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How to Safely Maintain an Outdoor Chiminea

Outdoor chimineas can add warmth and ambience to your garden or patio. They are also more suitable for smaller spaces than traditional fireplaces.

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

Types

A chiminea is a type of outdoor firepit with an elongated chimney and a the hood that directs smoke upwards instead of out. Chimineas can be made from metal or clay, and they come in a variety of styles to complement any garden. Some chimineas are designed to accommodate cooking on the fire and help you make delicious homemade meals or have a snack outside while chatting with friends and family.

There are many types of wood that can be used in a chiminea. Oak is popular because it produces heat and is slow to burn. However, other hardwoods can also be utilized. Apple is a good alternative because it burns slowly, releases a pleasant smell and is very versatile. Other choices include hickory, cedar, mesquite and pinon wood that smell wonderful and create an inviting smoke.

Metal chimineas can provide more variety in design than traditional terra-cotta models and are less susceptible to damage by rain. They are heavier and more susceptible to rust than clay models. Some chimineas made of metal are coated with an anti-rust paint, which helps to prevent them from deteriorating. Cast iron chimineas give a rustic appearance, but are the heaviest option.

Before you can start the fire in a chiminea, it is important to prepare the area by placing an even layer of gravel or sand on the bottom to prevent any ash from leaking out and ruining the base. Include a few pieces of wood as well as some kindling. As the paper begins to burn, it triggers a draft that will quickly light the rest of the kindling and start the chiminea's fire.

It's best to keep a chiminea far from buildings and plants. It's important to leave enough space around the biggest chiminea in the event that it tips or gets too hot. Covering the chimney with metal mesh will prevent sparks and ash from flying into flammable materials.

Materials

Your chiminea whether it's made of cast iron or clay, should be constructed of sturdy materials that can withstand heat. You should also make sure your chiminea is built to fit in your space and is easily moved and stored. It is crucial to know how much smoke your fireplace produces, as too much can be a nuisance to neighbours.

The kind of wood you choose to use will determine the heat and duration of your chiminea. A serious chimenea user would not contemplate burning softwoods like pine or cedar, but instead will choose to use harder, denser hardwoods like cherry, apple and walnut, as well as hickory and oak. Hardwoods generate more heat and burn more efficiently than softwoods.

While some may prefer the look of a traditional clay chiminea you can also find contemporary and contemporary cast aluminum Chiminea aluminum chimineas with sleek lines and geometric designs. These models are also lighter in weight and can be used with gas and wood-burning fires, making them a versatile option for a variety of outdoor areas.

Both clay and cast iron chimineas need careful maintenance that includes cleaning and re-seasoning at times. They should always be set on a solid, fire-proof base such as a terracotta tile, concrete, or leveled sand. Avoid water around your chiminea fireplaces since it could damage metal and cause cracks in clay or terracotta.

The first step to season a chiminea is to light several small fires, allow them to cool before starting another. This will build up the resistance to heat of your chiminea and give it an extended life span and greater temperature tolerance. If you skip this step your chiminea could crack or break upon its first use. Covering your chiminea during the winter or when you won't use it often is an excellent idea. It will protect it from rain and snow which could cause damage. If you're worried about the safety and performance of your chiminea, look into a model with an anti-spark device. This will help prevent dangerous sparks.

Design

A chiminea is an attractive and versatile outdoor fire feature. However, it is important to keep in mind that like any other wood-burning fire pit is that it must be properly maintained to avoid damage and ensure the safety of those taking pleasure in the flames. Using protective covers and using the right cleaning techniques will greatly improve the lifespan of your chiminea.

Chimineas come in a wide variety of designs, materials and sizes to satisfy a variety of aesthetic preferences as well as functional needs. Terracotta clay chimineas have a traditional appearance and have a classic Mexican-inspired design. Metal chimineas have modern, sleeker look and are more resistant to damage.

The location of your chiminea is also critical. The chiminea should be set in an open area to encourage airflow. This will increase efficiency and create a cozy ambience around the fire. Away from patio overhangs and patio covers helps prevent smoke buildup which could cause damage to the structures.

Consider installing a mesh screening over the chimney of your chiminea to reduce the amount of sparks released into the air. To create a barrier, try using the fence with a small hole bent slightly inward. You can also purchase a special screen made of ceramic tiles that are designed to catch sparks and then drop them below the stack.

It is tempting to use gasoline or lighter fluid as an accelerant in order to start an chiminea fire. However, these chemicals can harm your chimineas if they are used to heat it too fast. This could cause the walls of your chiminea to crack, or shatter. At the worst, this could result in injuries and at the very least an unfinished chiminea. In addition, accelerants could also cause your chiminea to explode, which can be extremely hazardous for anyone who is near.

You can season your chiminea using three or four small fires. This gives the chiminea time to cure and reduce the risk of an explosion. It is recommended not to burn anything but dry, well-seasoned hardwood inside your chiminea.

Safety

Chimineas are a wonderful way to enjoy an outdoor fire with family and friends. But, as with any other outdoor flame, they can pose a danger to property and people. There are some safety measures you should follow to ensure that you and your loved ones are able to enjoy the warmth of your chiminea fireplaces with no fear of an unexpected fire or accident.

The first step in ensuring your chiminea is safe is to ensure that it is placed on a non-flammable surface such as pavers, bricks, or cement. This protects the chiminea from falling 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 properly and may cause the chiminea or its contents to smoke. A spark arrestor for a fireplace is a must. This can be as simple a piece chicken wire bent around the top of the chimney stack, or as elaborate as a chimney insert with a screen. A spark arrestor prevents sparks from flying into your neighbor's yard or onto flammable materials such as bushes and grass.

The last thing to do is keep your chiminea a minimum of 30 feet away from anything that is flammable, like sheds, buildings clothinglines, awnings, and even clotheslines. This will help you to avoid a fire accident which could cause damage or even destruction to your home.

After you have installed your chiminea and followed the steps outlined above, it's time to bask in the radiant heat and warm flames! Remember to build small fires, using just burning wood to get the flame going and then slowly adding more wood to the fire. Keep a couple of fireplace tools in your bag to add logs and light the flame so that you don't need to touch it with your fingers. It's also recommended to wear long barbecue tongs while working with the hot grate or coals, as well as a pair of fire gloves. This will allow you to handle the chiminea without burning your hands.