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Chimineas – An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit Originally used as bread ovens, chimineas reflect Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The timeless design blends practicality and aesthetic simplicity. Clay chimineas are fired in kilns to remove organic matter and make the pores more resistant to cracking. They can be used outdoors all year long, but should not be exposed to the elements for too long. Origins Imagine a balmy summer evening, surrounded by friends and family, enjoying delicious food in a beautiful outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle warmth of your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a scene like the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor firepit. The traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to serve as both radiant heaters and ovens, assisting tribesmen through the cold desert nights of their homeland. Their distinctive shape was influenced from their utilitarian values which focused on practicality and social living. Originally these stoves were constructed from natural terra-cotta clay which was dried and wood-fired in kilns. Clay chimineas are more rustic and don't have a the protection of a glazed surface. them. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas made of metals like cast iron, aluminum and brass. These are more robust and resistant to weathering which is one of the main limitations of the clay design. The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by the idea of a pot-bellied base which rises up into an extended chimney. This design is perfect for containing a fire while moving smoke upwards. This minimizes the intake of air and increases heat retention. Chimineas were used for cooking, heating and providing light for the tribes of Mexico. Today we can enjoy these beautiful qualities as well as the warm comfort they offer in cold autumn evenings and even in brisk winter sunshine. No matter if your chiminea's an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern one, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to suit your garden and decor. We carry a wide selection of sizes; from small and medium to extra-large and Jumbo. We also have clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded or inscribed into the body of the product. fire pits & chimineas Fireplaces & Stoves UK of terracotta chimineas and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans right in the heart of Mexico. Shapes and colours may differ slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea begins to discolour, you can easily paint it over with an water-based emulsion. Before you use your new chiminea, it's important to read all the instructions and care tips provided by the manufacturer. Design Chimineas not only add character and warmth to any space they also are useful. They come in different styles and materials and can be paired with any patio furniture. They can be a focal point or blend seamlessly into the surroundings. The clay chimenea was conceived for both practical and cultural reasons. Its tall, chimney-like neck directed the smoke away from its users and its rounded, round body radiates warmth. It also served as a place for gathering and storytelling, giving it an important role in Mexican and Central American culture. Traditionally, chimineas were crafted by local artisans using moist clay, which was collected directly from the ground. The clay was then transformed into its final form prior to being dried by kiln. The process of creating a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, particularly for huge ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are made by smoothing long snakes of rolled clay. The clay's rim was often decorated with carvings or patterns. Modern chimineas are typically made from metals such as cast-iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made of metal was a significant evolutionary step because they can endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a wide range of climates. Although there are a few companies that produce clay and terracotta-based chimineas most chimineas now are made of metal. The advantages of metal chimineas are its capability to withstand higher temperatures as well as the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These advantages have made chimineas from metal more popular than their clay counterparts. No matter what kind of chiminea you pick, it's essential that you put it in the correct spot. It should be placed in a level area and away from any flammable objects such as trees, grass, or other buildings. The chiminea should be placed on a brick, concrete, patio or stone terrace and never on a deck made of wood. It is a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco Lava Stones beneath the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat. Materials Traditional clay and terracotta chimineas which are still manufactured by small-scale factories today, are fired to temperatures of up to 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas may be assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice as they offer that authentic Mexican feel to a garden. Chimineas can be hand painted in a variety of colours and patterns to match different styles. The paint finish does discolour as time passes and with the heat of the fire, so it is recommended to re-paint using an emulsion based on water. Originally designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through the years have transformed into a cultural symbol, adapting their function to meet a variety of needs. These distinctive structures weren't only used by the indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played an important role in repelling bugs and promoting social gatherings. The unique design of a chiminea, having a wide base and a narrow chimney spout, allows for the most air to be drawn in from the bottom of the structure, minimizing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep heat in the belly of the chiminea, which makes it ideal for cooking over. Currently, chimineas are available in a wide range of materials, including cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are an elegant Mexican style. However, they are susceptible to crack under pressure and should only be placed on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have less risk of damage but are still attractive and robust. To ensure that the chiminea will last as long as possible, it should always be kept in a well-ventilated space and shielded from rain and wind. It should be placed away from any walls and structures that might catch alight as well as patio roofs or eaves that might be damaged by the sudden change in temperature when the chiminea's flame is completely extinguished. To prevent the chiminea from smoking excessively, it is recommended that leaves be avoided and only dry, seasoned logs are burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is also crucial, as it helps stop the accumulation of deposits which are likely to ignite and turn black. The chiminea being protected from wind can also help reduce the amount of smoke it releases as it burns. Maintenance Like any other fire apparatus the proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your Chiminea. This will extend its lifespan and ensure it works safely. Chimineas are relatively fragile and should always be kept in a protected area in an area that is well maintained. While a chiminea made from clay might appear solid enough, it is still susceptible to cracking and breaking due to various sources. It is important to check your chiminea's condition for signs of wear and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how often you should use it. The first step in ensuring that your mexican-chiminea stays looking its best is to clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will eliminate any built-up dirt and grime, which can cause discoloration or corrosion. A wire brush is used to scrub away the rusty particles that are floating around, and it is recommended that you wear gloves and safety glasses for safety reasons. After scrubbing, rinse the chiminea and allow it to dry completely. This will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion and can also prolong the lifespan of your chiminea. After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and eliminate any rough spots that could catch embers if you decide to make a fire. The sanding can also make the surface more uniform and attractive. In the end, sanding could be followed by a series of coats of grill or stove paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and guard it from rust. It is also recommended that you keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and winds since this can cause the paint to peel and fade. It is possible to fix the problem by using water-based emulsions and paints or masonry sprayed. Also, it is essential to only use small fires and to add a few logs at a time to your chiminea in order to get it “broken in” and to avoid overheating.