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Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican fire pits chimineas Pit

Chimineas, which were originally used as an oven for baking, represent Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The timeless design combines practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Chimineas of clay are fired in kilns that remove organic materials and make the pores more resistant to cracking. They are made to be outdoors all year round, but should be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a summer evening that is warm and sunny with friends and family, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, warm by the gentle heat from your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fireplace.

The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the harsh winter nights in their home. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian qualities that emphasized practicality and the importance of living in a communal setting.

The stoves were originally constructed of natural terra-cotta clay which was dried and wood-fired in kilns. Chimineas made from clay are more rustic in appearance and were not glazed to protect their surface. Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas from metals such as brass, cast iron, and aluminum. These materials offer enhanced durability and weather resistance, addressing one of the biggest weaknesses of the clay design.

The distinctive design of the chiminea was inspired by the concept of a pot-bellied base which rises up into an long chimney. This design is perfect for containing a fire while sending smoke upwards. This minimizes air intake and enhances heat retention.

Chimineas were a popular method of lighting, heating and cooking. We still appreciate their design and the warmth they bring in the cold autumn evenings or even in the cold winter sun.

If your big chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to suit your decor and garden. We offer a range of sizes, from small to extra-large. We also have clay chimineas that have been decorated with either a moulded or engraved design.

Our range of terracotta and Mexican Chimineas are made by artisans from the center of the country. The process of making them can cause small variations in colour and shape. If your chiminea starts to fade, you can always paint it over with an water-based emulsion. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea the first time.

Design

Chimineas not just add warmth and character to any space, but they are also useful. They are available in a variety of styles and materials and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be a focal point or blend in seamlessly with the landscape.

The clay chimenea was designed to serve both practical and historical reasons. Its tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users, and its rounded body radiated warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, which played an important place in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditional chimineas are handcrafted by local artisans using moist clay that is collected directly from the earth. The clay was then molded into its final form prior to being kiln-dried. The process of creating the clay chimenea was labor-intensive, particularly for the huge ones. Typically, potters would coil long snakes of clay into a cylinder shape and then smooth the clay and create the chiminea's neck and bowl. The clay's rim was often decorated with carvings or patterns.

A modern chiminea is generally composed of metals like cast iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were a significant development because they can withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This change allowed chimineas to be used in a wide range of climates.

Although there are still a few companies that make clay and terracotta-based chimineas most chimineas now are constructed from metal. The advantages of metal chimineas include its capability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it is able to be cleaned more easily. These factors have made chimineas made of metal more popular than their clay counterparts.

No matter what kind of chiminea you pick it's important to put it in the correct spot. It must be placed in a leveled space, away from any fire-prone objects like grass, trees or other buildings. The chiminea needs to be set on a brick, concrete, patio or stone terrace, and never on a deck made of wood. It's a good idea also to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco Lava Stones beneath the steel chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.

Materials

Kiln-fired clay chimineas and terracotta chimineas are still being made today by small-scale factories. The temperatures can rise up to 1000 degrees Celsius. After they have been cooled and cured they are then assemble. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas are a very popular choice since they give the authentic mexican chimineas style to your garden.

Chimineas are generally hand-painted with a variety of colors and designs that can be adapted to an array of styles. The paint finish will discolour 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.

The original purpose was to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over time have become a cultural symbol, adapting their functionality to accommodate a variety of needs. These distinctive structures weren't only used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played an important role in repelling bugs and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea featuring a wide base and narrow chimney spout, allows for the maximum amount of air to be drawn in from the bottom of the structure, minimizing smoke inhalation. It also helps to retain the heat inside the chiminea, which makes it ideal for cooking over.

Chimineas today can be found in many different materials like cast iron, terracotta clay and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are the most popular choice, providing the classic Mexican appearance. However, they are susceptible to cracking under pressure and should only be placed on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to cracking and damage, but they are stylish and sturdy.

To ensure that the chiminea will last for as long as is possible, it should always be kept in a well-ventilated space and protected from rain and wind. It should be kept away from any walls or structures that could catch fire, as well as any roofs on patios or eaves that could be damaged by the sudden change in temperature that occurs when the chiminea is completely extinguished. To prevent the chiminea from smoking too much, it's advised to keep the leaves away and only dry, seasoned logs are burned. It is crucial to clean the chiminea regularly using a wirebrush, since this will avoid deposits that could cause blackening and burning. The chiminea being protected from wind will also help to reduce the amount of smoke it releases when it is burned.

Maintenance

Like any other fire apparatus the proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This can prolong its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas can be fragile, and should be kept outside in a place where they can be taken care for. While a clay chiminea might appear solid enough, it is still vulnerable to cracks and breakage from various sources. This is why it is essential to check your chiminea regularly for signs of wear and tear, and also to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding how often it should be fired.

The first step in ensuring that your mexican chiminea stays looking the best is to scrub it thoroughly using a mild detergent solution. This will remove any dirt and grime that can cause discoloration or rust. To get rid of loose rust particles you should use a wire brush. It is recommended that goggles and gloves are worn to protect yourself. After scrubbing the chiminea, rinse it and let it dry completely. This process will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion, and can significantly prolong the lifespan of your chiminea.

After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, lightly sand it down using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough areas which could be caught on sparks when you start a fire. Sanding can also help to make the surface more even and attractive. Finally, the sanding can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint, which will improve the appearance of your chiminea and guard it from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and wind, as this could cause paint to peel and fade. If this occurs you can sand the affected areas with water-based emulsion paints or masonry spray, and it is generally easy to do. It is also important to only add a few pieces of wood at a time and create small fires for your chiminea outdoor fireplace to "break it in" and avoid overheating.