Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Chimineas, originally designed to be ovens for baking, are a reflection of Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The timeless design combines practicality and aesthetic simplicity.
Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns which remove organic matter 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 summer evening with your family and friends, savoring delicious food in a beautiful outdoor space, surrounded by the gentle heat of your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor chiminea fireplace.
The terracotta stoves of the past were made to be both radiant heaters as well as ovens. They helped tribesmen survive the harsh winter nights in their homeland. Their distinctive design was inspired from their utilitarian values which stressed practicality and communal living.
The stoves were built from terracotta Clay Chiminea large, which was dried in kilns, then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and do not have an exterior that is glazed to protect them. Modern manufacturers make chimineas using metals like brass, cast iron, and aluminum. These materials offer enhanced weather resistance and durability, addressing one of the main limitations of the clay design.
The distinctive design of the chiminea was influenced by a pot-bellied bottom that rises to an long fireplace. This shape is ideal for containing fires while directing smoke upwards. This helps reduce the intake of air and increases heat retention.
Chimineas were a popular method of heating, cooking and lighting. We can still enjoy their design and the warmth they bring in the cold winter evenings, or even in the brisk winter sun.
Gardeco offers a variety of styles that will fit your garden. We carry a wide selection of sizes; from small and medium to extra-large and large. We also sell clay chimineas that have decor that is either moulded or inscribed into the body of the item.
Our range of terracotta-based chimineas and Mexican Chimineas are made by artisans in the heart of Mexico. The process of making them can cause slight variations in colour and shape. If your chiminea begins fade, you can always repaint it using an emulsion water-based paint. Before you use your new chiminea it is crucial to follow all instructions and tips on care given by the manufacturer.
Design
Chimineas aren't 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 seamlessly with your landscaping.
The clay chimenea was conceived for both practical and cultural reasons. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed smoke away from the users, while its rounded body radiated warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, which played an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.
Traditionally, chimineas were made by local artisans using wet clay, which was collected directly from the ground. The clay was then formed into its final form before being kiln-dried. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor-intensive to create especially large clay chimineas for sale ones. The chiminea's neck and bowl are made by smoothing long snakes of clay rolled. The rim of the clay was usually decorated with patterns or carvings.
A modern chiminea is typically composed of metals like cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made of metal was an important evolutionary step because they are able to endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This change allowed chimineas to be used in a vast range of climates.
Metal Chimineas are the most popular, although there are still some companies that produce clay and terracotta chimineas. Metal chimineas last longer and are easier to clean. These factors have made chimineas from metal more popular than clay counterparts.
No matter what kind of chiminea fireplaces you pick it's important to place it in the proper place. It must be placed in a leveled space, away from anything that could ignite like trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea should also be placed on a brick, concrete or stone patio and never on a wooden deck. It's also recommended to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones under the chiminea in order to shield it from direct heat and to keep the most hot part of the fire away from the clay.
Materials
Kiln-fired clay chimineas and terracotta chimineas are still being manufactured by small-scale factories. The temperatures can reach up to 1000 degrees Celsius. Once they are cooled and dried, the chimineas are assembled. Some are coated with glazes, while others are unglazed. Chimineas are a very popular choice as they offer the authentic Mexican style to your garden.
Chimineas are generally hand-painted, with a variety of colours and designs to suit a wide range of styles. The paint finish will fade with time and the temperature of the fire, so it's best to re-paint with a water-based emulsion.
The original purpose was to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over the years have evolved into a cultural symbol, adapting their function to satisfy a variety of requirements. Apart from serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico, these distinctive structures also played a crucial function in repelling insects and promoting social gatherings.
The unique design of a chiminea, featuring a wide base and narrow chimney spout allows for the most air to be drawn into the bottom of the structure, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep heat in the belly of the chiminea. This makes it ideal for cooking over.
Chimineas today can be found in many different materials like cast iron, terracotta clay and even aluminium. Terracotta Chimineas have an elegant Mexican appearance. They are prone cracking when under pressure, and should be placed on a flat surface that is safe from fire. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have less risk of damage but are still stylish and sturdy.
To ensure that the chiminea lasts for as long as is possible, it should always be placed in a well-ventilated location and protected from rain and wind. It should be kept away from any structures or walls that could catch fire, as well as any eaves and patio roofs which could be damaged by a sudden shift in temperature after the chiminea has been put out. To prevent the chiminea from smoking excessively, it is recommended that leaves be avoided and only well-seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. It is essential to clean the chiminea frequently with a wirebrush, as this will help prevent the build-up of deposits that may cause blackening and burning. Chimineas can be protected from wind, which will reduce the amount smoke that it releases.
Maintenance
Maintaining the equipment properly is essential to the longevity of any fire apparatus. This will prolong its life and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should always be kept outside in a place where they can be properly maintained. Even though a clay chiminea appears to be sturdy but it is still susceptible to cracks and break due to various causes. This is why it is crucial to examine your chiminea on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the frequency at which it should be fired.
The first step to ensure that your mexican chiminea is looking the best is to scrub it thoroughly with a mild detergent. This will remove any built-up dirt and grime, which can lead to discoloration and rust. A wire brush is used to scrub away the rusty particles that are floating around, and it is also recommended that you wear gloves and goggles for safety purposes. After scrubbing the chiminea then rinse it and let it dry completely. This process will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion, and can also prolong the life of your chiminea.
Once your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it can be lightly sanded using fine grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that could catch on to sparks when you start an open flame. Sanding will also help make the surface more uniform and attractive. Finally, the sanding can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and protect it from corrosion.
Keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind as this could cause paint to peel and fade. If this happens it is possible to touch up the affected areas using water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays, and it's generally simple to do. Also, it is essential to only use small fires and add a few logs at one time to your chiminea in order to get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.