How to Safely Maintain an outdoor chiminea (click)

Outdoor chimineas add warmth and an atmosphere to your garden or patio. They're also more suited to smaller areas than traditional fire pits.

Chimineas should be set on a fireproof surface like brick, concrete or stone patio. They should be placed away from eaves and any type of overhead cover that could catch fire.

Types

Chimineas are a kind of outdoor firepit that has a chimney and a tall the hood that directs smoke upwards instead of out. Chimineas can be constructed from metal or clay and are available in a variety of styles that match any garden decor. Chimineas can be used to cook over the fire. This lets you cook delicious meals or to enjoy outdoor snacks with your loved ones and family.

A variety of wood types can be used in a chiminea. Oak is a favorite option because it produces a lot of heat and burns slowly, however other hardwoods can be employed in your chiminea. Apple is a great choice since it burns slowly, releases an appealing scent and is a versatile choice. Other alternatives include cedar, hickory, mesquite and pinon wood that smell wonderful and create an inviting smoke.

Metal chimineas may offer more variety in design than traditional terra-cotta models and are less prone to damage from rain. However, they may be prone to corrosion and are typically heavier than clay models. Certain metal chimineas are coated with rust-resistant paint that can protect them from weather. Cast iron chimineas have an authentic look, but are the heaviest option.

Before you can start the fire in a chiminea it's important to prepare the area by placing an even layer of sand or gravel at the bottom to prevent any ash from spilling over and damaging the base. Add a few pieces and some kindling. As the paper begins to burn, this triggers the creation of a draft, which will ignite the remainder of the kindling and start the chiminea's fire.

It is best to keep a chiminea away from plants and structures. It is also important to leave plenty of open space around it in the event that it tip over or becomes too hot. Covering the chimney with metal mesh will keep sparks and ash from exploding into flammable materials.

Materials

Your chiminea whether it's made from cast iron or clay, must be constructed of sturdy materials that can withstand the heat. You'll want to make sure that your chiminea is appropriate for your space and is easily stored and moved. It is essential to know how much smoke your fireplace produces, as too much can cause a problem for neighbors.

The kind of wood you choose to use will determine the temperature and duration of your chiminea. Hardwoods like apple, cherry and walnut are favored by serious chimenea owners, over softwoods. Hardwoods generate more heat and burn more efficiently than softwoods.

While some people may prefer the appearance of a traditional clay chiminea you can also find modern and contemporary cast aluminum chimineas that have modern lines and geometric designs. They are also lighter in weight and can be used for wood-burning and gas-burning fires making them an ideal option for a variety of outdoor areas.

Both chimineas made of cast iron and clay need to be maintained, including cleaning them and reseasoning them at regular times. Always place them on a safe, solid base like terracotta tiles, concrete or leveled sand. It is also essential to keep water away from your chiminea since it can damage the metal and crack large clay chiminea or terracotta.

The initial seasoning process for the chiminea is to ignite several small fires, allow them to cool before starting another. This will increase the heat resistance and heat tolerance of your chiminea. If you skip this step, your chiminea may break or crack when it is first used. Covering your chiminea during winter or when you will not use it often is an excellent idea. It will protect it from rain and snow which could cause damage. If you're concerned about the safety and performance of your chiminea, consider a model that has a spark-resistance device. This will stop dangerous sparks.

Design

A chiminea can be an elegant and versatile outdoor fire feature. It is important to keep in mind that, just like any other wood-burning fireplace, it needs to be maintained in a way that will prevent damage and ensure the safety of the people who use the flames. By using protective covers and the right cleaning techniques can make a big clay chiminea difference in the lifespan of your Chiminea.

Chimineas come in a wide range of styles sizes, materials and colors to meet a range of aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. Terracotta clay is an old-fashioned material that offers the classic Mexican style. Metal chimineas have modern, sleeker appearance and are more resistant to damage.

The location of your chiminea is also important. Positioning your chiminea in a space that is open allows airflow, which improves effectiveness and creates a cozy ambience around the fire. Positioning it away from patio roofs and patio covers helps prevent smoke buildup which can cause damage to the structures.

If your Chiminea has a chimney, consider protecting it with an insulated mesh screen to cut down on the number of sparks erupting through the air. To make a simple fix, simply use a piece of chicken wire or a small-holed fencing bent slightly to create a barrier. You can also buy Ceramic chimineas tile screens designed to catch sparks, and then drop them below the stack.

Although it might be tempting to use accelerants like lighter fluid or gasoline to start a fire these chemicals could actually harm your chiminea by adding too much heat too fast. This can cause the walls of your chiminea to crack or break up. At the worst, this could result in injuries and at the very least an unfinished chiminea. Accelerants can also cause the chiminea's walls to crack or shatter, resulting in injuries at worst and a damaged chiminea the very least.

You can also season your chiminea using three or four small fires. This will give the chiminea to heal and reduce the risk of an explosion. It is recommended not to burn anything other than dried, well-seasoned hardwood inside your chiminea.

Safety

Chimineas are an excellent method to relax by an outdoor fire with friends and family. Like any other outdoor flame they could pose danger to people and property. You can ensure that you and your family enjoy the warmth of your chiminea without fear of a fire or accident by following a few basic safety precautions.

The first step to ensuring your chiminea is safe is to make sure it is placed on a non-flammable surface, such as bricks, pavers or cement. This will prevent the chiminea being thrown over and decrease the chance of it burning anything nearby.

Use only dry well-seasoned, seasoned wood in your chiminea. Wet wood will not burn as well and could cause the chiminea to smoke or catch fire. A spark arrestor is a important feature for an Chiminea. This can be as simple as a piece of chicken wire bent around the top of the stack, or as complex as a specially screened chimney insert. Spark arrestors stop sparks from exploding into your neighbor's yard or onto flammable material like bushes and grass.

Finally, make sure to keep your indoor chiminea at least 30 feet away from any combustible such as sheds, buildings, trees, clothes lines and awnings. This will prevent an accidental fire that could destroy your property or home.

Once your chiminea has been put set and you've completed all the steps previously mentioned, it's time to begin enjoying the warm flames and radiant warmth! Be sure to start small fires by using only kindling and slowly increase the size of the wood. Keep an assortment of fireplace tools handy to add logs to the flame and stoke it so that you don't need to get close to it. It's also recommended to wear long barbecue tongs while dealing with the hot grate and coals, as well as a pair of fire gloves. This will let you use the chiminea with care and without burning your fingers.