Clay Chiminea Fire Pit
Clay chimineas are a fire hazard unless it sits on the stand made of metal that (hopefully) came with it. They also heat up to a very high temperature and could cause burns to hands in the event that children are too close.
Large chimineas can be heavy and difficult for you to move. They may also break or crack when dropped or tipped.
Rustic Design
A chiminea firepit adds an authentic element to your backyard and creates an inviting environment for outdoor conversation. They are available in a variety of styles that will complement your patio or garden decor. They have a large base that tapers to a fireplace. Although more cumbersome than some fire pit designs the chiminea is very easy to move around your yard and works well in smaller spaces.
Chimineas can be found in a vast variety of materials, including clay, cast iron, and terracotta to give a Mexican-style look. They can be painted as a decorative accent and often feature hand-crafted details. Clay and terracotta are not as durable than metal chimineas and can crack or even break when exposed to high temperatures and rough handling. However, they don't get hot as quickly as metal chimineas, and could be more suitable for homes with pets or children.
Because of their structure Chimineas are more secure than fire pits since they are confined. They also have a chimney that funnels smoke upwards, which will reduce the amount of smoke that you or your neighbours experience. This is why they are a great option for homeowners who live in areas that have restrictions on open-flame fires or for those who want to avoid the smell of smoke from a more open flame.
Chimineas are ideal for burning wood but can be used with gas or liquid propane. Some models are also designed to cook. If you are using a chiminea, you must keep it away from overly windy conditions because strong gusts can blow embers and smoke into the air. It is recommended to build a chiminea inside an area that is fire-proof, also known as a patio hearth, which is a three-by-four-foot area covered with pavers or other fireproof materials.
It is best to use firewood that is kiln dried and stacked uniformly when building the chiminea. Avoid large logs and branches because they are likely to break or split if handled. You should also keep at least 10 feet or more away from any structure, such as your home or shed. You should also be careful not to raise your chiminea from its chimney or a stack since this can cause it to break. It is also a good idea to cover your chimney with a firepit cover when not in use.
Versatility
A chiminea is more versatile than one made of steel because it can be filled with a variety fuels. It can be filled with propane gas or wood. You can use it with various briquettes, but it is preferred to use kiln-dried firewood that is simple to light and burns quickly without releasing a lot of smoke. This will help reduce the amount of pollution your neighbors and your garden suffer due to smoke.
It also has an integrated chimney that directs smoke away from people who are sitting on it, helping to keep your outdoor area clean and pleasant. You can also include accessories such as a log grate or a fire poker to help you to tend the fire. If you're worried about the amount of smoke that a chiminea releases, it's worth looking for one with stainless steel firebox.
Chimineas can be used in all sorts of places and in smaller backyards and even on a balcony with careful positioning. They usually spread their heat over a larger area than a fire pit, therefore it is essential to build an outdoor hearth or other kind of fire-proof area in which to build the Chiminea. It should be a small circular or square area that is covered with pavers and situated in a safe distance from other materials that are flammable or structures.
Chimineas made of clay can last for years if they are properly maintained and use. They should be placed on a stone or concrete fire pit or hearth in a patio, and then over a layer of sand or lava stones to stop them from cracking due to heat stress. Don't pour water on the chimney of a hot clay as it can cause the chiminea to crack or break.
If you are looking for a chiminea which will fit your budget there are a couple of models that are affordable. However, if you are looking for the traditional, classic look you'll have to spend more for a hand-crafted version that is made of high-quality clay.
Safety
If you choose to purchase clay models, make sure it has a permanent home. Moving it around could cause damage to the clay and cracks. If you don't have the space to permanently house your chiminea, a quality chiminea cover is a great option to shield it from damage from rain and prevent the build-up of leaves and dirt that could block air flow and create a fire hazard.
Chimineas can be quite heavy, so if intend to use it as an outdoor feature or place it in a large outdoor space, ensure that it is placed securely and has ample space around it Recommended Web page for secure operation. Also, think about a stone or brick patio to prevent the chiminea from getting damaged by wind.
Before you use your chiminea the first time, fill it with sand to approximately halfway. This will prevent the fire from touching the sides of the stack and aid in keeping the clay cool. When the sand is dry, you can start a small fire of newspaper and some kindling, but make sure that the fire is kept away from the sides of the stack. Once the fire has started to smolder, you can add some logs or larger pieces of wood.
After you've started 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 damage from moisture to the paint finish.
The sealer must be applied periodically, as the initial sealer will wear off when used regularly. You can purchase a clay sealer that is suitable from a garden or hardware retailer, or you can use a high-temperature silicone sealant such as Future acrylic floor finish which is ideal for use on ceramic and metal objects that are exposed to extreme temperatures.
When using your chiminea it is recommended to only burn wood or split softwood logs that are seasoned. Make sure to keep the chiminea out from any eaves or roofs that could catch on fire. Don't use water to extinguish your chiminea as it could crack terracotta and clay.
Maintenance
Chimineas are popular due to their rustic charm, but they require special attention to maintain them. A few preventative measures will ensure that your terracotta chiminea lasts for a long time.
Use a chiminea only on the surface that is safe for fire. Set it on an outdoor patio made of concrete, brick outdoor fire pit, or a solid wooden deck. It is also important to ensure that there's nothing in front of it that could catch fire, for example a wooden pergola or eaves of your home.
Keep the chiminea spotless always particularly during initial fires. This will allow the clay to "season" and becomes more resistant to heat. Start your first few fires using only a few pieces of kindling and let them burn completely. You can then build larger fires and add more kindling each time. Avoid adding wood that has a lot of bark as it can create many sparks. Instead, you should opt for mature wood, which is more likely to create less sparks.
Fill the chiminea with three quarters full with sand after it is ready for use. Make sure it does not touch any clay. Make use of a fire-starter that does not contain lighter fluid or other flame-enhancing products. Once the sand is covered, light a small fire using only paper and a lighter. The fire should be a little larger each time. Be careful not to let it touch the clay or any other substances that are flammable.
A chiminea made of clay will last longer if it is regularly cleaned. This reduces the risk of structural damage due to accumulated soot and ash. Ash that is not burned could pose an increase in fire risk.
Once or twice a yearly, you should seal the clay chiminea. This shields it from elements and prevents moisture from seeping into the clay, which may make it more brittle.