A chiminea, also known as a freestanding fireplace typically used in the back garden. With a front-loading, bulbous body and tall, chimney-like vent. Its primary use is often as a heat source but may also be used for cooking food, from jacket potatos to pizza. Its origins trace back to ancient Mexico and while still commonly used in the country, it has also become hugely popular all over the United Kingdom and in the United States. When they were first imported to the United Kingdom , they were only available in fireplace shops, but now they are available in retail stores. Chimineas often require special care, and most purchases come with detailed special care instructions, most sellers often give you sound advice regarding this matter.
The three common materials used to produce chimineas: aluminum, cast iron chimineas, and traditionally, clay. Chimineas are constructed of two parts – the base, also known as the pot is where the fire is made, and the neck, which is the vertical flue that guides the smoke. These two parts are constructed separately and are only fusedafter each component has been fully made, and in the case of 100% fully dry clay. The join has a limited threshold, most notably in clay chimineas, so never lift the chiminea from the neck, as the structure will be exposed to the risk of breaking.
Chimineas are placed onto an iron stand which comes along with the product. It should be placed on a flat, level surface to ensure stability. If you are placing it onto a wood surface , you need to have a fireproof pad on the wood before placing the chiminea. You must also make sure there isn’t any objects directly above the fireplace that may be a fire hazard – like an overhanging tree .
Chimineas, especially clay ones, need to go through a process called seasoning before you use them to their full capacity. Seasoning is the process of hardening the inside part of the chiminea in and strengthen it preventing any cracks. Simply just , light a small fire in the bowl and leave it to naturally burn out on its own . Let it cool down and light another small fire. It is highly advisable that you repeat the process several times to complete the seasoning process. Once this is done , your chiminea is now ready for use . Try your best to keep the fire wood in the center of the bowl to allow even heating of the entire structure.
There are various types of wood that can be used in your chiminea. Fat wood is ideal and is a very popular one to use. Apple wood, Mesquite, Pinion Pine, and Hickory logs are also a popular choice by many chiminea users . Mesquite is an ideal wood use for BBQ’s as it gives off an aromatic flavour to your cooking. The downside of Mesquite is that it gets quite hotter than the other types of wood. So if you do decide to use Mesquite for your chiminea, take extreme care . It is up to you which firewood to use, but do avoid burning damp wood as it causes plenty of smoke.
Chimineas are not designed for very large fires and it is not meant to be used as your main source of heat.
Extra care is required for clay chimineas to make sure it lasts a long time. If you want to protect it from the weather, covering it with wood sealant is a precaution you can take to prevent cracks. Chiminea covers are also available for protecting the top. It also prevents water from entering the chiminea.
Use every safety precaution when using your chiminea. The surfaces of the chiminea can get very hot so avoid contact at all times during use and until it has completely cooled down . Never let kids or pets get close to the chiminea for obvious reasons. It is a wise idea to have a fire extinguisher ready at all times is also a good idea.
If you have cold winters where you live, it would be a good idea store your chiminea. Clay chimineas are vulnerable to cold temperatures and moisture , so it wouldn’t be a bad thing to store it in your garage to keep it there during winter. Chimineas were never intended to be a primary heat source for the residents of the UK , so just store it, stay inside, and wait it out until the winters ends . You can then get out your chiminea, light it up, and enjoy the heat.
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