Clay Chiminea - A Fun and Cosy Way to Enjoy the Outdoors
Clay chimineas offer a fun and cosy way to enjoy the outdoors. If they are not treated with care they may break or crack.
It is crucial to treat your Chimenea. This is done by starting small fires and allowing it to warm slowly. This will also keep sharp pieces of hot clay flying around.
How are they made
Clay chimineas can be made with either air dried or kiln-dried. Kiln drying involves baking the clay in a kiln with temperatures that are above 1200 degrees. The clay is either formed by hand or molded into a form. After the clay has been shaped it can be coated with glaze (a material such as ceramic or glass is applied to the surface) or left unglazed. Sometimes, it is painted for decoration.
Chimineas can be made from Terra cotta clay which is the same type of clay used to create a variety of plant pots. Chimineas are mostly made in Mexico. A thriving business that supports local jobs. Chimineas are fired in small kilns, in batches up to 100 Mexican-style chimineas.
Fireplaces & Stoves UK is then rolled into long serpents that are formed into the body of an Chiminea. This is done by hand with a little expertise, and it can be difficult to get the clay to the proper shape for a chiminea as they tend to be quite large. Certain chimineas can be placed on a potter's wheel however this requires expert throwing skills and the use of tools such as sponges to make them into the right shape.
After the chiminea is formed, it is dried in the sun or a oven for several days. After drying, it is glazed or baked unglazed in the kiln once more at high temperatures. It may take a couple of firings to completely glaze a clay chiminea and reach its full fireproof potential.
Chimines can be fuelled by charcoal or wood and some even use them for cooking. Wood is the ideal fuel to use in a chimenea, as it burns more slowly and doesn't produce too many sparks. Gas burners are not recommended for chimineas since the clay may crack under the pressure from the flames.
When moving a chimenea never lift it by the chimney or stack as this is a weak spot and it is prone to breaking. Place one hand on the area of the mouth, or where the bowl opens, and gently hold the neck of your chimenea with the other.
The design
If you're looking for a way to transform your outdoor space into an extra 'room' or simply enjoy some lovely natural heat, a chiminea made of clay can offer you the ideal solution. They are simple to use and look fantastic however, if you put them in the wrong way, they could crack or even explode.
They also need to be cleaned frequently, in order to remove soot and ash from the interior. This will keep the structure tidy and make it look more attractive. This is best done before lighting a fire but is also possible to do it after should you prefer. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of safety hazards, as accumulated debris can ignite unexpectedly and potentially cause structural damage to your chimney.
A layer of sand or lava stone, can be positioned on the bottom of your fireplace. This will protect your clay from the heat created by the combustion of coal and wood, which could otherwise cause cracks in the clay. Many people use a bag of sand to make a the chiminea, but lava rocks are a great alternative for those looking for something more refined.
You can also create an outdoor hearth to protect your chiminea and provide a fire-proof area for it to sit on. These are usually constructed by covering the area of a deck or patio with pavers or other non-combustible material and constructing an elevated platform for your chiminea. This allows you to move the chiminea around according to your needs, preventing it from being too close to other structures or vegetation, and it's easy to douse the flame with water without fearing the surrounding area being damaged.
While you can use a chiminea on it's own, it's recommended to combine them with a grill. This allows you to cook food while keeping your chiminea warm and allows you to experiment with various cooking methods, something that isn't always possible with the traditional fire pit. Be aware that chimineas can be extremely heavy and larger ones should only be moved when completely cool or with the assistance of a companion. Covering them when not in use can increase their lifespan.
The chimney
A chiminea is basically clay pots with a chimney. It is a feature for fire that can be placed anywhere in the garden or yard to provide warmth and atmosphere. Chimineas can be used to cook wood or charcoal. They are also beautiful and are a great addition to any furniture on your patio. They are easy to maintain and will last for a long time. They can be painted to match the decor non-toxic paints. A cover can extend the longevity of your gazebo by shielding it from the elements and debris.
A clay chiminea, like every pot, is susceptible to a variety of elements, including rain and extreme temperature changes. It is essential to clean your chiminea regularly in order to keep it in good shape. With a stiff bristled brush you'll need to clean all ash and dirt from the inside of your chiminea. You will then need to clean the exterior of your fireplace using mild soap and a soft cloth.
It is also recommended that you put a layer of stone or sand on the bottom of your Chiminea. This will prevent the hot coals from touching the clay, cause heat cracking. Lava stones are a popular choice and will provide you with an additional layer of protection for your chiminea.
While both cast iron and clay Chimineas can take a lot of heat, they require careful maintenance to avoid cracking or breaking. A chiminea that is damaged or cracked may crack open, releasing ashes and creating dangers for fire.
Clay chimineas can be repaired using high-temperature epoxy adhesives, which are readily available in a majority of hardware stores. However unlike traditional flowerpots made of clay they must be repaired using products that can endure high temperatures.
Like any fireplace one can expect a chiminea to generate hot sparks whenever you light it. To minimize this sparks, you must use well-seasoned and trimmed wood and use a mesh screen or chicken wire on the top of the stack. Installing a metal grate on the opening of your chiminea will also aid in reducing the amount of sparks that come out of it.
The firebox
A clay chiminea also known as a "chimenea", is a great option to create a practical outdoor fire feature. These simple, flexible units are available in a variety styles and materials that are suitable for any garden or home.
These structures typically have a firebowl, a main body that feeds and hold the wood and an chimney stack to eliminate smoke and ash. Some include grills and other cooking elements for those who want to make their chimineas an outdoor kitchen.
A chiminea, like any clay pot, requires regular maintenance to ensure it is in good condition. The main issue with clay is that it could break or crack if it is exposed to a lot of stress, such as abrupt temperature fluctuations. To avoid this it is recommended to place your chiminea on a sturdy surface such as a fire pit, a fireplace pit, or on concrete, stone or tile.
In addition to ensuring that you keep your chiminea on a solid surface It is also important to keep the flames within the fire bowl as small as possible. It's not difficult for a large flame to cause the clay to crack or break. This can send sharp pieces of hot clay flying off, which could be hazardous to pets and children around.
It is best to "season" the chiminea first before using it. Four to eight small fires are suggested to make sure that the clay is sealed. After each fire, allow your chiminea to cool completely before attempting another one.
If you care for your chiminea correctly, it will last many years. Modern chimineas are constructed from clay that has been grogged heavily to make them more resistant to sudden temperature changes which can cause cracks or breakage to other kinds of chimineas. It's also a good idea to buy and use a protective cover for your chiminea during rainy weather. This will help to keep it safe from sleet, rain and snow and reduce the loss of heat during the time of rain.