Clay Chiminea Fire Pit
Chimineas made of clay can be an ignition hazard if it sits on the stand made of metal that (hopefully) came with it. They also heat up very high and can burn hands if accidentally touched if children get too close.
Large chimineas are hefty and difficult to move. They are also susceptible to cracking and can break when dropped or tipped on top of.
Rustic Design
A chiminea fire pit adds a distinct rustic look to your backyard, creating an ideal setting for outdoor conversation and relaxation. They have a broad base that tapers off into the chimney, and come in a variety styles to complement your patio or garden decor. Although more cumbersome than some fire pit designs, a chiminea is simple to move around your backyard and works well in small chiminea areas.
Chimineas can be found in a vast selection of materials, such as clay, cast iron, and terracotta for a Mexican-style appearance. They are able to be painted for an aesthetic appeal, and they often have hand-crafted details. Chimineas made of clay and terracotta are less robust than metal and can crack or break when exposed to high temperatures and rough handling. However, they don't get hot as quickly as chimineas made of metal and may be better suited to homes with pets or children.
Due to their design, chimineas are safer than fire pits because they are confined. They also have a chimney that funnels smoke upwards, which will reduce the amount of smoke that you or your neighbors experience. They're a great option for homeowners who live in areas where open-flame fires are not permitted or want to avoid the smoke smell from an open flame.
Chimineas are most effective when used when cooked with wood, but they can also be used with liquid propane or gas. Some models are designed to cook. It is best not to use a chiminea in a windy conditions, as powerful winds could send smoke or embers through the air. It is recommended to build a chiminea inside a fire-safe area known as a patio hearth, which is a three-by-four-foot area covered in pavers or any other fireproof material.
It is best to use firewood that has been kiln dried and stacked uniformly when making a chiminea. Avoid large logs and branches as they could easily break or split if handled. It is also recommended to keep an area of 10 feet or more away from any structure, such as your shed or home. Be careful not to raise your chiminea by its chimney or the stack because this could cause it to crack. It is also recommended to cover your fireplace with a cover when not being used.
Versatility
A chiminea fire pit is more adaptable than a steel one since it can be used with many different fuels. It can be filled with propane gas or wood. You can use it with different kinds of briquettes, but it is best to stick to kiln-dried firewood that is easy to ignite and burns quickly, without releasing a lot of smoke. This will help reduce the amount of pollution your neighbours and garden experience due to the smoke.
It also comes with an integrated chimney that draws smoke away from the people sitting on it, helping to keep your outdoor space neat and inviting. You can also add accessories such as a log grate or a fire poker to make it easier to maintain the fire. If you're concerned about the amount of smoke the biggest chiminea produces it's worth considering a model with stainless steel firebox.
Chimineas can be used in many different locations and in smaller backyards or on balconies with careful placement. Chimineas are more powerful than fire pits and they can heat a larger area. It is therefore important to construct a hearth for your patio or any other area that is fire-safe, on which to place the chiminea. It should be a small circular or square area covered with pavers, and placed at a safe distance away from other materials that are flammable or structures.
Clay chimineas can last for years with proper care and use. Place them on a stone, concrete or patio hearth. Cover the fire pit with an sand layer and lava stones. This will stop cracking due to heat stress. Never pour water on the chimney of a hot clay, as it will cause the chiminea to crack or break.
There are a variety of models that are reasonably priced when you're searching for a chiminea to fit your budget. However, if you're seeking the traditional, classic look, you will have to spend more for a hand-crafted version that is made of top-quality clay.
Safety
If you opt for a clay model, it should really find its permanent home as soon as possible, as moving it regularly could cause damage to the delicate clay and cause cracks. If you do not have the space to create a permanent chiminea location the chiminea covers protect it from rain damage as well as prevent dirt and leaves from growing. This can create an hazard of fire.
Chimineas are very heavy. If you intend to make use of it as a garden ornament or place it in an outdoor space that is large clay chimineas for sale ensure that it is securely placed and that there is enough space around it to ensure its safe operation. You could consider a patio made of stones or bricks to shield the chiminea from wind damage.
Before you use your chiminea the first time you should fill it with sand up to approximately halfway. This will stop the fire from touching the sides of the stack, and will help to keep the clay cool. Once the sand is dry you can light some newspaper and kindling. Make sure that you keep it away from the sides. Once the fire has smouldering it is possible to add logs or larger wood pieces.
After you've started a few small flames in your new chiminea it's a good idea to apply a sealer to the exterior of the clay. This will protect the finish of your clay and stop moisture damage.
Sealer should be applied regularly because the sealer will wear out with regular use. You can buy a suitable clay sealer from a hardware or garden store, or you can apply an extremely high temperature silicone sealant, such as Future acrylic floor finish, which is ideal for use on ceramic and metal objects that are exposed extreme temperatures.
It is best to burn only hardwood or split softwood logs that are seasoned before using your chiminea. Make sure to keep the chiminea out from any roofs or eaves which could catch fire. Never use water to extinguish your chiminea since it can crack terracotta and clay.
Maintenance
Chimineas have a rustic charm that draws people towards them, however they require special attention to ensure they stay in good condition. You can extend the life of your terracotta chiminea with certain preventative steps.
Always use a fire-safe surface when using your chiminea. This means placing it on an outdoor patio made of concrete or brick fire pit that is outdoors, on an unfinished wood deck or on paving stones placed in a tiny area. Make sure there is nothing that could catch fire above it, such as pergolas or eaves made of wood.
Keep the chiminea clean always particularly during initial fires. This will allow the clay "season" to become more heat resistant. Start your first few fires with just small pieces of kindling and let them fully burn. You can build up larger fires by adding more kindling. Avoid using wood that has a lot of bark as it can cause lots of sparks. Instead, opt for well-seasoned wood, which tends to have less sparks.
Fill the chiminea three quarters full of sand once it is ready for use. Make sure that it does not touch any clay. Make use of a fire-starter that does not contain lighter fluid or other enhancing products. Once the sand is covered by the clay, light a small fire with only paper and some kindling. Make the fire bigger each time, but make sure that it doesn't come into contact with the clay or any other materials that could ignite.
Regular cleaning is essential to prolong the life of a chiminea made of clay. This decreases the risk of structural damage caused by accumulation of soot and ash. It also helps prevent a fire hazard caused by unburnt ash that could quickly ignite.
You should also apply a sealant of protection to the clay chiminea once or twice a year. The seal shields the clay biggest chiminea from elements and also stops moisture from penetrating the clay.