Clay Chiminea Fire Pit
Clay chimineas are dangerous to fire if it sits on the stand made of steel that (hopefully) came with it. They can also heat up very quickly and cause burns to small hands if children get too close.
Large chimineas are heavy and difficult to move. They are also susceptible to cracking and may break when dropped or tipped over.
Rustic Design
A chiminea firepit adds an authentic element to your backyard and creates an inviting atmosphere for outdoor conversations. They are available in a variety of styles that will complement your patio or garden decor. They have a wide base that tapers into the form of a fireplace. Chiminesas, although more cumbersome than other fire pit designs, and more difficult to move around the backyard, is able to fit in smaller spaces.
Like fire pits, chimineas can be available in various materials, including clay and terracotta to give a more Mexican-style look and also steel or cast iron. They can be painted to provide an aesthetic appeal, and they often have handcrafted detailing. Chimineas made of clay and terracotta are less durable than metal and may break or crack if exposed to extreme temperatures and rough handling. They don't heat up as quickly as metal ones, and are better for homes with pets or children.
Due to their design they are more secure than fire pits since they are confined. A chimney directs smoke upwards, reducing the amount of smoke you or your neighbors are exposed to. Therefore, they are an ideal option for homeowners who live in areas that restrict open flame fires or who wish to avoid the smell of smoke that comes from the flames that are more open.
Chimineas are best used when cooked with wood, but they can also be used with propane liquid or gas. Some models can also be used to cook. It is not recommended to use a chiminea in a windy conditions, as powerful winds can blow smoke or embers through the air. It is recommended to build an chiminea in an outdoor hearth. It is a three-by-four foot space that is covered in pavers or other fireproof materials.
You should only use firewood that has been kiln dried and stacked uniformly when making an chiminea. Avoid large logs and oversized branches because they can easily split or break when handled. Also, you should keep at least 10 feet or more away from any structure, such as your shed or home. It is important to avoid lifting your chiminea using its chimney or stack as this could cause it to crack. When it's not in use, it is a good idea to cover your chiminea using an open fire pit.
Versatility
Chimineas are more adaptable than a chiminea made of metal because it can be filled with a variety fuels. It can be filled with wood however, it can also be filled with propane gas or even natural gas. It can be used with different kinds of brquettes, but it's preferred to use kiln-dried firewood that is simple to ignite and burns quickly, without releasing a lot of smoke. This will minimize the amount of pollution that your garden and neighbors experience because of smoke.
It also comes with an integrated chimney that directs smoke away from those sitting on it, helping to keep your outdoor area clean and pleasant. You can also include accessories such as an edging for logs or a fire poker to help maintain the fire. If you're worried about the amount of smoke a chiminea can release it is a good idea to try using a model that utilizes an stainless steel firebox to limit the amount of smoke released.
Chimineas work well in all kinds of places. They can be placed in small backyards or even on balconies with care. They usually distribute their heat over a larger area than a fire pit, therefore it is crucial to construct a patio hearth or other kind of fire-proof area on which you can build the chiminea. It should be small square, circular or circular area that is covered with pavers and situated at least a safe distance from other structures or materials.
Clay chimineas can last for years if they are properly maintained and use. They should be placed on a stone or concrete fire pit or hearth for a patio and over a layer of sand or lava stones to prevent them from breaking due to heat stress. Never pour water on a clay chimney that is hot, as it will cause the chiminea to break or crack.
If you're looking for a chiminea which is within your budget, you can find a few models that are affordable. However, if you are looking for the traditional, classic look you'll have to spend more for a hand-crafted model that is constructed with top-quality clay.
Safety
If you choose to purchase clay models ensure that it is placed in a permanent location. Moving it around can cause damage to the clay and cause cracks. If you don't have enough space for an enduring chiminea, a chiminea cover will protect it from rain damage and will also stop dirt and leaves from building up. This can lead to a fire risk.
Chimineas can be very heavy, so if you are planning to use yours as an ornamental garden feature or put it in an outdoor area then make sure it is securely placed and has plenty of clearance around it to ensure secure operation. Consider a patio constructed of bricks or stones to protect your chiminea from wind damage.
Fill your chiminea with sand until it's about half full. This will keep the clay cool and keep the fire from touching the sides. After the sand has dried you can ignite some newspaper and lighter. Make sure to keep it away from the sides. Once the fire is smouldering you can add a few logs or larger pieces of wood.
Once you have made a few small fires in your new chiminea, it's a good idea apply a sealer on the exterior of the clay. This will help protect the finish of the clay and prevent moisture damage.
Sealer must be applied on a regular basis since the sealer wears out over time with regular use. You can buy a suitable clay sealer from a hardware or garden retailer, or you can use an extremely high temperature silicone sealant like Future acrylic floor finish, that is ideal for use on metal and ceramic items that are exposed to extreme heat.
It is best to only burn softwood or hardwood logs that have been seasoned prior to using your chiminea. Make sure to keep the chiminea out from any roofs or eaves that could catch on fire. Do not use water to extinguish your chiminea since it can break terracotta as well as clay.
Maintenance
Chimineas are a favorite due to their rustic beauty, but they require special care to maintain them. A few preventative measures can ensure that your terra-cotta chiminea will last for a long time.
Use a chiminea only on an area that is fire-safe. This means placing it on a brick or concrete patio outdoor fire pit, or on an unfinished wood deck or on paving stones that are set in a tiny area. Be sure to remove anything that could catch fire above it, such as a wooden eave or pergola.
Keep the chiminea spotless at all times particularly during initial fires. This will allow the clay to "season" and becomes more resistant to heat. Start the first few fires by using a couple of pieces of kindling Be sure to allow them to burn completely. You can build up larger fires by adding more kindling. Avoid adding wood with a lot of bark as it can create a lot more sparks. Choose seasoned wood instead because it is likely to be less sparky.
Once the chiminea is seasoned and ready to use, fill it three-quarters full with sand, ensuring that it doesn't touch the clay. Make sure to use a fire starter that does not contain lighter fluid or other flame enhancing products. After the sand is covered, start a small fire using only paper and kindling. The flame should get a little larger each time. Be careful not to let it touch the clay or any other material that is flammable.
Regular cleaning is vital for the longevity of a clay chiminea. This reduces the risk of structural damage from accumulation of soot and ash. Ash that is not burned can pose a fire risk.
Every year, or at least once, you should seal the clay chiminea. This shields it from the elements and stops moisture from seeping Full Statement into the clay, which could make it softer.