How to Safely Maintain an Outdoor Chiminea

Outdoor chimineas add warmth and ambiance to your garden or patio. They're also more suited to small spaces than traditional fire pits.

Chimineas should be set on a fireproof surface such as a concrete, brick or stone patio. They should be kept away from eaves and any type of overhead cover that could catch fire.

Types

A chiminea, sometimes referred to as an outdoor firepit is a type of firepit that has a chimney with a tall the hood that lets smoke flow upwards rather than out. Chimineas are constructed of clay or steel and come in a wide range of styles to fit every garden design. Some chimineas are also designed to cook on the stove, which can help you prepare delicious home-cooked meals or have a snack outside while chatting with friends and family.

Many types of wood can be used in the chiminea. Oak is a well-known choice because it produces plenty of heat and burns slow, but other hardwoods can be used in your chiminea. Apple is a good alternative because it burns slowly and releases a pleasant scent and is very versatile. Other alternatives include cedar, hickory, mesquite and pinon wood that smell wonderful and produce a pleasant smoke.

Metal chimineas can provide more variety in design than traditional terra-cotta varieties and are less prone to damage caused by rain. They can be heavier and more prone to rust than clay models. Certain metal chimineas are coated with rust-resistant paint that can protect them from the weather. Cast iron chimineas offer a rustic appearance, but are the heaviest option.

It is important to prepare your chiminea prior lighting a fire. This involves a layer of sand or gravel at the bottom. This will stop the ash from spilling over and damaging the base. Then, you can add some pieces of paper and some kindling. As the paper begins to burn, it creates a draft which ignites the rest of your kindling and starts the fire.

Although a chiminea may be placed in the center of your garden, it's best to put it away from any structures or plants. It's important to leave enough space around the chiminea in the event that it falls over or becomes too hot. Covering the chimney with a metal mesh will stop sparks and ash from flying into flammable materials.

Materials

Your chiminea whether it's made from clay or cast iron should be made of durable materials that can withstand heat. You should also ensure that your chiminea has been specifically designed for your space and is easily moved and stored. It is also important to know how much smoke your chiminea releases in order to create a nuisance for neighbours.

The type of wood that you choose to use will determine the heat and duration of your chiminea. No serious chimenea owner would contemplate burning softwoods like pine or cedar, instead they will choose to use harder, denser hardwoods like cherry, apple walnut, hickory, walnut and oak. Hardwoods generate more heat and burn more efficiently than softwoods.

While some may prefer the look of the traditional clay chiminea, there are many modern and contemporary cast aluminum chimineas that have modern lines and geometric designs. These models are lighter and can be used with gas and wood fires. They are a great option for outdoor spaces.

Both chimineas made of cast iron and clay need to be maintained, including cleaning them and reseasoning them at times. They should be placed on a solid, fire-safe base such as a terracotta tile, concrete, or leveled sand. It is also important to keep water away from your chiminea, as it can damage the metal and cause cracks in clay or terracotta.

The first seasoning of a chiminea is to light several small fires, let them cool before starting another. This will increase the heat resistance and heat tolerance of your chiminea. If you don't do this, your chiminea may crack or break upon its first use. It's also a good idea to protect your chiminea in the winter months or when it won't be used regularly, as it will protect it from the elements of snow and rain that could cause damage to it. If you are worried about the safety of your chiminea terracotta, think about getting a model that has an ignition arrestor to guard against the dangers of sparks.

Design

A chiminea can be a beautiful and versatile outdoor fire feature. It is crucial to keep in mind that just like any other wood-burning fire pit is that it must be maintained properly to avoid damage and ensure the safety of those enjoying the flames. Using protective covers and using the right cleaning techniques can significantly improve the life of your decorated Chiminea.

Chimineas are available in various sizes in shapes, materials and shapes to suit a range functional and aesthetic requirements. Terracotta clay chimineas are classic and have a classic Mexican-inspired look. Metal chimineas are more resistant to damage and offer modern, sleek appearance.

It is also important to consider the location of your chiminea. Positioning your chiminea in a space that is open allows airflow, which increases effectiveness and creates a cozy ambience around the fire. Additionally, placing it away from the patio cover and overhangs stops the buildup of smoke that could damage the structures.

Consider installing a mesh screening over the chimney of your chiminea in order to reduce the amount of sparks scattered into the air. To make a simple fix, you can use a piece chicken wire or small-holed fencing that is bent slightly to create an obstruction. You can also purchase ceramic tile screens designed to catch sparks, and then lower them down below the stack.

It's tempting to use gasoline or lighter fluid as an accelerant in order to start the chiminea's fire. However, these chemicals could damage your chiminea in the event that they add too much heat to it too quickly. This could cause the walls to break or shatter and result in injuries at the worst, and a ruined chiminea at the very best. In addition, accelerants could also cause your chiminea to explode, which is incredibly dangerous for anyone nearby.

It is recommended to coat your chiminea with a layer of seasoning by slowly increasing the size of the flames you ignite in it over three to four small burns. This will allow the chiminea to cure which will lead to less cracking and less risk of explosions. It is also a good idea to select only dry, well-seasoned hardwoods to burn in your chiminea.

Safety

Chimineas are an excellent option to have a relaxing outdoor fire with family and friends. However, just like any other flame outdoors, they could be a risk to people and property. There are a few precautions you can follow to ensure that you and your family members are able to enjoy the warmth of your chiminea without worry of an unintentional fire or accident.

The first step to ensure the safety of your biggest chiminea is to make sure it is placed on a non-flammable surface such as pavers, bricks, or cement. This will prevent the chiminea from falling over and decreases the chance of it setting anything nearby on fire.

Use only dry and seasoned wood for your Chiminea. Wet wood does not burn as well and could cause the chiminea's flames to go up or catch fire. A spark arrestor is another essential component for an chimney. It can be as simple as an ad-hoc piece of chicken wire twisted around the top of the chimney stack, or as intricate as a custom chimney insert with a screen. A spark arrestor can prevent sparks from escaping out of the stack into your neighbor's yard, or onto flammable materials like grass and bushes.

Last but not least, keep your chiminea at a minimum of 30 feet away from anything that is flammable, like sheds, buildings, clotheslines, and awnings. This will help prevent an accidental fire that could damage your home or property.

Once your chiminea has been put set and you've taken all of the precautions previously mentioned, it's time to begin enjoying the warm flames and radiant warmth! Remember to start small fires by using only kindling and slowly add larger wood. Keep a couple of fireplace tools on hand to add logs, and stoke the fire so you don't need to touch it with your hands. Wearing long barbecue tongs as well as gloves for fire is also a great idea when handling hot coals and the grate. This will help you handle the chiminea and bbq without burning your hands.