Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Originally used as bread ovens Chimineas are a symbol of Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetics is timeless.
Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns, which remove organic materials from the clay and seals the pores to avoid cracking. They are built to live outdoors all year long, but should be protected from long-term exposure to the elements.
Origins
Imagine a balmy evening in the summer, with your loved ones and family eating delicious food outside with a warm Mexican or clay chiminea. tall chiminea is reminiscent to the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fireplace.
These traditional terracotta stoves were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens. They helped tribesmen survive the harsh winter nights in their homeland. Their distinctive design was derived from their utilitarian values that emphasized practicality and the importance of communal living.
These stoves were initially made from natural terra-cotta clay that was dried and wood-fired in kilns. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and do not have the protection of a glazed surface. them. Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas made of metals like brass, cast iron and aluminum. These are more robust and resistant to weather which is one of the major drawbacks of the clay design.
The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by the concept of a pot-bellied base that rises to form an elongated chimney. This shape is an ideal way to contain a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which minimizes the possibility of air inhalation and enhances heat retention.
Chimineas were used for cooking, heating and providing light for the tribal people of Mexico. Today we can enjoy them for their aesthetic qualities as well as the warmth they provide on cold autumn evenings, and even in brisk winter sun.
If your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to match your garden and décor. We offer a range of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also stock clay chimineas which have been decorated with either an engraved or moulded design.
Our selection of terracotta Chimineas as well as Mexican Chimineas are made by artisans from the heartland of Mexico. The colours and shapes can vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. You can always repaint your chiminea using an emulsion paint which is water-based if it starts to turn discoloured. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and tips for care before using your new chiminea for the first time.
Design
Chimineas not only add warmth and character to any space, but they are also useful. They are available in various designs and materials. They can be paired with any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point or they can blend in seamlessly with your landscape.
The clay chimenea was created to be practical as well as for cultural reasons. The tall, chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users and its rounded, rounded body radiated warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, which played a significant role in Mexican and Central American cultures.
Traditional chimineas are crafted by local artisans using moist clay that is taken directly from the earth. The raw material was then formed into its final form before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas are extremely labor-intensive to create particularly the larger ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are made by smoothing long snakes of rolled clay. The rim of the clay was often decorated with carvings and patterns.
A modern chiminea is generally composed of metals like cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of metal chimineas was an important evolutionary step since they can endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas to be used in many different climates.
Metal Chimineas are most commonly used however there are some companies that produce clay and terracotta chimineas. Metal chimineas are more durable and easier to clean. Metal chimineas are much more popular than clay chimineas because they can endure higher temperatures and be cleaned with ease.
Whatever type of chiminea you choose it is essential to put it in the correct place. It should be set in a level area, away from any flammable items like grass, trees or other structures. The chiminea must be placed on an asphalt patio, brick patio, or stone terrace and should not be placed on a deck made of wood. It's also a good idea to place 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 which are still manufactured by small factories today, are kiln fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas may be assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice as they offer the authentic Mexican look to a garden.
Chimineas are hand-painted in a variety of colours and patterns to fit different styles. The paint finish can fade as time passes and also due to the heat of the flame, so it is best to re-paint using an acrylic emulsion based on water.
While originally intended to be essential elements of heating and cooking for town-dwelling Mexicans, chimineas have embodied the sense of heritage throughout the ages adapting to various needs. In addition to being bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico These distinctive structures also played an important function in repelling insects and promoting social gatherings.
The unique design of a chiminea, with a broad base and a narrow chimney spout, allows the most air to be drawn in at the bottom of the structure, minimizing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea's belly, which makes it perfect for cooking.
Presently, chimineas can be found in a variety of materials such as cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are the most common choice, offering the traditional Mexican style. They are susceptible to cracking when under pressure, and should be placed on a flat surface that is safe from fire. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas carry less danger of being damaged but are still attractive and robust.
To ensure that the chiminea will last as long as possible, you should keep it in a place which is well ventilated and shielded from rain and wind. It should be kept away from any structures or walls that could catch fire, and also any patio roofs or eaves that may be damaged by a sudden change in temperatures when the chiminea is extinguished. To avoid the chiminea burning excessively it is recommended that only seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. It is essential to regularly clean the chiminea with a wirebrush, as this will prevent deposits that can cause blackening and burning. Shielding the chiminea from winds will also help reduce the amount of smoke it releases as it is burned.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial to the longevity of any fire equipment. This will help to extend its lifespan and ensure it works safely. Chimineas can be fragile and should be kept outside where they can be properly cared for. Although a chiminea made from clay appears to be sturdy however, it could still crack and break from various sources. This is why it's important to inspect your chiminea frequently for signs of wear and tear, and also to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding how often it should be fired.
The first step to ensure that your mexican chiminea stays looking the best is to scrub it thoroughly with an easy detergent solution. This will remove any dirt and grime that may cause discoloration or rust. A wire brush is used to scrub away loose rust particles, and it is recommended that you wear gloves and goggles for safety reasons. After you have scrubbed, wash the chiminea and allow it to dry completely. This will keep any moisture from which causes corrosion, and can prolong the life of your chiminea.
After the chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you can lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and remove any rough areas that might catch embers when you build an fire. Sanding will also help make the surface more even and attractive. Sanding can be followed by a few coats of grill or stove paint to enhance the appearance and safeguard your chiminea from rust.
Keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind as this could cause paint to peel and fade. You can fix the problem by using water-based emulsions paints or masonry sprayed. It is also important to only build small fires, and to add small amounts of wood at one time to your chiminea in order to make sure it is "broken in" and to avoid overheating.