Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit Originally used as a bread oven Chimineas represent Mexico's rich heritage of culture. The simple design, which blends practicality and aesthetics is timeless. Chimineas made of clay can be fired in kilns, which remove organic material from the clay and seals the pores to avoid cracking. They are designed to live outdoors all year long, but should be protected from long-term exposure to the elements. Origins Imagine a warm summer evening with family and friends, enjoying delicious food in a beautiful outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle warmth of your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a scene like the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fire pit. These traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens, aiding tribesmen during the cold desert nights of their home. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian values that emphasized practicality and the importance of communal living. The stoves were originally made from natural terra-cotta clay, which was dried and wood-fired in kilns. Chimineas made from clay have a more rustic appearance and were not glazed to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas using metals like brass, cast iron, and aluminum. These materials are more robust and resistant to weathering which is one of the main limitations in the clay design. The distinctive design of the chiminea was influenced by the concept of a potbellied base that rises to form an long chimney. This form is a perfect way to contain fire while also directing smoke upwards, which minimizes air inhalation and maximizes heat retention. Chimineas were a popular method of lighting, heating and cooking. We can still enjoy their beauty and the warmth they provide in the chilly autumn evenings, or even in the cold winter sun. If your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern one, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to suit your garden and decor. We offer a range of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also offer clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded or engraved into the body of the product. Our range of terracotta-based Chimineas and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans right in the middle of the country. The process of manufacturing can result in small variations in shape and colour. If your chiminea begins to discolour you can always repaint it with an water-based emulsion. Before you use your new chiminea, it's essential to read all instructions and tips for care provided by the manufacturer. Design Chimineas not just add warmth and character to any space They are also useful. They are available in a variety of styles and materials and can be paired with any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point or blend seamlessly with your landscaping. The traditional chimenea, constructed of clay, was designed with both practical and cultural significance in mind. The tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users and its rounded body radiated heat. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, playing a significant role in Mexican and Central American cultures. Traditional chimineas are made by local artisans using wet clay that is gathered directly from the earth. The clay was then molded to its final shape before being kiln dried. The process of creating a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, particularly for huge ones. Typically potters would coil long snakes of clay into a cylindrical shape and then smooth the clay to form the chiminea's bowl as well as neck. The rim of the clay was often decorated with carvings and patterns. Modern chimineas are usually constructed of metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were a significant evolution because they can endure high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas to be used in a variety of climates. Although there are a number of companies that manufacture clay and terracotta chimineas the majority of chimineas today are made of metal. The benefits of using metal chimineas are its ability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These factors have made chimineas made of metal more popular than their clay counterparts. No matter which kind of chiminea you pick it's important to place it in the right location. It should be placed in a level area and away from any fire-prone objects such as trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea needs to be set on a concrete patio, brick patio or stone terrace and never on a wood deck. It's also a good idea to place 50mm of sand, or Gardeco Lava Stones under the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat. Materials Traditional chimineas made of terracotta and clay which are still manufactured by small-scale factories today, are fired to temperatures of up to 1000c. After cooling and cured, the chimineas are assembled. Some are covered in glaze, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice since they give the authentic Mexican feel to a garden. Chimineas can be hand painted in a variety of colours and patterns to fit different styles. The paint finish will fade due to time and temperature of the fire, so it's best to re-paint with a water-based emulsion. Originally designed to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through the years have transformed into a symbol of culture, adjusting their functionality to satisfy a variety of requirements. Apart from serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico They also played an important function in repelling insects and promoting social gatherings. The unique design of a chiminea having a wide base and a narrow chimney spout, allows the most air to be drawn in at the bottom of the structure, minimizing smoke inhalation. It also helps to keep the heat within the chiminea's belly, which makes it ideal for cooking. Today, chimineas can be found in a variety of materials including terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminium. Terracotta Chimineas are the most common choice, offering the traditional Mexican style. They are prone to cracking under pressure, and should only be put on an even surface that is fire-safe. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas carry less risk of damage and are attractive and durable. To ensure that the chiminea will last for as long as is possible it should be kept in a well-ventilated space and protected from rain and wind. It should be placed away from walls and structures that could catch fire, and also the roofs of patios and eaves that could be damaged by a sudden shift in temperatures when the chiminea is extinguished. In order to prevent the chiminea's ashes from burning excessively, it is advised to keep the leaves away and only well-seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. It is important to clean the chiminea frequently by using a wirebrush as this will help prevent the build-up of deposits that can burn and blacken. Shielding the chiminea from wind can also help reduce the amount of smoke it produces when it is burned. Maintenance As with any fire equipment, proper maintenance is essential to ensuring the longevity of your Chiminea. This will help to extend its lifespan and ensure that it works safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should be kept outside in an area that is well tended. Even though a clay chiminea appears to be sturdy however, it could still crack and break from various sources. This is why it is essential to check your chiminea on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear, and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding how often it should be fired. To keep your Mexican chimney looking beautiful, you should clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will eliminate any dirt and grime that could cause discoloration or rust. A wire brush should be used to scrub away the rusty particles that are floating around, and it is recommended that you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself. After scrubbing the chiminea, rinse it and let it dry completely. top rated chiminea Fireplaces & Stoves will prevent any water from causing corrosion and it can greatly prolong the lifespan of your chiminea. Once your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it should be lightly sanded using fine grit the sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and eliminate any rough spots that could attract embers if you decide to make a fire. Sanding can also make the look more attractive and even. In the end, sanding could be followed by several coats of stove or grill paint, which will enhance the appearance of your chiminea as well as protect it from corrosion. Keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind as it can cause the paint to peel off and fade. If this happens it is possible to touch up the areas affected with water-based emulsion paints or masonry spray, and it is generally easy to do. Also, it is essential to build small fires, and to add only a few logs at one time to your chiminea so that you make sure it is "broken in" and to avoid overheating.
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