Clay Chiminea Fire Pit
Clay chimineas are a fire risk unless they're placed on the metal stand (hopefully included) that came with them. They can also heat up extremely high and burn small hands if children are too close.
Large chimineas weigh a lot and are difficult to move. They also crack easily and can break if dropped or tipped over.
Rustic Design
Chiminea fire pits add an element of rustic design to your backyard, creating a cozy setting for outdoor conversations and relaxing. Some come in a variety styles that match your garden or patio decor. They have a wide base that tapers into the form of a fireplace. A chiminea, though heavier than other fire pit designs and difficult to move around your yard, is easy to fit into small areas.
Like fire pits, chimineas can be available in a variety of materials including clay and terracotta to give a more Mexican-style appearance, as well as cast iron or steel. They can be painted to add a decorative accent and often feature hand-crafted details. Terracotta and clay are less robust than metal chimineas, and can crack or even break when exposed to high temperature and rough handling. However, they don't become hot as quickly as metal chimineas and may be more suitable for homes with pets or children.
Because of their structure, chimineas are safer than fire pits since they are confined. Chimines direct smoke upwards to lessen the amount of smoke you or your neighbors experience. As a result, they are an ideal choice for homeowners who live in areas that prohibit open flame fires or who want to avoid the smell of smoke that comes from an open flame.
Chimineas work best with wood, but they can also be used with propane liquid or gas. Some models can also be used for cooking. If you are using a chiminea, you should always keep it away from overly windy conditions because strong gusts could blow smoke and embers into the air. It is recommended that you build the chiminea on a patio hearth. It is an area that measures three by four feet. area that is covered with pavers or fireproof material.
It is best to use firewood that has been dry-fired and stacked in a uniform manner when making an chiminea. Avoid large branches and logs because they are likely to break or split if handled. You should also keep at least 10 feet or more from any structure, such as your shed or home. Be careful not to raise your chiminea by its chimney or a stack since this could cause it to crack. It is also an excellent idea to cover your chimney with a firepit cover when not in use.
Versatility
A chiminea is more versatile than one made of metal because it can be filled with a variety fuels. It can be filled with wood however, it can also be used with propane gas, or even natural gas. It is possible to use it with different kinds of briquettes. However, it is best to use kiln dried firewood which is easy to ignite and burns quickly. This will lessen the amount of pollution that your neighbors and your garden suffer because of smoke.
It also has a chimney that funnels the smoke away from where people are sitting, which can help to keep your outdoor space neat and inviting. You can also include accessories like log grates or a fire poker to help manage the fire. If you are concerned about how much smoke a chiminea will release it is a good idea to try out a model that uses an SS firebox to control the amount of smokiness emitted.
Chimineas can be utilized in all sorts of places even in smaller backyards or on a balcony with careful positioning. Chimineas are more robust than fire pits and can be used to heat larger areas. It is therefore important to build a patio hearth or any other area that is fire-safe, on which to place the chiminea. It should be smaller rectangular or circular space that is covered with pavers and is located at least a safe distance from other flammable structures or materials.
Clay chimineas can last for years with proper care and use. Place them on a stone, concrete or patio hearth. Cover the fire place with a layer of sand or lava stones. This will prevent cracking from heat stress. Don't pour water over the chiminea of hot clay, because this can cause it to crack or break.
If you're looking for a chiminea that is within your budget you can find a few models that are affordable. However, if you are looking for the traditional, classic look you'll need to spend more for a hand-crafted model made from high-quality clay.
Safety
If you choose clay models, it must find its permanent home immediately since moving it frequently could damage the clay and cause cracks. If you don't have enough space to permanently house your chiminea, a quality cover for your chiminea is a great option to shield it from rain damage and prevent the build-up of leaves and dirt which can block air flow and cause fire hazards.
Chimineas can be quite heavy, so if you intend to use it as a garden feature or to put it in an open outdoor space, make sure it is positioned securely and has enough space around it to ensure safe operation. You could consider a patio made of bricks or stones to protect your chiminea from wind damage.
Before using your chiminea for the first time, you should fill it with sand up to approximately halfway. This will keep the clay cool and stop the fire from touching any of the sides. Once the sand is dry, you can ignite some newspaper and lighter. Make sure to keep it from the sides. 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 to the exterior try what he says of the clay. This will protect the clay finish and help prevent damage from moisture.
The sealer needs to be applied periodically, as the initial sealer will wear away when used regularly. You can buy clay sealers at the hardware or garden store. Alternately, you could use a high-temperature silicone sealant, such as Future Acrylic Floor Finish, which is perfect for ceramic and metal surfaces that are exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is recommended to only burn softwood or hardwood logs that are seasoned before using your chiminea. Make sure to keep the chiminea out from any eaves or roofs that could catch fire. Never use water to extinguish your chiminea as it can break terracotta as well as clay.
Maintenance
Chimineas have a rustic look that draws people to them, but they need special care to keep them in good shape. You can extend the life of your terracotta chiminea with some preventative measures.
Make sure to use a chiminea on a surface that is fire-safe. Set it on a concrete patio, brick outdoor fire pit, or a solid wood deck. Make sure there's nothing that could catch fire above it such as pergolas or eaves made of wood.
Keep the chiminea clean always, but especially during the initial fires. This lets the clay "season" and become more heat resistant. Start your first few fires with just handfuls of kindling and let them burn completely. You can increase the size of fires by adding more kindling. It is best to avoid using wood that is full of bark, which could produce a large number of sparks that are hot. Select seasoned wood because it is likely to produce less sparks.
After the chiminea is dried and ready to use, fill it three-quarters of the way full with sand, making sure that it does not touch the clay. Use a fire starter which does not contain lighter fluid, or any other flame enhancing products. After the sand is covered, you can start an unintentional fire with only paper and a kindling. The fire should get growing in size each time. Be careful not to let it touch the clay or other material that is flammable.
A chiminea made of clay will last longer if regularly cleaned. This helps to reduce the risk of structural damage caused by accumulation of soot or ash. It also helps to prevent a fire hazard caused by unburnt ash that can quickly spark.
You should also apply a sealant to the clay chiminea once or twice per year. This seal protects the clay chiminea from the elements and also stops moisture from entering the clay.