Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Chimineas, originally designed to be ovens for baking, are a reflection of Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.
Clay chimineas can be fired in kilns which remove organic material from the clay and seals the pores to prevent cracking. They can be used outdoors all year long however they shouldn't be exposed to the elements for too long.
Origins
Imagine a warm, sunny evening in summer, with friends and family enjoying delicious food outdoors with a warm Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a picture an ode to the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor firepit.
The traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens, aiding tribesmen during the cold desert nights of their homeland. Their distinctive shape stems from their utilitarian qualities which emphasized practicality and importance of communal living.
These stoves were initially constructed of natural terra-cotta clay, which was dried before being fired wood in kilns. Clay chimineas are more rustic and don't have a an exterior that is glazed to protect them. Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas from metals such as brass, cast iron and aluminum. These materials provide enhanced weather resistance and durability which addresses one of the major weaknesses of the clay design.
The unique design of the
blue rooster chiminea was influenced by a pot-bellied base that rises up to create an long fireplace. This design is ideal for containing fires while moving smoke upwards. This reduces air intake and maximizes heat retention.
Chimineas were utilized for cooking, heating and providing light for the indigenous people of Mexico. Today, we can savor these beautiful qualities as well as the warmth they provide in cold autumn evenings and even in chilly winter sun.
No matter if your chiminea's an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern one, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to match your garden and décor. We offer a range of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also stock clay chimineas which have been decorated with either a moulded or engraved design.
Our range of terracotta-based Chimineas as well as
Mexican Chimineas are made by artisans in the heartland of Mexico. The manufacturing process can cause small variations in colour and shape. If your chiminea starts to fade, you can always repaint it with an emulsion water-based paint. Before you begin using your new chiminea, it's essential to read all instructions and care tips provided by the manufacturer.
Design
Chimineas not only add character and warmth to any space they also are functional. They are available in various styles and materials and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be focal points or blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
The traditional chimenea, constructed out of clay, was conceived with both practical and cultural significance in mind. Its tall, chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users and its rounded rounded body radiated warmth. It also served as a place for socializing and storytelling which played a crucial part in Mexican and Central American culture.
Traditionally, chimineas were crafted by local artisans using wet clay that was taken directly from the ground. The raw material was molded to its final shape before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor intensive to make especially big ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are made by smoothing together long snakes of rolled clay. The rim of the clay is often decorated with patterns or carvings.
Modern chimineas are usually constructed from metals like cast-iron or aluminum.
Metal chimineas were a significant evolution because they can withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This change allowed chimineas to be used in a broad range of climates.
Metal Chimineas are most commonly used but there are some companies that produce clay and terracotta chimineas. Metal chimineas last longer and are easier to clean. These factors have made chimineas from metal more popular than clay counterparts.
It doesn't matter what kind of chiminea you choose, it is important that it be placed in the correct place. It must be placed in a level area far from any fire-prone objects like trees, grass or other buildings. The chiminea must be placed 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 beneath the chiminea. This will shield it from direct heat.
Materials
Kiln-fired clay chimineas and terracotta are still being manufactured by small-scale factories. The temperatures can reach up to 1000c. Once they are cooled and dried, the
chimineas for sale are assembled. Some are coated with glazes, while others are unglazed. These chimineas offer an Mexican feeling in a garden.
Chimineas are generally hand-painted, with various colors and designs to fit the various styles. The paint finish can fade as time passes and with the heat from the fire, therefore it is recommended to paint again using a water-based acrylic emulsion.
In the beginning, they were designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through time have become an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their functions to satisfy a variety of requirements. Apart from serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico, these distinctive structures also played an important role in repelling insects and promoting social gatherings.
The unique design of a chiminea having a wide base and narrow chimney spout, allows for the maximum amount of air to be drawn in at the bottom of the structure, which reduces smoke inhalation. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea's belly. This makes it perfect for cooking.
Chimineas today can be found in various materials, including terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are the most common choice, offering the classic Mexican appearance. They are prone cracking when under pressure and should be placed on an even surface that is fire-proof. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas aren't as susceptible to damage, while remaining stylish and durable.
To ensure the chiminea lasts as long as possible, it should always be kept in a well-ventilated space 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 may be damaged by a sudden change in temperatures when the
top rated chiminea is extinguished. In order to prevent the chiminea's ashes from burning too much, it is recommended that leaves are not burned and only seasoned, kiln dried logs be burned. It is essential to clean the chiminea regularly using a wirebrush, since this will avoid deposits that could cause blackening and burning. Shielding the chiminea from wind can also help reduce the amount of smoke it produces as it is burned.
Maintenance
As with any
fire pit with chiminea equipment, proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should be kept outside in a place where they can be properly maintained. Although a chiminea made of clay may seem sturdy enough, it's still susceptible to cracks and breakage from various sources. This is why it is important to inspect your chiminea frequently for signs of wear and tear and also to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the frequency at which it should be fired.
To keep your mexican chimney looking beautiful you must clean it thoroughly using mild detergent. This will get rid of any dirt and grime that could cause discoloration or rust.