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Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally designed to be a bread oven, chimineas reflect Mexico's rich heritage of culture. The timeless design blends practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Clay chimineas can be fired in kilns, which remove organic material from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They can be utilized outdoors all year, but should not be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a warm summer evening with your family and friends, enjoying delicious food in a beautiful outdoor space, warm by the gentle heat from your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins for this type of outdoor fireplace.

The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the harsh winter nights in their homeland. Their distinctive shape stems from their utilitarian values, emphasising practicality and the importance of living in a communal setting.

Originally these stoves were constructed from natural terra-cotta clay that was dried and then wood-fired in kilns. Chimineas made from clay have a more rustic look and were not glazed to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers create chimineas made of metals, such as cast iron, aluminum and brass. These materials are more robust and resistant to weathering which is one of the major limitations of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was influenced by the concept of a pot-bellied base which rises up into an extended chimney. This design is a great way to contain the flame while directing the smoke upwards, which reduces air inhalation and maximizes heat retention.

Chimineas were used for cooking, heating and providing light for the tribal people of Mexico. Today, we can savor these beautiful qualities and the comforting warmth they provide in cold autumn evenings and even in chilly winter sunshine.

Gardeco offers a variety of styles that will fit your garden. We stock a wide range of sizes, from small and medium to extra-large and large. We also carry clay chimineas that have been decorated with either engraving or a moulded design.

Our range of terracotta and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans in the middle of the country. Shapes and colours may differ slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. It is possible to repaint your chiminea terracotta with an emulsion paint that's water-based in the event that it begins to discolour. Before you begin using your new chiminea, it's important to read all the instructions and tips on care given by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas not only add character and warmth to any space, but they are also practical. They are available in a variety of materials and designs, and they can be paired with any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point or they can blend seamlessly with your landscape.

The clay chimenea was designed to serve both practical and historical reasons. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed smoke away from the users and its rounded rounded body radiated warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, giving it a significant role in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditional chimineas are handcrafted by local artisans using moist clay that is collected directly from the earth. The raw material was then molded to its final shape before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas are very labor-intensive to make especially big ones. Typically potters would coil long snakes of clay into a cylindrical shape and then smooth the clay, creating the chiminea's bowl and neck. The rim of the clay is often decorated with carvings or patterns.

Modern chimineas are generally constructed from metals like cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were an important evolution because they can withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This allowed chimineas and fire pits to be used in many different climates.

Metal chimineas are the most common however there are some companies that manufacture clay and terracotta ones. The benefits of using metal chimineas are its capability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it is able to be cleaned more easily. These advantages have made chimineas clay made of metal more popular than clay counterparts.

Whatever type of chiminea you choose, it's essential that you put it in the correct place. It should be set in a leveled space, away from any flammable items like trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea should also be placed on a concrete, brick or stone patio, and never on a wooden deck. It's also an excellent idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones underneath the chiminea in order to shield it from direct heat and keep the hot part of the fire away from the clay.

Materials

Traditional clay and terracotta chimineas that are still produced by small companies today, are kiln fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas may be assembled. Some are glazed, while others are left unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice as they offer the authentic Mexican feel to a garden.

Chimineas are generally hand-painted with many colors and designs that can be adapted to a wide range of styles. The paint finish can fade as time passes and with the heat of the fire so it's best to re-paint with an emulsion that is water-based.

Originally designed to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through time have become a symbol of culture, adjusting their functionality to meet a variety of needs. These distinctive structures weren't only used by the indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played a significant role in repelling bugs and promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea, having a wide base and a narrow chimney spout allows for the maximum amount of air to be drawn in from the bottom of the structure, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea's belly, making it ideal for cooking.

Currently, chimineas are available in a wide variety of materials that include cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas have an elegant Mexican appearance. They are prone cracking when under pressure, and should only be put on a flat surface that is fire-safe. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to damage, while remaining stylish and durable.

To ensure that the chiminea is as long-lasting as you can, place it in a location which is well ventilated and protected from rain and wind. It should be kept away from walls and structures that could catch fire, as well as any eaves and patio roofs that could be damaged by a sudden change in temperature once the chiminea has been extinguished. To ensure that the chiminea does not smoke excessively, it is recommended that only seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. It is essential to clean the chiminea regularly using a wirebrush, since this will prevent deposits that could burn and blacken. Sheltering the chiminea from the wind can also help reduce the amount of smoke that it emits as it burns.

Maintenance

Like any other fire apparatus the proper maintenance is crucial to ensuring the longevity of your Chiminea. This will help to extend its life and ensure that it is operating safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should always be kept outside where they can be properly maintained. While a propane chiminea made from clay may seem sturdy enough, it is still susceptible to cracks and breakage from various sources. It is crucial to examine your chiminea for signs of wear, and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how often to use it.

The first step to ensure that your mexican chiminea stays looking its best is to wash it thoroughly with a mild detergent solution. This will eliminate any built-up dirt and grime, which can lead to discoloration and corrosion. To remove loose rust particles, make use of a wire brush. It is recommended that goggles and gloves are worn for safety. After scrubbing the chiminea then rinse it and let it dry completely. This will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion, and can also extend the lifespan of your chiminea.

After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it needs to be lightly sanded with fine grit the sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and eliminate any rough areas that could catch embers if you decide to start an open flame. Sanding can also make the appear more attractive and even. In the end, sanding could be followed by several coats of stove or grill paint, which will improve the appearance of your chiminea as well as guard it from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and winds as it can cause the paint to peel and fade. If this occurs you can sand the affected areas using water-based emulsion paints or masonry spray, and it is generally easy to do. It is also important to only use small fires and add only a few logs at each time to your chiminea in order to make sure it is "broken in" and to prevent overheating.