7 Things About Outdoor Chiminea You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

How to Safely Maintain an Outdoor Chiminea

Chimineas for outdoor use add warmth and ambience to your patio or garden. They're also better suited for small areas than traditional fire pits.

Chimineas should be placed on a fireproof surface such as brick, concrete or stone patio. Chimineas should not be placed close to eaves or any overhead cover that can catch fire.

Types

A chiminea, also known as an outdoor firepit, is a type that features an elongated chimney and a the hood that lets smoke flow upwards rather than out. Chimineas can be made from clay or metal and are available in a variety of styles to fit in with any garden decor. Chimineas can also be designed to allow cooking over the fire, which can help you make delicious homemade meals or enjoy outdoor snacks while chatting with your family and friends.

Different kinds of wood can be used in a chiminea. Oak is a popular choice because it produces heat and is slow to burn. However other hardwoods can be utilized. Apple is another good option because it burns slowly and releases a pleasant scent and is extremely versatile. Other options include cedar, hickory mesquite, pinon and mesquite wood that smell wonderful and create an inviting smoke.

Metal chimineas provide more design options than traditional terracotta models and are less prone to damage caused by rain. However, they can also be susceptible to corrosion and are usually heavier than clay models. Some metal chimineas are coated in rust-resistant paint that helps to keep them from weathering. Cast iron chimineas offer a rustic look, but are the heaviest option.

It is essential to prepare your chiminea prior lighting an fire. This includes a layer of gravel or sand at the bottom. This will prevent ash from spilling out and causing damage to the base. Then, you can add a few pieces of paper and some kindling. When the paper begins to burn, it creates an air draft that ignites the rest of your kindling and begins the fire.

While a chiminea can be placed in the middle of your garden, it's best to place it well away from any structures or plants. It's important to leave enough space around the chiminea to avoid it falls over or becomes too hot. Covering the chimney with a metal mesh will keep sparks and Ash from flying into flammable materials.

Materials

Your chiminea, regardless of whether it's made from clay or cast iron should be made of durable materials that can withstand heat. You should also ensure that your chiminea is specifically designed for your space and can be easily moved and stored. It is essential to know how much smoke your fireplace produces, as too much can cause a problem for neighbors.

The type of wood you use will determine the temperature and duration of your chiminea. No serious chimenea owner would think of burning softwoods like pine or cedar, instead they will go for more dense, hard woods such as apple, cherry and walnut, as well as hickory and oak. Hardwoods generate more heat and burn more efficiently than softwoods.

There are a wide range of modern and contemporary cast-aluminum chimneys that feature elegant lines and geometric shapes. They are also lighter in weight and can be used for gas and wood-burning fires, making them a great choice for all kinds of outdoor areas.

Both cast iron and clay chimineas require careful maintenance that includes cleaning and re-seasoning every now and then. Always place them on a solid foundation like terracotta tiles, concrete or leveled sand. Avoid water around the chiminea as it can damage metal chiminea and crack terracotta or large clay chiminea.

Chimines require a seasoning process in which you light several small fires, and let them cool down before starting another. This will increase the resistance to heat in your chiminea, giving it a longer life and higher temperature tolerance. If you skip this step, your chiminea could break or crack during its first use. It's also a good idea to cover your blue rooster chiminea during the winter months or when it won't be used regularly because it protects it from the elements of snow and rain which could damage it. If you're concerned about the security of your chiminea consider choosing a model with a spark arrestor that will protect against dangerous sparks.

Design

Chimineas are a beautiful and versatile outdoor fire feature. However, it is important to remember that, just like any other fire pit made of wood is that it must be properly maintained to avoid damage and to ensure the safety of the people who are enjoying the flames. Protective covers and the right cleaning techniques can make a huge difference in the life of your decorated chiminea.

Chimineas are available in various sizes in shapes, materials and shapes to suit a range functional and aesthetic requirements. Terracotta clay chimineas have a traditional appearance and provide a classic Mexican-inspired look. Metal chimineas are less prone to abrasion and have an elegant, modern appearance.

The position of your chiminea is also crucial. The chiminea's location in an open space encourages airflow, which maximizes efficiency and creates a cozy atmosphere around the fire. In addition, positioning it away from overhangs and patio covers stops the buildup of smoke that could cause damage to these structures.

If your chiminea has a chimney, consider protecting it with a mesh screen to limit the amount of hot sparks that fly through the air. To create a barrier, you can use the fence with a small hole bent slightly inward. You can also purchase a special screen made of ceramic tiles, which are designed to catch sparks and then drop them below the stack.

While it is tempting to use accelerants such as lighter fluid or gasoline to start a fire pits and chimineas, these chemicals can actually damage your chiminea if they add too much heat too fast. This can cause the walls of your chiminea to crack, or break up. At worst, this could result in injury and at best an unfinished chiminea. Additionally, accelerants can also cause your chiminea's chime to explode, which is incredibly dangerous for anyone in the vicinity.

You can also season your chiminea using three or four small fires. This will allow the chiminea heal, which will result in less cracks and less chance of explosions. It is recommended not to burn anything but dry, well-seasoned hardwood inside your chiminea.

Safety

Chimineas permit you to enjoy a fire outdoors with your loved ones and family. However, just like any outdoor flame they can pose a danger to people and property. You can ensure that you and your family members enjoy the warmth from your chiminea with no fear of fire pit with chiminea or accident by following a few easy safety precautions.

To ensure your chiminea's safety, you should first place it on a non-flammable area such as pavers, bricks, or cement. This will prevent the chiminea from being thrown over and decrease the risk of it sparking any object in the vicinity.

Use only dry well-seasoned, seasoned wood in your chiminea. Wet wood will not burn as efficiently and can cause the chiminea to burn or catch fire. A spark arrestor is another important feature for the Chiminea. It can be as simple as a piece chicken wire bent over the top of the chimney stack or as complex as a special chimney insert with a screen. Spark arrestors stop sparks from exploding into your neighbor's yard or onto flammable materials such as bushes and grass.

Also, ensure that you keep your chiminea at a minimum of 30 feet away from any combustible such as buildings, trees, sheds, clothes lines and awnings. This will help you to prevent a fire which could cause damage or even destruction to your home.

After you have put in your chiminea and followed the steps mentioned above, it is time to enjoy the radiant heat and warm flames! Remember to start small fires by using only the flames and then gradually add larger wood. Keep a set of fireplace tools at hand to add logs and stoke the fire so you don't have to touch it with your hands. It is also an excellent idea to wear long barbecue tongs when dealing with the hot grate and coals, along with a pair of fire gloves. This will help you handle the chiminea without burning your hands.