A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess
With this chiminea you can enjoy the warmth of a wood-burning fire without the mess. Simply place lightly scrunched newspaper in the sand or a log grate inside, and add logs and a kindling before lighting.
This sleek black steel chiminea has an oxidized look to add a casual flair. The 360-degree grate maximizes your burning flames, while the tall chimney funnels smoke upwards and away from you.
Types
A small chiminea is a fire pit that provides an extra element of warmth to a seating area or patio. These are also an excellent alternative to a barbecue grill to cook outdoors. These units are available in a wide variety of materials, from clay made of terra cotta, to cast iron and steel. They can be designed in a traditional style or a more modern style.
Some of these units have a chimney that directs smoke away from the seating area, which could be beneficial if you live in an area with regulations on the amount of smoke emitted by outdoor fireplaces or other heat sources. Some models also feature an ash catcher as well as a spark screen inside the chimney. Based on the size of your space you may want to consider an adobe chiminea which can accommodate a large fire or that can hold a large amount of wood.
The type of material your terracotta chiminea is made from is important because it can affect its performance and the way it appears in your outdoor space. Terra cotta models are classic but they can also be damaged by the elements. Metal Chimineas are stronger, however they may require a protective coating to prevent rust. A hybrid chiminea, typically constructed from a mix of cast iron and steel could offer the best of both worlds.
The size of your chiminea may affect the amount of heat that is produced. A larger chiminea tends to be heavier and more expensive, however it also generates more heat than a smaller unit.
chimineas clay often have a decorative surface which gives them a appeal. Some are embellished with ornaments or carved designs while others have plain lines and a plain finish. Some models have a lid to keep children and pets away from the fire. Some models have a door that makes it easier to add fuel or to remove ashes. Chimineas can be found with built-in barbecues, which lets you cook food on an open flame.
Safety
If you're thinking of buying a small chiminea, there are a few important precautions to bear in your mind. Chimineas do not pose an immediate threat to children or pets however they can become extremely hot. Make sure to take a few steps to ensure that you enjoy your chiminea for years to be.
One of the most important aspects to keep in mind is that a chiminea isn't the equivalent to a fireplace or wood stove. Unlike these devices they do not have dampers to regulate burning and can be easily broken if not handled carefully.
Use a lid that is fire-proof on your chiminea. This will prevent rain from entering and damaging the stack. It also helps reduce smoke nuisance. You might want to consider buying an independent fireproof frame that can be placed over the smoke stack. This will shield it from weather.
Chimineas can produce a lot sparks when they burn, so it is best to avoid placing them near flame-prone objects such as fences and clotheslines. It's also a good idea to clear the area around your chiminea prior to lighting it, and also to ensure that it has at minimum six feet of distance from anything combustible.
Another precaution to take is to never make use of lighter liquid, gasoline or any other accelerator in your chimney. These liquids can trigger an explosive explosion in the chimney, and pose an hazard to fire. Water should not be used to ignite a chiminea flame as it could cause the chinese clay to crack and even break.
It is recommended to make use of wood for your chiminea because it produces less heat and smoke than other types of fuels. When you start your chiminea, you should begin with small pieces of kindling and then add larger logs to the flames. If you have difficulty lighting the kindling you can try putting newspaper into a ball and placing it against the grate. This will generate a strong draft which will ignite the paper and kindling.
Do not burn a Chiminea in the indoors. It will release dangerous carbon monoxide fumes which are lethal for both people and animals. It could also cause serious damage to the home and be a fire hazard.
Maintenance
When it is used regularly, a chiminea is an attractive addition to any outdoor space, and can provide warmth and ambiance. Regular maintenance improves its appearance and prevents damage and safety hazards making sure it can continue to be enjoyed for a long time to be to. Regular inspections and cleaning of both the exterior and the interior should be part of routine maintenance, as should proper storage in off-season weather conditions.
Chimineas must be placed in a place which is clear of branches and structures that hang over, and also away from any combustible material like concrete and pavers. Placing a chiminea directly beneath a roof or another structure is also dangerous, as sparks can escape from the chimney and ignite anything above it. The area should be free of obstructions and large enough to fit the entire chiminea as well as the flue, and have some feet of space from all sides for the safety of use.
Chiminies should be washed using a mild detergent and water using soft brushes and cloths to prevent damaging the clay surface. After washing, the chiminea must be thoroughly rinsed and allowed to dry completely. It is crucial to remove all ash from the chiminea bowl and chimney before cleaning. Wearing gloves during the cleaning process is crucial to avoid contact with hot soot or ash. During the process, it is important to examine the exterior and interior for any cracks or chips that might need repair.
If cracks do happen, they can be repaired by using a specially designed clay repair kit, which is available from most chiminea retailers. The kits contain all the sealants needed as well as adhesives and other components to repair minor cracks. If a crack is not addressed and it gets worse, it can turn into an issue that threatens the safety and integrity of the chiminea.
To keep your chiminea in top shape it is recommended to make use of wood products that have been treated and dried. Burning substances such as painted or treated plastics, wood, and garbage release toxic fumes that can be harmful to chiminesas. Proper fuel and regular cleaning can help keep cracks and damages caused by excessive heat. It is essential to control the size of the fires in the chiminea. Avoiding large, roaring flames could cause thermal shock to the clay.
Cleaning
A well-maintained chiminea will provide many happy nights of warmth and conviviality. But, like most outdoor furniture and equipment, it needs regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Safety is the most important factor wearing gloves and safety glasses necessary to shield your skin from dust and debris while cleaning. It is also essential to ensure that the chiminea remains cool before starting the cleaning process. This not only protects your skin, but helps to prevent the inhalation of hazardous particles that could be hot from earlier fires.
Eliminate any large clumps of rust that have built up in the chiminea before you begin cleaning. Remove them in an appropriate manner. With a wire brush gently scrape off any loose rust, always remembering to wear your safety gear. A light sanding may be beneficial, too, since it helps remove any rust particles missed by the wire brush. It also smooths the surface of the chiminea, ready for repainting with a suitable high-heat paint designed for grills or fireplaces.
Many home improvement stores offer big clay chiminea repair kits. This inspection should be done prior to using the chiminea as it will help strengthen the material and prepare it for regular heat. This is a great way to check the chiminea for any cracks or other damage that might not be apparent when it's not being used.
It is important to remember that you should make use of a chiminea outdoor (more information) outdoors on a non-flammable base such as a concrete slab, sand slab, or hearth pad. This is important if there are pets or children in the area who might be enticed by playing near the embers or if your ceramic chiminea is situated near flammable materials such as wooden fences, planters, garden lights and furniture. When not in use you should also put an lid over the chiminea to help reduce the chance of a fire spreading.