Clay Chiminea Fire Pit
Clay chimineas can be an ignition hazard if it is placed on the metal stand that (hopefully) came with it. They also heat up very quickly and can burn hands if accidentally touched in the event that children are too close.
Large chimineas are hefty and difficult to move. They may also break or crack if they are dropped or tipped.
Rustic Design
Chiminea fire pits provide a distinct rustic look to your backyard, providing an inviting space for outdoor conversations and relaxation. They feature a wide base that tapers off into the chimney, and come in a variety of styles to fit with your patio or garden design. A chiminea, while more heavy than other fire pit designs and difficult to move around your yard, is easy to squeeze into small areas.
Like fire pits, chimineas can be available in various materials, including clay and terracotta to give an authentic Mexican appearance and cast iron or steel. They can be painted as a decorative accent and often have handcrafted details. Chimineas made of clay and terracotta are less sturdy than metal and may crack or break when exposed to extreme temperatures and rough handling. However, they do not heat up as fast as chimineas made of metal and may be better suited for homes with pets or children.
Chimineas are safe due to their structure. They are confined. A chimney directs smoke upwards to reduce the amount of smoke that you or your neighbors are exposed to. This is why they are a great option for homeowners living in areas that prohibit open-flame fires, or who wish to stay clear of the smell of smoke emitted by the flames that are more open.
Chimineas are the best choice for wood burning, but can also be used with liquid or gas propane. Some models are made for cooking. When using a chiminea, you should always keep it away from overly windy conditions because strong gusts could blow smoke and embers into the air. It is recommended to build a chiminea in a fire-safe area known as a patio hearth which is a 3-by-4-foot space covered with pavers or another fireproof material.
It is best to make use of firewood that has been kiln dried and stacked uniformly in the process of building the chiminea. Avoid oversized logs and large branches as they are likely to split or break when handled. It is also recommended to keep a distance of 10 feet or more away from any structure like your home or shed. It is important to never lift your chiminea using its chimney or stack, since this could cause it to crack. When not in use, it's a good idea to cover your chiminea using an open fire pit.
Versatility
A chiminea can be more flexible than one made of steel because it can be filled with a variety fuels. It can be filled with wood or propane gas. You can use it with a variety of brquettes, but it's best to stick to kiln-dried firewood that is easy to light and burns quickly without emitting much smoke. This will lessen the amount of pollution your garden and neighbors experience due to smoke.
It also has an integrated chimney that funnels smoke away from those who are sitting on it, helping to keep your outdoor area neat and comfortable. You can also add other accessories such as a log grate or a fire poker to help you tend the fire. If you are worried about the amount of smoke a chiminea can release it is a good idea to try out a model with an stainless steel firebox to limit the amount of smoke released.
Chimineas can be utilized in many different locations even in smaller backyards and even on a balcony with careful installation. Chimineas are more powerful than fire pits and they can provide a greater heat source to a larger area. It is therefore important to construct a hearth for your patio or another fire-proof area, on which to place the Chiminea. It should be a small rectangular or circular space that is covered in pavers and situated at least a safe distance from other flammable structures or other materials.
Clay chimineas can last years if they are properly maintained and use. Place them on a concrete, stone or hearth in a patio. Cover the fire pad with a layer of sand or lava stones. This will stop them from cracking because of heat stress. Never pour water on the chimney of a hot clay as it can cause the chiminea to crack or break.
There are many models that are affordable if you're looking for a chiminea that fits your budget. However, if you're seeking the classic, traditional style, you will have to pay more for the hand-crafted version that is made from high-quality clay.
Safety
If you decide to go with clay models, it must find its permanent home as soon as possible because moving it often large clay chimineas for sale could cause damage to the delicate clay and cause cracks. If you don't have enough space to permanently house your chiminea quality chiminea cover is a great way to protect it from rain damage and prevent the build-up of leaves and dirt which can block air flow and create a fire risk.
Chimineas are very heavy. If you intend to use them as garden ornaments or to place it in an outdoor space that is large, make sure that it is securely placed and that there is enough clearance around it to ensure its safety operation. Consider a patio constructed of bricks or stones to protect your chiminea from wind damage.
Fill your chiminea up with sand until it is about half full. This will keep the clay cool and prevent the fire from touching the sides. Once the sand is dry, you can ignite some newspaper and lighter. Make sure to keep it from the sides. Once the fire is burning you can add large wood pieces or logs.
Once you have made some small fires in your new chiminea, it's a good idea to apply a sealer on the exterior of the clay. This will help protect the clay and prevent moisture damage to the paint finish.
The sealer must be applied regularly, since the initial sealer wears off during regular use. You can purchase a suitable clay sealer from a garden or hardware store, or you can apply an extremely high temperature silicone sealant, such as Future acrylic floor finish which is perfect for use on ceramic and metal objects that are exposed extreme temperatures.
When using a chiminea, it is recommended to only burn wood or split softwood logs that are seasoned. Also, make sure the chiminea is kept away from eaves or any other type of roof that could catch fire and never extinguish a chiminea with water, as this can crack clay and terracotta.
Maintenance
Chimineas are popular because of their rustic charm, but they require special care to keep them in good condition. You can extend the life of your terracotta chiminea with some preventative measures.
Always make sure you have a fire-proof surface when using your chiminea. Place it on a concrete patio, brick fire pit for outdoor use or a solid wood deck. Also, make sure that there is nothing on top of it that can catch fire, like a wooden pergola or eaves of your home.
Keep the chiminea spotless all the time, but especially during the initial fires. This will allow the clay to "season" and becomes more resistant to heat. Start your fires using only small pieces of kindling and let them fully burn. You can then slowly build larger fires and add more kindling each time. Avoid using wood with a lot bark because it could cause lots of sparks. Instead, opt for seasoned wood, which tends to create less sparks.
Fill the chiminea three quarters full of sand once it is ready to use. Make sure that it does not touch any clay. Use a fire starter which does not contain lighter fluid, or any other products to enhance the flame. After the sand has been covered with sand, light a small flame using only paper and a lighter. The fire should get slightly larger each time. Be careful not to let it touch the clay or any other substances that are flammable.
Regular cleaning is crucial to prolong the life of a clay chiminea. This decreases the likelihood of structural damage caused by accumulation of soot or ash. Ash that is not burned can pose a fire risk.
It is also recommended to apply a sealant of protection to the clay chiminea at least once or twice a year. This shields it from the elements and keeps moisture from getting into the clay, which could make it softer.