Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Chimineas, originally used as a baking oven, reflect Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, which blends practicality and aesthetics, is timeless.
Clay chimineas are fired in kilns to eliminate organic matter and seal the pores to reduce cracking. They can be used outdoors all year long however, they should not be exposed to the elements for too long.
Origins
Imagine a warm, sunny evening in the summer, with friends and family enjoying delicious food outdoors, all warmed by your Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a picture reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor firepit.
The traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens, assisting tribesmen through the winter nights in their homeland. Their distinctive design was inspired by their utilitarian values that emphasised practicality and shared living.
The stoves were originally constructed of natural terra-cotta clay, which was dried and then wood-fired in kilns. Clay chimineas have a more rustic look and were not coated to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers make chimineas out of metals like aluminum, cast iron and brass. These materials are more durable and resistant to weathering which is one of the main limitations of the clay design.
The distinctive design of the chiminea was influenced by a pot-bellied base that rises up to create an long fireplace. This design is perfect for containing a fire while directing smoke upwards. This reduces air intake and enhances heat retention.
Chimineas were used by Mexican tribes for lighting, heating and cooking. We can still enjoy their design and the warmth they bring in the cold autumn evenings, or even in the brisk winter sun.
If your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern version, Gardeco has a choice of styles that will suit your decor and garden. We offer a variety of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also stock clay chimineas that are decorated with either an engraved or moulded design.
Our range of terracotta and mexican chimineas; simply click the next internet site, are handmade by artisans in the heart of Mexico. The colours and shapes can vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea starts to discolour, you can easily repaint it with an water-based emulsion. It is essential to read the instructions of the manufacturer and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea the first time.
Design
Chimineas not only add warmth and character to any space, but they are also useful. 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 blend seamlessly with your landscape.
The clay chimenea was designed to serve both practical and historical reasons. Its tall, chimney-like neck directed the smoke away from the users and its rounded, round body radiates warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, giving it an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.
Traditionally, chimineas were handcrafted by local artisans using wet clay, which was gathered directly from the ground. The raw material was transformed into the shape of the final chimenea before being dried in a kiln. The process of creating a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, particularly for large sized ones. Typically, potters would coil long snakes of clay into a circular shape, and then smooth the clay and create the chiminea's bowl and neck. The rim of the clay was often decorated with carvings and patterns.
Modern chimineas are usually made from metals such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal Ceramic chimineas were a significant improvement because they could withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This change allowed chimineas be used in a variety of climates.
While there are a number of companies that manufacture clay and terracotta-based chimineas the majority of chimineas today are made from metal. The advantages of using metal chimineas are its capability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it is able to be cleaned more easily. Metal chimineas are more popular than clay chimineas due to the fact that they can endure higher temperatures and be cleaned more easily.
No matter what type of chiminea you choose it is essential to place it in the correct place. It should be set in a leveled space and away from anything that could ignite such as trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea needs to be set on a concrete patio, brick patio, or stone terrace and not on a deck made of wood. It's a good idea also to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco Lava Stones, under the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.
Materials
Traditional chimineas made of terracotta and clay that are still produced by small companies today, are kiln fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas can be assembled. Some are coated with glazes, while others are unglazed. Chimineas are a very popular choice since they give that authentic Mexican feel to a garden.
Chimineas are usually hand painted and come in a variety of colors and designs to fit a wide range of styles. The paint finish can fade due to time and heat of the fire pits chimineas so it is recommended to re-paint using an emulsion based on water.
The original purpose was to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through time have become a symbol of culture, adjusting their functions to satisfy a variety of requirements. In addition to being bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico, these distinctive structures also played a crucial function in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.
The unique design of the chiminea with its wide base and narrow chimney spout permits the most air to be drawn into the structure from the bottom, minimizing smoke intake. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea's belly, which makes it ideal for cooking.
Presently, chimineas can be found in a wide range of materials that include cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are the most popular choice, providing the classic Mexican style. However, they are prone to cracking under pressure, and should only be used on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have less risk of damage but are still elegant and durable.
To make sure the chiminea will last as long as you can, keep it in an area that is well ventilated and protected from wind and rain. It should be placed away from structures and walls that could catch fire, as well as any patio roofs or eaves which could be damaged by a sudden change in temperatures when the chiminea is extinguished. To prevent the chiminea from burning too much, it is recommended that leaves be avoided and only seasoned, kiln dried logs be burned. It is crucial to clean the chiminea frequently using a wirebrush, since this will prevent deposits that can be burned and turn black. Shielding the biggest chiminea from wind can also help reduce the amount of smoke that it emits as it is burned.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial to the longevity of any fire apparatus. This will help prolong its lifespan and ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas are quite fragile and should be kept away from the elements where they can be properly taken care of. Although a chiminea made from clay appears sturdy but it is still susceptible to cracks and break from various sources. This is why it is important to inspect your chiminea on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear, and also to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding how often it should be fired.
To keep your mexican chimney looking good it is essential to clean it thoroughly using mild detergent. This will remove any built-up dirt and grime, which can lead to discoloration and corrosion. A wire brush is used to remove the rusty particles that are floating around, and it is recommended that you wear gloves and goggles for safety reasons. After scrubbing, rinse the chiminea, and allow it to dry completely. This will stop any moisture that causes corrosion and will greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.
After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and eliminate any rough areas that could trap embers should you decide to build a fire. Sanding will also help make the surface more uniform and attractive. The sanding process can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint to enhance the appearance and ensure that your chiminea is protected from corrosion.
It is also recommended that you keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and winds since this can cause the paint to peel and fade. You can easily fix the problem by using water-based emulsions or paints or masonry spray. It is also crucial to only add a few pieces of wood at a given time and create small fires for your chiminea so that you can "break it in" and avoid overheating.