Then You've Found Your Outdoor Chiminea ... Now What?

How to Safely Maintain an Outdoor Chiminea Chimineas for outdoor use can add warmth and ambiance to your backyard or patio. They are also a better choice for small spaces than traditional fireplaces. Chimineas should be placed on a fire-resistant surface such as a patio made of concrete, bricks or stones. They should be away from eaves and any type of overhead cover that might catch fire. Types A chiminea, sometimes referred to as an outdoor firepit, is a kind of firepit that has a chimney with a tall the hood that lets smoke flow upwards rather than out. Chimineas are made of metal or clay and come in a variety of styles to fit in with any garden decor. Chimineas can also be used to cook on the stove. This allows you to prepare delicious meals or outdoor snacks with your loved ones and family. There are a variety of wood that can be burned in the fire chiminea. Oak is the most popular since it produces heat and is slow to burn. However, other hardwoods can also be utilized. Apple is a good alternative since it burns slowly and releases a pleasant scent and is incredibly versatile. Other alternatives include cedar wood mesquite, hickory, and pinon. These are aromatic and give off pleasant smoke. Metal chimineas are stronger and less susceptible to damage from rain than terra-cotta models. They are heavier and more susceptible to rust than clay models. Certain metal chimineas are coated with rust-resistant paint that can protect them from weather. Fireplaces & Stoves have an authentic look however they are also the most weighty option. Before you can start the fire in a chiminea it is important to prepare the area by placing the gravel or sand on the bottom to prevent any ash from spilling over and damaging the base. Add a few pieces of wood and some kindling. When the paper begins to burn it makes an air draft that ignites the rest of your kindling, and then starts the fire. It is best to keep a chiminea out of reach from structures and plants. You should leave plenty of open space around it in case it tipping over or becomes too hot. It is also essential to cover the chimney with a metal mesh to stop sparks and ash from falling into flammable materials. Materials If you decide to go with clay or cast iron, your chiminea needs to be constructed of durable material that can endure the heat. It is important to ensure that your chiminea is appropriate for your space and is easily moved and stored. It is important to know how much smoke your fireplace releases, as too much can cause trouble for neighbours. The type of wood you choose to use will determine the heat and duration of your chiminea. A serious chimenea user would not think of burning softwoods like pine or cedar, but instead prefers 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. While some may prefer the appearance of a traditional clay chiminea, there are also modern and contemporary cast aluminum chimineas that have sleek lines and geometric designs. These models are also lighter in weight and can be used with gas and wood-burning fires, making them a versatile choice for all kinds of outdoor areas. Both clay and cast-iron chimineas need to be maintained by cleaning them and reseasoning them at times. Always place them on a fire-safe solid base, such as terracotta tiles or concrete, or even leveled sand. It is also essential to avoid water around your chiminea, as it can damage the metal and crack clay or terracotta. Chiminesas require an initial seasoning process, where you light a few small fires and allow them to cool down before you can start another. This will increase the resistance to heat and tolerance to heat of your chiminea. If you don't do this step, your chiminea can break or crack in its first time of use. It's recommended to cover your chiminea during the winter months or when it won't be in regular use, as it will protect it from the elements of snow and rain that can damage it. If you are concerned about the security of your chiminea consider choosing a model with a spark arrestor that will protect against potentially dangerous sparks. Design Chimineas are an elegant and versatile outdoor fire feature. But, it is important to keep in mind that like any other fire pit made of wood it should be properly maintained to prevent damage and ensure the safety of those who are enjoying the flames. Using protective covers and using the right cleaning techniques will greatly improve the longevity of your adorned chiminea. Chimineas are available in a variety of styles sizes, materials and colors to satisfy a variety of aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Terracotta clay chimineas have a traditional appearance and offer a classic, Mexican-inspired design. Metal chimineas are less prone to abrasion and have modern, sleek appearance. The position of your chiminea's location is critical. The chiminea must be placed in an open space to allow airflow. This will increase efficiency and create a warm ambience around the fire. Additionally, placing it away from patio covers and overhangs stops the buildup of smoke that could harm the structures. You could consider installing a mesh screen over the chimney of your chiminea to lessen the amount of sparks that are released into the air. To create a barrier, use a piece or small-holed fence bent slightly inward. You can also purchase a special screen made of ceramic tiles, which are designed to catch sparks and drop them down below the stack. While it may be tempting to use accelerants like gasoline or lighter fluid to ignite a fire, these chemicals can damage your chiminea by introducing excessive heat too quickly. This can cause the walls of your chiminea's walls to crack or break up. At the very least, this could result in injury and at best the chiminea to be destroyed. Accelerants can also cause the chiminea's walls break or shatter, which can result in injuries at the worst and a ruined chiminea at the very least. You can also season your chiminea by lighting three or four small fires. This gives the chiminea time to cure and reduce the risk of an explosion. Additionally, it is best to only use dry, well-seasoned hardwoods to burn in your chiminea. Safety Chimineas are an excellent way to enjoy an outdoor fire with friends and family. Like any outdoor flame they could pose danger to both property and people. You can ensure that you and your family can enjoy the warmth of your chiminea with no fear of fire or accident by following a few easy safety measures. The first step to ensure the safety of your chiminea is to ensure it is placed on a non-flammable surface such as bricks, pavers or cement. This will prevent the chiminea from being thrown over and decrease the risk of it sparking anything in its vicinity. Use only dry and seasoned wood for your chiminea. Wet wood doesn't burn as efficiently and can cause the chiminea's flames to go up or catch fire. A spark arrestor is another essential component for an chimney. This can be as simple as a piece of chicken wire bent around the top of the stack, or as complex as a special screened chimney insert. A spark arrestor will prevent sparks from escaping out of the stack and into the neighbor's yard or onto flammable materials like bushes and grass. Lastly, be sure to keep your chiminea at least 30 feet away from anything combustible such as buildings, trees, sheds, clothes lines and awnings. This will prevent an accidental fire that could destroy your property or home. Once your chiminea has been put in place and you have completed all the steps that were mentioned earlier, it's now time to begin enjoying the warm glow and radiant heat! Make sure to start small fires, using just burning wood to get the flame moving, and then gradually adding larger wood to the fire. Keep an assortment of fireplace tools in your kit to add logs to the flame and stoke it so that you don't have to get close to it. Wearing long barbecue tongs as well as fire gloves is also a good idea when handling hot coals and the grate. This will help you handle the chiminea without burning your hands.