Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Originally designed to be bread ovens Chimineas are a symbol of Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The timeless design is a blend of practicality and aesthetic simplicity.
Clay chimineas can be fired in kilns which remove organic material from the clay and seals the pores to avoid cracking. They are built to live outdoors all year round, but should be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.
Origins
Imagine a warm, sunny evening in the summer, with your loved ones and family eating delicious food outside, all warmed by your Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a scene that is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor firepit.
The traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to function as radiant heaters as well as ovens, helping tribesmen through the dark winter nights of their homeland. Their distinctive design was derived from their utilitarian qualities, emphasising practicality and the importance of communal living.
Originally these stoves were constructed from natural terra-cotta clay which was dried and wood-fired in kilns. Clay chimineas are more rustic in appearance and were not glazed to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas made of metals like brass, cast iron, and aluminum. These materials are more durable and resistant to weathering, which is one of the main limitations of the clay design.
The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by a pot-bellied bottom which rises to form an extended fireplace. This design is a great way to contain a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which minimizes the risk of inhaling air and increases heat retention.
Chimineas were used by Mexican tribes for heating, cooking and lighting. We still appreciate their beauty and the warmth they bring in the chilly autumn evenings or even in the cold winter sun.
Whether your chiminea fireplaces is an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to match your decor and garden. We stock a wide range of sizes, from small and medium, to extra-large and large. We also have clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded, or inscribed into the body of the product.
Our selection of terracotta chimineas and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans right in the heart of Mexico. The process of manufacturing can result in slight variations in the shape and colour. If your chiminea begins fade, you can always repaint it with an emulsion water-based paint. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea for the first time.
Design
Chimineas are not just practical, but they also give a rustic and authentic feel to the space. They are available in a variety of materials and designs and can be paired with any furniture for your patio. They can be used as a focal point, or they can blend in seamlessly with your landscaping.
The traditional chimenea, made of clay, was created with both practical and historical significance in mind. The tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users and its rounded body exuded warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, which played a significant role in Mexican and Central American cultures.
Traditional chimineas are handcrafted by local artisans using wet clay that is gathered directly from the earth. The raw material was formed into its final form before being dried in a kiln. The process of creating the clay chimenea was very labor-intensive, particularly for huge ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are made by smoothing long snakes of rolled clay. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns or carvings.
Modern chimineas are generally constructed of metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas clay made of metal was a significant evolutionary step because they can withstand high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a vast range of climates.
While there are several companies that manufacture clay and terracotta chimineas the majority of chimineas today are made of metal. The benefits of using metal chimineas are its capability to withstand higher temperatures as well as the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. metal chiminea chimineas are much more popular than clay chimineas since they can withstand higher temperatures and can be cleaned with ease.
Whatever type of chiminea you choose it is essential to place it in the right place. It must be placed in a leveled space and away from any fire-prone objects like grass, trees or other buildings. The chiminea should be placed on an asphalt patio, brick patio, or stone terrace and not on a deck made of wood. It's also a good idea to put 50mm of sand, or Gardeco Lava Stones under the chiminea. This will shield it from direct heat.
Materials
Kiln-fired clay chimineas and terracotta chimineas are still being made today by small factories. The temperatures can rise up to 1000c. After they have been cooled and dried they are then assemble. Some are glazed while others remain unglazed. These chimineas offer an Mexican feel in a garden.
Chimineas are typically hand-painted with a variety of colors and designs to fit the various styles. The paint finish will fade as time passes and with the heat of the fire so it is recommended to re-paint using an emulsion that is water-based.
Although originally designed as essential elements of heating and cooking for city-dwelling Mexicans Chimineas have been a symbol of a sense of cultural heritage over the centuries adapting to various requirements for functional purposes. Apart from serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico These distinctive structures also played an important role in repelling insects as well as in promoting social gatherings.
The unique design of a chiminea having a wide base and a narrow chimney spout, allows for the most air to be drawn in at the bottom of the structure, which reduces smoke inhalation. It also helps retain heat in the biggest chiminea's belly, making it ideal for cooking.
Currently, chimineas are available in a wide range of materials that include cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are the most commonly used, and offer the traditional Mexican style. They are prone to cracking under pressure, and should be placed on an even surface that is fire-proof. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have less danger of being damaged but are still elegant and durable.
To ensure that the chiminea lasts as long as possible it should be placed in a well-ventilated location and shielded from wind and rain. It should be positioned away from any walls or structures that might catch alight and also any patio roofs or eaves that may be damaged by the sudden change in temperature that happens when the chiminea's flame is completely extinguished. To stop the chiminea's ashes from burning excessively, it is recommended that leaves are not burned and only dry, seasoned logs are burned. It is essential to clean the chiminea frequently by using a wirebrush as 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 is burned.
Maintenance
As with any fire equipment it is important to maintain it properly to ensuring the longevity of your Chiminea. This will extend its lifespan and ensure it works safely. Chimineas are relatively fragile and should be kept outside where they can be properly maintained. While a clay chiminea may appear to be sturdy enough, it is still vulnerable to cracks and breakage from various sources. It is important to check your chiminea's condition for signs of wear, and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding how often to start it up.
The first step in ensuring that your mexican chiminea stays looking its best is to clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will get rid of any build-up dirt and grime, which can cause discoloration or corrosion. A wire brush is used to scrub away the rusty particles that are floating around, and it is recommended that you wear gloves and goggles for safety purposes. After scrubbing your chiminea clean wash it off and allow it to dry completely. This will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion, and can significantly prolong the life of your chiminea.
After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it should be lightly sanded using fine-grit Sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough areas that might catch the embers as you build an fire. The sanding can also make the surface more uniform and attractive. Sanding can be followed by several coats of stove paint or grill paint to enhance the look and ensure that your chiminea is protected from corrosion.
It is also recommended to keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind, as this can cause the paint to peel and fade. If this happens you can sand the affected areas using water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays and it's usually easy to do. Also, it is essential to only use small fires and to add a few logs at a time to your chiminea in order to get it "broken in" and to avoid overheating.