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Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally designed to be a bread oven Chimineas represent Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetics, is timeless.

Chimineas made of clay can be fired in kilns which remove organic materials from the clay and seals the pores to avoid cracking. They can be used outdoors all year long however, they should not be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

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

The traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to function as both radiant heaters and ovens, assisting tribesmen through the winter nights in their home. Their distinctive shape was influenced by their utilitarian principles that stressed practicality and communal living.

The stoves were built out of natural terracotta clay which was dried in kilns before being then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and do not have a glazed surface to protect them. Modern manufacturers create 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 major limitations in the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was created by a pot-bellied bottom that rises up to create an extended fireplace. This design is a great way to contain fire while also directing smoke upwards, which decreases the risk of inhaling air and increases 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 autumn evenings or even in the brisk winter sun.

Gardeco provides a variety of styles that will suit your garden. We carry a wide selection of sizes, from small and medium, to extra-large and large clay chimineas for sale. We also stock clay chiminea fire pit chimineas which have been decorated with either a moulded or engraved design.

Our range of terracotta-based chimineas and mexican chimineas (Ororo officially announced) is handmade by artisans from the heartland of the country. The colours and shapes can vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea begins fade, you can always repaint it with an water-based emulsion. Before using your new chiminea, it's important to read all the instructions and care tips provided by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas are not only functional but they also add an authentic and rustic feel to the space. They are available in a variety of materials and designs and can be paired with any patio furniture. They can be a focal point or blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

The clay chimenea was conceived for both practical and cultural reasons. Its tall, chimney-like neck directed smoke away from its users and its rounded circular body exuded warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, which played an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditional chimineas are made by local artisans using moist clay that is gathered directly from the earth. The clay was then transformed into its final form before being dried in a kiln. The process of creating a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, especially for huge ones. Typically potters would coil long snakes of clay into a cylindrical shape and then smooth the clay, creating the chiminea's bowl and neck. The rim of the clay was usually decorated with patterns or carvings.

modern chiminea chimineas are typically constructed of metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas are an important evolution because they can withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas be used in a vast range of climates.

Although there are a few companies that manufacture clay and terracotta chimineas the majority of chimineas today are constructed from metal. The advantages of using a metal chiminea include its ability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it is able to be cleaned more easily. Metal chimineas are more popular than clay chimineas since they can stand up to higher temperatures and be cleaned with ease.

No matter what type of chiminea that you select it's important to put it in the correct spot. It should be placed in a level space and away from any flammable objects like grass, trees, or other buildings. The chiminea should be placed on a brick, concrete, patio, or stone terrace and should not be placed on a wood deck. It's also recommended to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones underneath the chiminea to protect it from direct heat and keep the hottest part of the fire from the clay.

Materials

Traditional clay and terracotta chimineas that are still produced by small factories today, are fired to temperatures up to 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas can be put together. Some are covered in glaze, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas like these are a popular choice as they offer the authentic Mexican look to a garden.

Chimineas are generally hand-painted, with various colours and designs to suit the various styles. The paint finish can fade as time passes and due to the heat of the fire, so it is recommended to paint again using an acrylic emulsion that is water-based.

While originally intended to be essential features of cooking and heating for city-dwelling Mexicans Chimineas have also embodied the sense of heritage over the centuries, adapting to diverse requirements for functional purposes. These distinctive structures were not only used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played a significant role in repelling bugs and promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea featuring a wide base and a narrow chimney spout allows for the most air to be drawn in at the bottom of the structure, which reduces smoke inhalation. It also helps retain the heat inside the chiminea's belly, which makes it ideal for cooking.

Currently, chimineas are available in a wide variety of materials that include cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas have an elegant Mexican look. However, they are susceptible to crack under pressure and should only be used on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to cracking, and are stylish and durable.

To ensure that the chiminea will last as long as you can, keep it in an area that is well ventilated and shielded from rain and wind. It should be kept away from any walls and structures that could catch fire as well as patio roofs or eaves that could be damaged by the sudden shift in temperature that happens when the chiminea's flame is extinguished. To prevent the chiminea from burning excessively, it is advised to keep the leaves away and only dry, seasoned logs be burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is crucial, as it helps stop the accumulation of deposits that could cause the chiminea to burn and turn black. The chiminea can be protected from wind to decrease the amount of smoke it produces.

Maintenance

Maintaining the equipment properly is essential to the longevity of any fire apparatus. This can extend its lifespan and also ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas can be fragile, and should be kept outside where they can be cared for. While a clay chiminea may seem sturdy enough, it is still susceptible to cracking and breakage from various sources. It is essential to inspect your chiminea for signs of wear, and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding how often to start it up.

To keep your Mexican chimney looking beautiful you must clean it thoroughly with mild detergent. This will eliminate any built-up dirt and grime that can cause discoloration or corrosion. A wire brush should be used to scrub away the rusty particles that are floating around, and it is also recommended that you wear gloves and safety glasses for safety reasons. After scrubbing your chiminea clean, rinse it and allow it to dry completely. This will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion and can significantly extend the lifespan of your chiminea.

After the ceramic chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that might catch embers when you build an fire. Sanding can also make the look more attractive and even. The sanding process can be followed with several coats of stove paint or grill paint to improve the appearance and ensure that your chiminea is protected from rust.

Keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and winds as this can cause the paint to peel and fade. If this occurs you can sand the areas affected with water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays and it is generally easy to do. It is also important to only build small fires, and to add only a few logs at each time to your chiminea to get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.