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How to Safely Maintain an Outdoor Chiminea

outdoor chiminea fireplace chimineas add warmth and an atmosphere to your patio or garden. They're also better suited to small spaces than traditional fire pits.

Chimineas should be placed on a fireproof surface like brick, concrete or stone patio. Chimineas should not be placed near eaves or any other overhead cover that can catch fire.

Types

Chimineas are a form of outdoor firepit that has the chimney as well as a tall the hood that directs smoke upwards instead of out. Chimineas are constructed of clay or metal and are available in a wide range of styles that can be adapted to any garden decor. Chimineas can be used to cook food on the fire. This lets you make delicious meals or enjoy outdoor snacks with your friends and family.

Different kinds of wood can be used in a chiminea. Oak is popular because it produces heat and burns slowly. However, other hardwoods can also be used. Apple is another good option since it burns slowly and releases a pleasant scent and is incredibly versatile. Other options include cedar wood, mesquite, hickory wood and pinon. These are aromatic and produce pleasant smoke.

Metal chimineas offer more variety in design than traditional terracotta models 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 anti-rust paint that protects them from the weather. Cast iron chimineas offer an authentic look however they are also the most weighty option.

Before lighting an igniting fire in a chiminea it is essential to prepare the area by putting an even layer of gravel or sand at the bottom to prevent any ash from spilling over and harming the base. Then add some pieces of paper and some kindling. When the paper starts to burn, it creates a draft which ignites the rest of your kindling and starts the fire.

Although a chiminea may be set in the middle of your garden, it's best to keep it far 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 metal mesh will keep sparks and the ash from flying into flammable materials.

Materials

If you decide to go with clay or cast aluminum chiminea (more..) iron, your chiminea should be constructed of durable material that is able to be able to withstand the heat. You'll need to make sure that your chiminea is appropriate for your space and is easily stored and moved. It is also important to be aware of the amount of smoke your chiminea releases, as too much can cause a nuisance to neighbors.

The type of wood that you choose to use will determine the temperature and duration of your chiminea. Hardwoods such as cherry, apple and walnut are favored by serious chimenea owners over softwoods. Hardwoods are more efficient and last longer, producing far more heat than softwoods.

While some people may prefer the appearance of a traditional clay chiminea you can also find contemporary and contemporary cast aluminum chimineas with modern lines and geometric designs. These models are lighter and can be used with both gas and wood fires. They are a great option for outdoor spaces.

Both chimineas made of cast iron and clay need to be maintained by cleaning them and reseasoning them at regular intervals. Always place them on a safe, solid base, such as terracotta tiles or concrete, or even leveled sand. Avoid water around your chiminea as it can damage metal and crack terracotta or clay.

The initial seasoning process for a chiminea is to light several small fires, allow them to cool, and then light another. This will increase the resistance to heat in your chiminea and give it longevity and greater resistance to heat. If you skip this step your chiminea could crack or break upon its first use. Covering your chiminea during the winter or when you will not be using it regularly is a good idea. It will shield it from snow and rain, which can cause damage. If you are worried about the security of your chiminea consider choosing a model with a spark arrestor that will guard against dangerous sparks.

Design

Chimineas can be a beautiful and versatile outdoor fire feature. However, it is important to keep in mind that like any other wood-burning fire pit it should be maintained properly to avoid damage and to ensure the safety of those enjoying the flames. By using protective covers and the right cleaning techniques will significantly improve the life of your decorated Chiminea.

Chimineas come in a wide variety of styles sizes, materials and colors to satisfy a variety of aesthetic and practical needs. Terracotta clay chimineas are classic and offer a classic, Mexican-inspired style. Metal chimineas clay have modern, sleeker look and are more resistant to damage.

It is also important to consider the position of your chiminea. Positioning your chiminea in an open space encourages airflow, which maximizes effectiveness and creates a cozy ambience around the fire. Additionally, placing it away from overhangs and patio covers will prevent the accumulation of smoke, which could harm these structures.

Consider installing a mesh screen over the chimney of your chiminea in order to reduce the amount of sparks scattered into the air. To create a barrier, you can use an item or a small-holed fence bent slightly inward. Alternately, you can purchase a special screen made of Ceramic chimineas tile, which is designed to capture sparks and drop them into the stack.

Although it might be tempting to use accelerants like gasoline or lighter fluid to ignite a fire, these chemicals can actually damage your chiminea by introducing too much heat too quickly. This could cause the walls of your chiminea's walls to crack or shatter. At the worst this could lead to injuries or, at best the chiminea to be destroyed. Additionally, accelerants can cause your chiminea to explode, which is extremely 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 a period of three to four small burns. This will allow the chiminea time to cure and decrease the chance of an explosion. It is also a good idea to not to burn anything other than dry, well-seasoned hardwood in your chiminea.

Safety

Chimineas let you enjoy a fire outdoors with your loved ones and family. Like any outdoor flame they are a risk to property and people. You can make sure that you and your family can enjoy the warmth of your chiminea without fear of fire or accident by following a few simple safety precautions.

The first step to ensure your chiminea is safe is to ensure it is placed on a non-flammable area such as pavers, bricks, or cement. This prevents the chiminea tipping over, and minimizes the risk of it setting anything nearby on the fire.

Use only dry well-seasoned, seasoned wood in your Chiminea. Wet wood will not burn as efficiently and can cause the chiminea to burn or catch fire. A spark arrestor is a must-have for the chimney. It can be as simple as the bent piece of chicken wire over the top of the chimney stack or as elaborate as a screen chimney insert. A spark arrestor prevents sparks from flying into your neighbor's yard or onto any flammable material such as grass and bushes.

Finally, make sure to keep your chiminea 30 feet away from any that could ignite, such as buildings, trees, sheds, clothes lines and awnings. This will help prevent an accidental fire that could damage your property or home.

After you have put in your chiminea, and followed the steps outlined above, it's time to take advantage of the radiant heat and warm flames! Be sure to start small fires using only kindling and slowly add larger wood. Keep a pair of fireplace tools at hand to add logs and stoke the flame so that you don't have to touch it with your hands. It's also a good idea to wear long barbecue tongs while dealing with the hot grate and coals, and a pair of fire gloves. This will help you handle the chiminea with less risk of burning your hands.