Taking Care of a Clay steel chiminea
Clay chimineas are a stylish and useful touch to any outdoor space. However, just like any other outdoor or fire pit fireplace, a chiminea should be treated with care to preserve its beauty and function.
After being glazed, clay chimineas are somewhat resistant to snow, rain and sudden temperature fluctuations. They are not without danger and should be covered when not being used.
How they are made
Chimineas are beautiful and functional way to keep warm around the fireplace. They are made of clay, but they can also be made of metal or terracotta. The chimney is a conduit for smoke to the air and their bulbous form makes it easy to begin large-scale fires. They are able to retain heat well and are ideal to keep you warm all year long. Chimineas made of clay are more fragile than their metal counterparts and they can crack or break from sudden temperature changes or physical damage. They should be handled with care and regular maintenance to stop this from occurring.
Mexican clay chimineas are a thriving business. Smaller factories still employ kilns in a variety of sizes to create the stunning outdoor fire pits. These kilns are capable of storing 100 or more chimineas, and are heated to temperatures that exceed 1000c. This process takes a few days and the result is that the clay becomes rock hard. Once this is the case it is ready to be used.
Make sure your chiminea is completely dry prior to using it. This will prevent any moisture or water from absorbing into the clay and causing cracking. Also, you should purchase a cover to protect your chiminea from the rain or snow. It is also a good idea to not move your chiminea too much. Once you have put it in its place it is recommended to not move it until it is required. Doing so can cause the clay to stretch over time and crack.
It is recommended to start your chiminea off by using smaller fires instead of larger ones. This will allow the clay to become used to the rhythm of heat and prolong its lifespan. This is known as "seasoning" or "curing" the chimenea and it is something you should do with all chimineas whether they're made of clay or metal, or terra-cotta.
Function
A clay chiminea is more than a beautiful garden ornament It also functions as a heating element. It is shaped like a potbelly stove, with a mouth at the front and a tall chimney at the top that allows smoke to escape.
A chiminea may not be as big as an outdoor fireplace and it will not provide the same heat to the entire space. However, it can create an inviting space for people to unwind in while the fire is burning. They are used in gardens and patios to create a central space for families and friends.
Chimineas come in a vast range of sizes and styles to fit any landscape or decor. They are usually crafted from natural materials like clay, cast iron, or terracotta and may have metal components that are coated to prevent rusting. There are also some modern models made of aluminum and other metals which heats up faster and can be painted to match the house or landscape.
Terracotta and clay are not as durable than metal chimineas and are susceptible to cracking or break if placed on a base that isn't solid and keeps them off the ground. Terracotta and clay are more hot than metal, so they should not be put in areas where pets, children or other people are walking or playing.
The majority of chimineas clay (find out here) have an empty base, where the fuel is positioned prior to lighting. It is important to add a layer of sand, gravel or lava rock inside the base to keep the bottom of the chiminea clean and safe from the extreme heat generated by wood burning. It is a good idea to construct the first chiminea fire using paper and small pieces kindling to prevent cracking clay.
The unique design lets smoke escape through the chimney at the top while keeping flames and ash away from people sitting nearby. This feature also makes chimineas more effective than traditional fire pits when the conditions are windy because the chimney and bowl assist in controlling the flow of the smoke.
Maintenance
Chiminesas can be an ideal addition to your backyard. Not only are they stunning artworks in their own right, but the flickering flames are captivating and create a warm atmosphere that is perfect for family meals and entertaining guests or simply sitting around the fire on a summer evening. However, like any other outdoor fireplace or fire pit, chimineas need a little maintenance to remain secure and functional.
If you have an chiminea made of clay it is crucial to regularly clean it to avoid cracking. To begin, you'll be required to clean any ash and debris from the inside of the chiminea. To loosen the dust and ash clumps you can use a wire-bristled broom or a scraper. You will then want to clean the exterior of the chimney with a paper towel or cloth and a mild cleaner like white vinegar distilled. This will get rid of all the soot that has accumulated and stop the chiminea from becoming too oily.
Consider lining your chiminea to keep it from burning. After you have removed the remains of the chiminea's ashes, you should allow it to cure before using it again. This could take between four and eight small fires.
Before you make an igniting fire, you need to heat the chiminea slowly. This will prevent the clay from cracking when heated to high temperatures. To accomplish this, place a few inches of sand into the bottom and build a fire with small pieces of wood. When the fire is gone allow the sand to cool and then construct an even larger fire. Continue to increase the size of the fire each time until you get a hot fire going.
If your chiminea does crack it's a good idea to attempt to repair it yourself rather than calling in a professional. It is important that the crack on the chiminea made of clay is not so wide as to be considered a broken piece. Also, you must make sure that the crack isn't surrounded by any paint, as this will peel off once it's heated.
Safety
If you own a chiminea outdoor made of clay, it should be handled with attention. They are susceptible to breaking if not treated properly and will need to be sealed on occasion. To avoid destruction, they must be placed on surfaces that are safe for fire. They should not be placed near eaves, patio roofs or any other covering that could catch fire. They should be positioned in a clean area that is free of trees or shrubs. It is essential to check the weather forecast before lighting an chimenea. If exposed to extreme temperatures, the clay can crack or even break.
Chimineas come in different styles and shapes. The traditional one has the shape of a potbelly, with a narrow fireplace and an opening large in the front. The design allows the flames to be safe even in rain, without the water extinguishing the flames. They are an ideal option for outdoor entertainment and to heat patios.
Metal chimineas are stronger than clay models, however their surfaces can get very hot. They aren't as safe to use as terracotta or clay models.
LB's has a variety of different choices when it comes to clay chimineas. Some are traditional in appearance, while others sport more modern appearances that work well with any type of landscaping. They are available in sizes that can accommodate small or large wood-burning fires. Certain models can be used to cook on.
If you buy a clay chiminea, make sure you choose the best location for it immediately - it's not something that you want to move frequently. It's also recommended to purchase an enclosure to keep it in use. This will shield the clay from rain and repeated exposures to moisture which could cause it to crack or break over time.
Keep in mind that you should never add water to a flame in a clay chiminea, because this can cause it to crack. If you experience the fire burning out it is best to use sand or another dry material to extinguish it.