhesives to properly fix small cracks and fractures. If a crack goes unattended, eventually it can become a major issue that could compromise the integrity and safety of the chiminea.

In order to keep a chiminea in good health it must be fuelled by natural wood products that have been seasoned and dry. Burning paint or treated wood, as well as trash and plastics can result in toxic fumes being released into the chiminea. Proper fuel and regular cleaning to prevent damage and cracks from excessive heat. It is crucial to control the size of the fires in the chiminea. Avoiding large, roaring flames could cause thermal shock to the clay.

Cleaning

A well-maintained chiminea is sure to provide many happy evenings of warmth and sociability. But, like most outdoor furniture and equipment it needs regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Safety is the most important factor and gloves and goggles are necessary to shield your skin from dirt and dust during cleaning. It's also important to ensure that the chiminea is cool before starting the cleaning process. This not only protects your skin, but also stops the inhalation of any dangerous particles that might still be hot from previous fires.

Before you start the cleaning procedure, remove any large clumps of ash that have been accumulating within the chiminea and dispose of them in a secure manner. Using a wire brush, gently scrub off loose rust - always remembering to wear your protective gear. A light sanding is also beneficial since it removes any remaining rust particles the wire brush missed, and smooths the surface of your chiminea.

The majority of home improvement stores sell clay repair kits. It is a good idea to conduct this inspection prior to your first time using the chiminea as it can help strengthen the material, and prepare it for regular heating. It's also a great method to identify any cracks or other damage that might not be apparent even when the chiminea hasn't been in use.

It is essential to remember that a chiminea must be used outside on a non-flammable base such as a concrete slab, sand or a hearth pad. This is particularly important if you have pets or children who may be enticed by the burning embers, or placed near to flammable objects such as wooden fences and lighting for your garden, planters and furniture. Also, it's an ideal idea to put a lid on top of your chiminea when not in use, so as to limit the possibility of flames spreading.