Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Originally used as bread ovens Chimineas are a symbol of Mexico's rich heritage of culture. The timeless design is a blend of practicality and aesthetic simplicity.
Clay chimineas can be fired in kilns, which remove organic matter from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They can be used all year round, but should not be exposed to the elements for too long.
Origins
Imagine a summer evening that is warm and sunny, surrounded by friends and family, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, warm by the gentle warmth of your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fireplace.
These traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to serve as both radiant heaters and ovens, aiding tribesmen during the winter nights in their home country. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian qualities that emphasized practicality and the importance of living in a communal setting.
Originally these stoves were constructed from natural terra-cotta clay which was dried and then wood-fired in kilns. Clay chimineas have a more rustic look and were not glazed to protect their surface. Modern manufacturers make chimineas out of metals such as aluminum, cast iron and brass. These are more robust and resistant to weather which is one of the main limitations in the clay design.
The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by the idea of a potbellied base that rises to form an long chimney. This design is ideal for containing fires while sending smoke upwards. This reduces the intake of air and increases heat retention.
Chimineas were a popular method of heating, cooking and lighting. We still appreciate their beauty and the warmth they provide in the chilly autumn evenings or even under the cold winter sun.
No matter if your chiminea's an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to match your garden and decor. We have a variety of sizes, ranging from small and medium to
large chiminea and jumbo. We also have clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded, or engraving into the body of the product.
Our selection of terracotta and Mexican Chimineas are made by artisans from the center of the country. Colours and shapes may vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea starts to fade, you can always repaint it with an water-based emulsion. It is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions and tips for care before using your new chiminea for the first time.
Design
Chimineas not only add warmth and character to any space they also are practical. They come in various materials and designs, and they can be combined to any patio furniture. They can be a focal point or blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The clay chimenea was created to be practical as well as for cultural reasons. The tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from users, and its rounded body radiated warmth. It also served as a gathering place for storytelling and socializing, giving it an important part in Mexican and Central American culture.
Traditional chimineas are crafted by local artisans using wet clay that is collected directly from the earth. The raw material was formed into its final form before being kiln dried. The process of making a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, particularly for the huge ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are made by smoothing together long snakes of clay that have been rolled. The rim of the clay is often decorated with patterns or carvings.
A
modern chiminea is generally composed of metals like cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of metal chimineas was a significant step forward because they are able to endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas to be used in a variety of climates.
Metal chimineas are the most common however there are some companies that produce clay and terracotta ones. The benefits of using metal chimineas include its capability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. Metal chimineas are more popular than clay chimineas because they can stand up to higher temperatures and be cleaned easier.
No matter which type of chiminea you choose, it's essential that you place it in the right spot. It should be placed in a leveled area and away from any fire-prone objects such as trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea must be placed on an asphalt patio, brick patio or stone terrace and not on a deck made of wood. It is a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco Lava Stones under the chiminea. This will shield it from direct heat.
Materials
Kiln-fired clay chimineas and
terracotta chiminea chimineas are still being produced by small factories. The temperatures can rise up to 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas are assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas are a very popular choice because they provide the authentic Mexican feel to a garden.
Chimineas are typically hand-painted, with many colours and designs to suit a wide range of styles. The paint finish can fade as time passes and also due to the heat of the fire, therefore it is recommended to paint again using an acrylic emulsion that is water-based.
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. In addition to serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico These distinctive structures also played a crucial role in repelling insects as well as in promoting social gatherings.
The unique design of a
chiminea outdoor 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, minimizing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea, which makes it ideal for cooking over.
Chimineas today can be found in many different materials like terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas offer the classic Mexican style. They are susceptible to cracking when under pressure, and should be placed on a flat surface that is fire-safe. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas aren't as susceptible to damage, while remaining stylish and sturdy.
To ensure that the
top rated chiminea will last as long as possible, it should always be placed in a well-ventilated location and shielded 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 may be damaged by a sudden change in temperatures when the chiminea has been extinguished. To ensure that the chiminea does not smoke excessively it is recommended that only seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning using wire brushes is important, as it will stop the accumulation of deposits that could cause the chiminea to burn and turn black. The chiminea can be protected from the wind to reduce the amount of smoke it emits.
Maintenance
As with any fire equipment it is important to maintain it properly to ensuring the longevity of your chiminea. This will help to extend its life and ensure that it works safely. Chimineas can be fragile, and should be kept outdoors where they can be cared for. While a chiminea made from clay may seem solid enough, it is still susceptible to cracks and breaking due to various sources. This is why it is essential to check your chiminea regularly for signs of wear and tear, and also to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding how often it should be fired.
To keep your Mexican chimney looking great you must clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent.