A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess

With this small chiminea, you get all the warmth of a wood-burning fire without the mess. Place newspaper lightly scrunched in the log grate or sand grates, and then add the logs and kindling prior to lighting.

This stylish black steel chiminea features an oxidized look to add an informal look. The 360-degree grate increases the size of your fire's roar while the tall chimney channels smoke upward and away from you.

Types

A small chiminea can be a fire pit that provides an additional element of warmth to an outdoor seating area or patio. They are also a great alternative to a grill for cooking outdoors. These units are available in a wide variety of materials, ranging from clay chiminea terra cotta to cast iron and steel. They can be designed in either a traditional style or a more contemporary style.

Some of these units come with a chimney that directs smoke away from the seating area. This can be helpful if reside in an area that has regulations regarding the amount of smoke emitted by outdoor fireplaces or other sources of heat. Certain models feature an ash screen as well as a spark screen in the fireplace. You might want to select a chiminea with a large capacity for fire or one that can accommodate plenty of wood, depending on the size of the space.

The material you choose for your chiminea can have an immediate impact on its performance and appearance in your outdoor space. Terra cotta models are timeless but they can also be damaged by elements. A metal chiminea is more durable, however it might require protection from corrosion. A hybrid chiminea is composed of a mixture of cast iron and stainless steel. It could have the best characteristics of both.

The size of your chiminea will affect the amount of heat that is produced. A larger chiminea tends to be heavier and more expensive, however it can also generate more heat than a smaller one.

Chimineas are often decorated with a decorative surface which adds charm. Some are decorated with ornaments and carvings while others are simple lines and a basic finish. Some models have a lid to keep children and pets away from the flames. Some models come with doors that allow you to easily add fuel and to remove ashes. There are also Chimines that come with an integrated grill that allows you to cook food with an open flame.

Safety

There are some safety precautions to take when buying an inexpensive, portable Chiminea. Chimineas aren't an immediate threat to children or pets however they can become extremely hot. Be aware of a few safety steps to ensure that you enjoy your chiminea for years to come.

It is important to understand that a fireplace or wood stove is not an chiminea. Unlike these devices, they don't have dampers that control burning, and they can be easily broken when handled improperly.

Always use a fire-proof cover for your chiminea to stop rain from getting into the chiminea and causing it to crack. This can also help reduce the smoke nuisance. You could consider purchasing an independent fireproof frame that can be set up over the smoke stack. This will shield it from weather.

Chimineas can generate a lot of sparks when burning and it is recommended to avoid placing them near flammable materials such as fences, clothes lines, and plants. It's also a good idea to clear the area around your chiminea prior to lighting it, and to make sure that it has at least six feet of clearance from anything that could ignite.

A second safety measure is never to use gasoline, lighter liquid or any other accelerator in your chiminea. These liquids can trigger an explosive explosion inside the chimney and pose an hazard to fire pits chimineas. You should also never use water to light the flames in a chiminea as it could cause the clay to crack or even break.

You should only make use of wood for your chiminea as it produces less heat and smoke than other fuels. Start with small pieces of wood, and then add larger pieces to the flames. If you're having difficulty lighting the kindling you can try putting newspaper into a ball and laying it against the grate. This will generate a strong draft which will light the paper and the kindling.

Don't burn a chiminea inside since it can release harmful carbon monoxide fumes which can cause death to people and animals alike. It can also cause severe damage to the home and pose a fire hazard.

Maintenance

A chiminea can be a beautiful addition to any outdoor area and can provide warmth and atmosphere when it is used frequently. Regular maintenance will improve its appearance, reduce injuries and dangers to safety and ensure that it will be enjoyed for a long time to be. Regular maintenance should include cleaning and inspections both outside and inside, as well proper storage in winter weather.

Chimineas should be located in a location which is free of overhanging branches and structures and away from combustible materials such as pavers or concrete. It is also dangerous to place a chiminea beneath a roof or other structure. Sparks can fly from the chimney and ignite anything above. The area should be large enough to accommodate a chiminea as well as its flue. Also, there should be some space on all sides.

Chiminies must be cleaned with a mild detergent and water using soft brushes and an absorbent cloth to avoid damaging the clay surface. After washing, the chiminea needs to be thoroughly rinsed and dried completely. Before cleaning, it's important to remove any ash from the chiminea's bowl and chimney. During the cleaning process it is crucial to wear gloves to avoid contact with the hot soot and ash. During the cleaning process, be sure to check the interior and exterior of the vehicle for any chips or cracks that may require repair.

If cracks do happen they can be repaired by using a specially-designed clay repair kit that is available from many chiminea sellers. These kits include all the necessary sealants as well as adhesives and other materials to fix minor cracks. If a crack is left unattended it may eventually turn into a major problem that affects the integrity of the chiminea and makes it unsafe to use.

To keep your chiminea in top condition it is recommended to make use of wood products that have been seasoned and dried. Burning paint or treated wood, as well as plastics and trash can cause toxic fumes to be released into the chiminea. Proper fuel and regular cleaning to prevent damage and cracks from excessive heat. It is also important to manage the size of fires in a chiminea, avoiding large, roaring flames which can cause thermal stress and shock to the clay.

Cleaning

A well-maintained chiminea is sure to give you many pleasant evenings of warmth and sociability. As with all outdoor furniture and equipment, a chiminea has to be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal performance. It is essential to ensure safety wearing gloves and safety glasses necessary to shield your skin from dust and debris while cleaning. It is also essential to make sure that the chiminea is cool prior to beginning the cleaning process. This is not only safe for your skin, but prevents the inhalation of any harmful particles that may be hot from earlier fires.

Eliminate any large clumps of rust that have built up in the chiminea before you begin cleaning. Get rid of them in an appropriate way. Utilizing a wire brush, gently scrub off loose rust - always making sure to wear your protective equipment. A light sanding is beneficial, too, as it helps remove any rust particles missed by the wire brush and smooths the chiminea's surface and is ready for repainting using an appropriate high-heat paint that is designed for grills or fireplaces.

Clay chimineas need to be regularly inspected and, if damage is found the chiminea should be repaired with clay repair kits, accessible from a variety of home improvement stores. It is a good idea to perform this inspection prior to your first time using the chiminea, as it can help strengthen the material, and prepare it for regular heating. It's also a great way to identify any cracks or other damages that might not be apparent when the chiminea isn't in use.

It's vital to note that a chiminea should only be used outside on a non-flammable foundation such as a concrete slab, sand or a hearth pad. This is important when there are pets or children around that might be enticed by playing near the embers or if your biggest chiminea is located near flammable materials like wooden fences and planters, as well as garden lights and furniture. Also, it's an ideal idea to put an over-the-top lid of your chiminea when it's not in use, so as to minimize the chance of flames spreading.