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Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, originally designed to be an oven for baking, represent Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetic simplicity is timeless.

Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns which remove organic material from the clay and seals the pores to prevent cracking. They are made to be outdoors all year round, but must be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a warm summer evening with family and friends, savoring delicious food in a beautiful outdoor space, surrounded by the gentle heat from your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a scene that is like the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fire pit.

These traditional terracotta stoves were made to be both radiant heaters as well as ovens. They helped tribesmen to survive the harsh winter nights in their homes. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian qualities, emphasising practicality and the importance of communal living.

The stoves were originally constructed from natural terra-cotta clay which was dried before being fired wood in kilns. Clay chimineas are more rustic in appearance and were not coated to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas made of metals such as cast iron, aluminum and brass. These materials are more durable and resistant to weather, which is one of the main drawbacks of the clay design.

The distinctive design of the chiminea was inspired by a potbellied bottom that rises to an long fireplace. This design is a great method of containing a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which reduces air inhalation and maximizes heat retention.

Chimineas were a popular method of heating, cooking and lighting. Today we can enjoy these beautiful qualities as well as the comforting warmth they provide in cold autumn evenings and even in chilly winter days.

Gardeco provides a variety of styles that are suitable for your garden. We carry a wide selection of sizes, from small and medium, to extra-large clay chiminea and Jumbo. We also have clay chimineas decorated with decorations that is either moulded or engraved into the body of the item.

Our range of terracotta Chimineas as well as Mexican Chimineas (Thesocialdelight.Com) is handmade by artisans from the heartland of the country. Shapes and colours may differ slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea starts to discolour you can always repaint it using an emulsion water-based paint. Before you begin using your new chiminea, it's crucial to follow all instructions and tips on care given by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas not only add warmth and character to any space They are also functional. They come in different materials and designs and can be combined to any patio furniture. They can be a focal point or blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

The clay chimenea was created to be practical as well as for cultural reasons. The tall, chimney-like neck directed smoke away from its users, and its rounded, round body radiates warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, which played an important place in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditionally, chimineas were made by local artisans using moist clay, which was gathered directly from the ground. This raw material was then formed into its final shape before being kiln-dried. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor intensive to make particularly big ones. The chiminea's neck and bowl are created by smoothing long snakes of clay that have been rolled. The clay's rim was often decorated with carvings and patterns.

Modern chimineas are generally made from metals such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas are an important evolution because they can endure high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This change allowed chimineas to be used in a wide range of climates.

Metal Chimineas are the most popular, although there are still certain companies that make clay and terracotta ones. The advantages of metal chimineas include its capability to withstand higher temperatures, as well as the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These features have made chimineas made of metal more popular than clay counterparts.

Whatever kind of chiminea you pick it is essential to place it in the proper place. It must be placed in a leveled area and away from any flammable items like trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea terracotta must be placed on a brick, concrete, patio or stone terrace and not on a wood deck. It's also recommended to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones beneath the chiminea to shield it from direct heat and keep the hot part of the fire away from the clay.

Materials

Traditional chimineas made of terracotta and clay which are still manufactured by small-scale factories today, are kiln fired to temperatures up to 1000c. After they have been cooled and dried they are then assemble. Some are coated with glazes, while others are unglazed. These chimineas offer a Mexican feel in a garden.

Chimineas are usually hand painted with many colors and designs to fit a wide range of styles. The paint finish can fade over time and due to the heat of the flame, so it is recommended to paint again using an acrylic emulsion based on water.

Originally designed to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through the years have transformed into an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their functionality to meet a variety of needs. These distinctive structures were not solely used by indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played an important function in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea, having a wide base and a narrow chimney spout, allows the most air to be drawn in at the bottom of the structure, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps retain heat in the belly of the chiminea, making it ideal to cook over.

Presently, chimineas can be found in a wide range of materials that include terracotta, cast iron, and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas have a 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 are stylish and sturdy.

To make sure the chiminea lasts as long as you can, keep it in a place that is well-ventilated and shielded from wind and rain. It should be placed away from any structures or walls that could catch fire, as well as any eaves and patio roofs that could be damaged by a sudden shift in temperature after the chiminea has been put out. To avoid the chiminea burning excessively, it is recommended that only dried, seasoned logs are burned. It is crucial to regularly clean the chiminea by using a wirebrush as this will help prevent the build-up of deposits that could be burned and turn black. Chimineas can be protected from the wind to reduce the amount smoke that it emits.

Maintenance

As with any fire equipment it is important to maintain it properly to ensuring the longevity of your Chiminea. This will extend its life and ensure that it works safely. Chimineas are fragile and should be kept outdoors in a place where they can be taken care for. Although a chiminea made of clay may seem sturdy enough, it's still susceptible to cracking and breaking from a variety of sources. It is important to check your chiminea for signs of wear, and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how often to fire it.

To keep your Mexican chimney looking beautiful, you should clean it thoroughly with a mild detergent. This will eliminate any built-up dirt and grime that could cause discoloration and corrosion. A wire brush is used to scrub away the rusty particles that are floating around, and it is recommended that you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself. After scrubbing your chiminea clean, rinse it and allow it to dry completely. This will keep any moisture from causing corrosion and can greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

After the chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough areas which could attract embers if you decide to make an open flame. Sanding can also make the surface appear more attractive and even. The sanding process can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint to enhance the appearance and protect your chiminea from rust.

It is also recommended to keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and winds since this can cause the paint to fade and peel. If this occurs, you can touch up the areas affected with water-based emulsion paints or masonry spray, and it is generally easy to do. Also, it is essential to only build small fires, and to add only a few logs at each time to your chiminea so that you make sure it is "broken in" and to prevent overheating.