Clay Chiminea Fire Pit

Clay chimineas pose an ignition risk unless placed on the stand made of metal (hopefully included) that came with them. They can also heat up extremely high and burn little hands if children are too close.

large chiminea chimineas weigh a lot and are difficult to move. They can also break easily and break if dropped or tipped over.

Rustic Design

Chiminea firepits add an authentic element to your backyard and creates a warm environment for outdoor conversation. There are a variety of styles that complement your patio or garden decor. They feature a broad base which tapers into an open fireplace. Although more cumbersome than some fire pit designs the chiminea is very easy to move around your yard and works well in small spaces.

Similar to fire pits, chimineas are available in a variety of materials including clay and terracotta for an authentic Mexican look and steel or cast iron. They can be painted to provide an attractive accent and are often adorned with intricately crafted details. Terracotta and clay are less durable than metal chimineas and can crack or even break when exposed to high temperatures and rough handling. They do not heat in the same speed as metal ones, and are more suitable for homes with pets or children.

Chimineas are more secure due to their structure. They are surrounded. Chimines direct smoke upwards to reduce the amount of smoke you or your neighbors are exposed to. This is why they are the ideal choice for homeowners who live in areas that prohibit open flame fires or who wish to stay clear of the smell of smoke that comes from an open flame.

Chimineas are best used when used with wood, however they can also be used with liquid propane or gas. Some models are made for cooking. It is not recommended to use a chiminea in a windy conditions, as powerful winds can blow embers or smoke into the air. It is recommended that you construct a chiminea in a fire-safe area known as a patio hearth which is a 3-by-4-foot space covered with pavers or other fireproof material.

It is best to use firewood that has been dry-fired and stacked in a uniform manner in the process of making the Chiminea. Avoid oversized logs and large clay chiminea branches as they are likely to break or split when handled. It is also essential to keep an uninvolved distance of at least 10 feet away from any structure, like your shed or house. Be careful not to lift your chiminea over its chimney or the stack because this can cause it to crack. When not in use it's a good idea to cover your chiminea with an open fire pit.

Versatility

Chiminea fire pits are more versatile than a metal one since it can be used with a variety of fuels. It can be filled with wood, but it can also be filled with propane gas or natural gas. It can be used with different kinds of brquettes. However, it is best to use dried firewood that has been kiln-baked which is easy to ignite and burns rapidly. This will lessen the amount of pollution that your garden and neighbors experience because of smoke.

It also comes with a chimney that funnels the smoke upwards and away from where people are seated, which can help to keep your outdoor space clean and comfortable. You can also include accessories like a log grate, or a fire poker to help you to maintain the fire. If you're worried about how much smoke a chiminea releases it is a good idea to try out a model with a stainless steel firebox to limit the amount of smoke that is released.

Chimineas are suitable for any type of location. They can be put in small backyards or on balconies with proper care. They usually spread their heat over a greater area than the fire pit, which is why it is essential to build an outdoor hearth or other kind of fire-safe space in which to build the chiminea. It should be small square, circular or circular area which is covered with pavers and situated at a minimum distance from other flammable structures or materials.

Clay chimineas will last for a long time when they are properly cared for and used. They should be set on a stone or concrete fire pad or in a hearth for a patio and over a layer of sand or lava stones to stop them from cracking due to heat stress. Never pour water on a clay chimney that is hot, as it will cause the chiminea to crack or break.

If you are seeking a chiminea that is within your budget there are a few models that are affordable. If you're seeking the traditional, classic look you'll need to pay more for the hand-crafted model made from top-quality clay.

Safety

If you decide to purchase clay models, make sure it has a permanent home. Moving it around could cause damage to the clay and cracks. If you don't have the space for an enduring chiminea the chiminea covers protect it from rain damage and will also stop dirt and leaves from building up. This could create the risk of fire.

Chimineas can be quite heavy, so if are planning to use yours as an outdoor chiminea fireplace feature or place it in a large Chiminea outdoor space, make sure it is positioned securely and has ample space around it for safe operation. Consider a patio made of stones or bricks to protect the chiminea against wind-related damage.

Before using your chiminea for the first time you should fill it with sand up to approximately halfway. This will keep the clay cool and keep the fire from touching the sides. Once the sand is dry you can start a small fire of newspaper and some kindling, making sure that the fire is kept away from the sides of the stack. Once the fire is smouldering you can add a few logs or larger pieces of wood.

Once you have made a few small flames in your chiminea, it's a good idea apply a sealer to the exterior of the clay. This will protect the finish of your clay and stop moisture damage.

The sealer needs to be applied periodically, as the initial sealer will wear away during regular use. You can buy an appropriate clay sealer from a hardware or garden store, or alternatively you can use a high temperature silicone sealant, such as Future acrylic floor finish, which is ideal for use on metal and Ceramic chimineas objects that are exposed to extreme heat.

When using your chiminea it is best to burn only wood or split softwood logs that have been seasoned. Make sure to keep the chiminea out from any roofs or eaves that could catch the fire pits and chimineas. Don't use water to extinguish your chiminea as it can crack terracotta and clay.

Maintenance

Chimineas are a favorite due to their rustic charm, but they require special attention to maintain them. A few preventative measures will ensure that your terra-cotta chiminea will last for many years.

Use a chiminea only on a surface that is fire-safe. Place it on a concrete patio, brick fire pit for outdoor use or a solid wood deck. Also, make sure that there is nothing over it that can catch fire, like the eaves or pergola made of wood of the house.

Keep the chiminea spotless always particularly during initial fires. This allows the clay "season" to become more resistant to heat. Start your first fire using only handfuls of kindling and let them burn for a long time. You can then slowly build larger fires, adding more kindling each time. Beware of wood with a lot of bark as it can create many sparks. Choose seasoned wood instead, as it tends to produce less sparks.

When the chiminea has been seasoned and ready to use, fill it three-quarters of the way full with sand, ensuring that it doesn't touch the clay. Use a fire starter which does not contain lighter fluid or any other products to enhance the flame. Once the sand is covered, light a small fire using only paper and a lighter. The fire should get slightly larger each time. Be careful not to let it touch the clay or other material that is flammable.

Regular cleaning is vital to the longevity of a chiminea made of clay. This helps reduce the chance of structural damage from accumulated soot and ash. Ash that is not burned could pose the risk of fire.

Once or twice a yearly, you should seal the clay chiminea. This protects it from the elements and keeps moisture from getting into the clay, which can cause it to become softer.