Ten Chiminea Fire Pit-Related Stumbling Blocks You Shouldn't Post On Twitter
Ten Chiminea Fire Pit-Related Stumbling Blocks You Shouldn't Post On Twitter
Blog Article
Clay Chiminea Fire Pit
Clay chimineas are a fire hazard unless they are placed on the stand made of steel that (hopefully) came with it. They can also heat up extremely high and burn small hands if children are too close.
Large chimineas can be heavy and difficult for you to move. They also crack easily and can break when dropped or tipped over.
Rustic Design
Chiminea fire pits add a distinct rustic design element to your backyard, creating a cozy setting for outdoor conversations and relaxing. There are a variety of styles that will complement your patio or garden decor. They have a wide base which tapers into an open fireplace. A chiminea, while more cumbersome than other fire pit designs, and more difficult to move around the yard, is easy to fit in smaller spaces.
Similar to fire pits, chimineas are available in many different materials like clay and terracotta for a more Mexican-style look and steel or cast iron. They can be painted for a decorative accent and often feature hand-crafted details. The chimineas made of clay and terracotta are less robust than metal and may break or crack when exposed to extreme temperatures and rough handling. However, they do not get hot as quickly as metal chimineas and may be better suited to homes with pets or children.
Chimineas are more secure due to their structure. They are surrounded. Chimneys direct smoke upwards, reducing the amount of smoke that you or your neighbors breathe. As a result, they are a great option for homeowners living in areas that have restrictions on open flame fires or who want to stay clear of the smell of smoke from a more open flame.
Chimineas are ideal to burn wood, but they can also be used with liquid or gas propane. Some models are also designed for cooking. If you are using a chiminea, you should avoid windy conditions since strong gusts can send smoke and embers into the air. It is recommended to build an chiminea in the hearth of a patio. This is a three-by-four foot area that is covered with pavers or fireproof material.
When building a chiminea, you should select kiln-dried firewood that is laid out in a uniform way. Avoid large logs and oversized branches since they could easily split or break when handled. You should also keep an area of 10 feet or more from any structure, such as your shed or home. Be careful not to raise your chiminea from its chimney or the stack because this can cause it to crack. When it's not in use, it's a good idea to cover your chiminea using an open fire pit.
Versatility
A chiminea fire pit is more adaptable than a metal one since it can be used with a variety of fuels. It can be filled up with propane gas or wood. It can be used with different kinds of briquettes, however it is preferred to use kiln-dried firewood that is simple to light and burns quickly without releasing a lot of smoke. This will reduce the amount pollution that your neighbors and your garden suffer due to smoke.
It also has an integrated chimney that directs smoke away from the people sitting on it, helping to keep your outdoor space clean and pleasant. You can also include accessories like a log grate and a fire poker to make it easier to maintain the fire. If you're concerned about the amount of smoke the chiminea produces it's worth considering one with a stainless chiminea terracotta steel firebox.
Chimineas work well in any kind of space. They can be placed in small backyards or even on balconies with proper care. They typically distribute their heat over a larger area than the fire pit, which is why it is essential to build an outdoor hearth or other type of fire-safe area in which to build the chiminea. It should be a small rectangular or circular space that is covered in pavers and situated at least a safe distance from other flammable structures or other materials.
Clay chimineas can last years with proper care and use. They should be set on a stone or concrete fire pad or in a hearth for a patio and over a layer of sand or lava stones to prevent them from breaking due to heat stress. Do not pour water on a hot clay chiminea as this will cause it to crack or break.
If you're looking for a chiminea that will fit your budget there are a few models that are affordable. If you want an old-fashioned, classic style you'll need to pay more for chimineas that are hand-crafted from high-quality ceramic.
Safety
If you decide to purchase a clay model ensure that it has a permanent place to live. Moving it around can cause damage to the clay and cracks. If you don't have the space to permanently locate your chiminea, a good quality chiminea cover is a great way to protect it from damage from rain and to prevent the accumulation of leaves and dirt which can block air flow and cause fire hazards.
Chimineas can be quite heavy, so if plan to use yours as an outdoor feature or put it in an open outdoor area then make sure it is securely placed and has enough space around it for secure operation. You could consider a patio made of bricks or stones to protect your chiminea from wind damage.
Fill your chiminea with sand until the chiminea is half full. This will stop the fire from touching the sides of the stack, and will aid in keeping the clay cool. After the sand has dried, you can start a small fire of newspaper and some kindling, but make sure that it is kept away from the sides of the stack. Once the fire is smouldering you can add some logs or larger pieces of wood.
Once you have made some small fires in your new chiminea it's a good idea to apply a sealer on the exterior of the clay. This will help keep the clay safe and prevent moisture damage to the paint finish.
Sealer should be applied periodically as the sealer will wear out over time with regular use. You can purchase an aqueous sealer from an outdoor or hardware store. Alternately, you could make use of a high-temperature sealant such as Future Acrylic Floor Finish which is ideal for metal and ceramic surfaces that are exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is recommended to only burn hardwood or split softwood logs that are seasoned when using your chiminea. Always keep the chiminea away from any roofs or eaves which could catch fire. Never use water to put out your chiminea because it can break terracotta as well as clay.
Maintenance
Chimineas have a rustic appeal that draws people towards them, but they need special attention to ensure they stay in good condition. You can extend the life of your terracotta chiminea by implementing a few preventative steps.
Use a chiminea only on an area that is fire-safe. This means placing it on a concrete patio or brick fire pit that is outdoors, on an unfinished wood deck or on paving stones set in a tiny area. Be sure to remove anything that can catch on the fire, such as an eave made of wood or a pergola.
It is also important to keep the chiminea clean particularly during the initial fires. This allows the clay to "season" and becomes more resistant to heat. Start the first few fires with a few pieces of wood, and be sure to allow them to burn completely. You can increase the size of fires by adding more kindling. It is recommended to avoid using wood that has a lot of bark, which can generate a lot of sparks. Instead, you should opt for mature wood, which tends to produce less sparking.
After the chiminea is dried and ready to use, fill it three-quarters of the way full with sand, ensuring that it doesn't touch the clay. Use a fire starter which does not contain lighter fluid or any other products to enhance the flame. Once the sand has been covered, start an unintentional fire with only paper and a kindling. The flame should get growing in size each time. Be careful not to let it touch the clay or any other material that is flammable.
A chiminea made of clay will last longer if it's regularly cleaned. This helps reduce the chance of structural damage from accumulated soot and ash. Ash that is not burned could pose an increase in fire risk.
Every year, or at least once, you should seal the clay chiminea. The seal shields the clay chiminea from the elements, and prevents moisture from penetrating the clay.