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https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk/products/gardebruk-cast-iron-outdoor-patio-chiminea

Chimineas An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit The first time they were used was as a bread oven chimineas reflect Mexicos rich cultural heritage The timeless design blends practicality and aesthetic simplicity Chimineas made of clay are fired in kilns to eliminate organic material and make the pores more resistant to cracking They are made to be outdoors all year round but must be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements Origins Imagine a summer evening that is warm and sunny with your family and friends enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space kept warm by the gentle warmth of your clay or Mexican chiminea Its a scene reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fire pit The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens They were used to help tribesmen endure the cold desert nights in their homes Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian values that emphasized practicality and the importance of communal living The stoves were created out of natural terracotta clay which was dried in kilns before being then woodfired Chimineas made of clay have a more rustic appearance and were not coated to protect the surface Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas made of metals like brass cast iron and aluminum These materials 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 influenced by a potbellied bottom that rises to an long fireplace This shape is an ideal method of containing the flame while directing the smoke upwards which reduces air inhalation and maximizes heat retention Chimineas were a popular method of lighting heating and cooking We still appreciate their design and the warmth they provide in the cold winter evenings or even in the warm winter sun If your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern one Gardeco has a choice of different styles to suit your garden and décor We carry a wide selection of sizes from small and medium to extralarge and jumbo We also carry clay chimineas that are decorated with either engraving or a moulded design Our selection of terracotta and Mexican chimineas are handmade by artisans from the center of the country Shapes and colours may differ slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process You can always repaint your chiminea with an emulsion paint that is waterbased if it starts to turn discoloured It is essential to read the instructions of the manufacturer and care tips before using your new chiminea the first time Design Chimineas are not only functional but they also add an authentic and rustic look to the space They come in various materials and designs and they can be paired to any patio furniture They can be used as a focal point or blend seamlessly with your landscaping The clay chimenea was designed to serve both practical and historical reasons Its chimneylike neck was tall and directed smoke away from the users and its rounded rounded body radiated warmth It also served as a center for gathering and storytelling and played a significant function in Mexican and Central American culture Traditionally chimineas were handcrafted by local artisans from wet clay which was gathered directly from the ground The clay was then formed into its final form prior to being kilndried The process of making the clay chimenea was laborintensive particularly for larger ones The chimineas bowl and neck are made by smoothing together long snakes of rolled clay The rim of the clay was often decorated with patterns and carvings A modern chiminea is typically made of metal such as cast iron or aluminum Metal chimineas were a significant improvement because they could endure high temperatures and moisture without cracking This modification allowed chimineas be used in a wide range of climates Although there are still a few companies that make clay and terracotta chimineas most chimineas now are made of metal Metal chimineas last longer and are easier to clean Metal chimineas are more popular than clay chimineas since they can endure higher temperatures and be cleaned more easily Whatever type of chiminea you choose its essential that you place it in the proper location It should be positioned in a level area and away from any fireprone objects such as grass trees or other structures The chiminea needs to be set on a brick concrete patio or stone terrace and not on a wood deck It is a good idea to put 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 smallscale factories today are fired to temperatures of up to 1000c Once they are cooled and cured they are then assemble Some are glazed while others remain unglazed Chimineas like these are a popular choice because they provide the authentic Mexican look to a garden Chimineas are typically handpainted with a variety of colours and designs to suit the various styles The paint finish will discolour as time passes and also due to the heat of the fire therefore it is best to repaint using an acrylic emulsion based on water The original purpose was to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns chimineas over the years have evolved into an iconic symbol of Mexican culture changing their function to meet a variety of needs Apart from serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico They also played an important role in repelling insects as well as promoting social gatherings The unique design of the chiminea with its broad base and narrow chimney spout permits maximum air flow into the structure at the bottom which reduces smoke inhalation It also helps keep the heat inside the chimineas belly which makes it perfect for cooking Chimineas are currently available in a variety of materials such as terracotta cast iron and even aluminum Terracotta chimineas are the most popular choice providing the classic Mexican appearance They are prone cracking when under pressure and should only be put on an even surface that is fireproof Cast iron and aluminum chimineas carry a lower risk of damage but are still attractive and robust To ensure the chiminea lasts for as long as is possible it should be placed in a wellventilated location and protected from rain and wind It should be kept away from structures and walls that could catch fire as well as any eaves and patio roofs that could be damaged by a sudden change in temperatures when the chiminea is extinguished To stop the chimineas ashes from burning too much its recommended that leaves be avoided and only seasoned kiln dried logs be burned It is essential to clean the chiminea regularly using a wirebrush since this will prevent deposits that could be burned and turn black Sheltering the chiminea from the wind will also help to reduce the amount of smoke it produces when it is burned Maintenance Like all fire equipment proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your Chiminea This can help prolong its lifespan and ensure it is operating safely Chimineas can be fragile and should be kept in a protected area 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 breaking from a variety of sources their website is crucial to examine your chiminea for signs of wear and follow the manufacturers instructions on how often to use it The first step in ensuring that your mexican chiminea is looking its best is to clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent This will remove any dirt and grime that may cause discoloration or corrosion To remove loose rust particles employ a wire brush It is recommended that gloves and goggles be worn for safety After you have scrubbed wash the chiminea and allow it to dry completely This will stop any moisture from causing corrosion and can also extend the life of your chiminea After the chiminea has been cleaned and dried lightly sand it with finegrit sandpaper This will smooth the surface and remove any rough spots that could attract embers if you decide to start a fire Sanding can also make the look more attractive and even Sanding can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint to enhance the look and ensure that your chiminea is protected from corrosion Keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and wind as it can cause the paint to peel and fade If this occurs you can touch up the affected areas using waterbased emulsion paints or masonry spray and its generally simple to do Additionally it is important to only use small fires and add only a few logs at one time to your chiminea so that you make sure it is broken in and to prevent overheating