Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally used as a bread oven Chimineas represent Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, which blends practicality with aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.

Clay chimineas are fired in kilns to eliminate organic material and make the pores more resistant to cracking. They are made to be outdoors all year round, but must be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a summer evening that is warm and sunny with family and friends, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, warm by the gentle heat from your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the mexican chimineas origins of this type of outdoor fireplace.

These traditional terracotta stoves were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens. They helped tribesmen survive the harsh winter nights in their home. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian values which emphasized practicality and importance of communal living.

In the beginning, these stoves were made out of natural terracotta clay which was dried in kilns before being then wood-fired. Clay chimineas have a more rustic appearance and were not glazed to protect their surface. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas from metals such as brass, cast iron and aluminum. These materials are more robust and resistant to weathering which is one of the major limitations of the clay design.

The distinctive design of the chiminea was inspired by the idea of a pot-bellied foundation which rises up into an extended chimney. This shape is perfect for containing a fire while sending smoke upwards. This reduces air intake and maximizes heat retention.

Chimineas were used by Mexican tribes for heating, cooking and lighting. We can still enjoy their design and the warmth they bring in the cold autumn evenings or even in the warm winter sun.

Gardeco provides a variety of styles that are suitable for your garden. We stock a wide range of sizes, ranging from small and medium to large and jumbo. We also stock clay chimineas that are decorated with either a moulded or engraved design.

Our selection of terracotta and Mexican chimineas are handmade by artisans in the heart of Mexico. The manufacturing process can cause slight variations in colour and shape. You can always re-paint your chiminea using an emulsion paint that is water-based if it begins to turn discoloured. Before you begin using your new chiminea it is essential to read all instructions and tips on care given by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas are not only useful, but they also provide an authentic and rustic look to the space. They are available in a variety of styles and materials and can be paired with any furniture for your patio. They can be used as a focal point or they can blend seamlessly with your landscape.

The clay chimenea was conceived for both practical and cultural reasons. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed the smoke away from its users and its rounded round body radiates warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, playing an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditional chimineas are made by local artisans using moist clay that is taken directly from the earth. The clay was then molded into its final form prior to being kiln-dried. The process of making the clay chimenea was very labor-intensive, especially for large sized ones. The chiminea's neck and bowl are made by smoothing together long snakes of rolled clay chiminea fire pit. The rim of the clay is often decorated with carvings or patterns.

A modern chiminea is usually constructed from metal, such as cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made from metal was a significant evolutionary step since they can endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This change allowed chimineas to be used in a vast range of climates.

Metal Chimineas are the most popular but there are some companies that produce clay and terracotta chimineas. The benefits of using a metal chiminea include its capability to withstand higher temperatures, as well as the fact that it is able to be cleaned more easily. Metal chimineas are more popular than clay chimineas due to the fact that they can stand up to higher temperatures and be cleaned with ease.

No matter which kind of chiminea for sale you pick it's important to place it in the right spot. It should be placed in a level area and away from any flammable items like grass, trees or other structures. The chiminea must be placed on an asphalt patio, brick patio or stone terrace, and never on a deck made of wood. It's also a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones under the chiminea to shield it from direct heat and to keep the hot part of the fire away from the clay.

Materials

Kiln-fired terracotta and clay chimineas are still being produced by small factories. The temperatures can reach up to 1000c. After they have been cooled and cured, the chimineas are assembled. Some are glazed while others remain unglazed. These chimineas provide a Mexican feel in a garden.

Chimineas can be painted by hand in a variety colours and patterns to suit different styles. The paint finish will fade as time passes and because of the heat generated by the fire, so it is recommended to re-paint using an acrylic emulsion that is water-based.

Originally designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over time have become a cultural symbol, adapting their function to satisfy a variety of requirements. These distinctive structures were not solely used by indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played a crucial function in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of the chiminea, with its wide base and narrow chimney spout allows maximum air to be drawn into the steel chiminea's bottom, minimizing the intake of smoke. It also helps to retain heat in the belly of the chiminea, making it ideal to cook over.

Currently, chimineas are available in a wide variety of materials such as cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas offer a classic Mexican appearance. However, they are susceptible to cracking under pressure, and should only be placed on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less prone to cracking and damage, but they are stylish and durable.

To ensure the chiminea lasts for as long as it can, it should always be kept in a well-ventilated area and shielded from wind and rain. It should be placed away from any walls and structures that might catch alight and also any patio roofs or eaves that could be damaged by the sudden change in temperature that happens after the chiminea has been extinguished. To avoid the chiminea burning excessively, it is recommended that only dried, seasoned logs are burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is important, as it will prevent build up of deposits which are likely to ignite and blacken. Shielding the chiminea from winds will also help reduce the amount of smoke it produces as it burns.

Maintenance

Like any other fire apparatus, proper maintenance is essential to ensuring the longevity of your Chiminea. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas are quite fragile and should always be kept away from the elements in a place where they can be properly taken care of. While a chiminea made from clay might appear sturdy enough, it is still vulnerable to cracks and breaking from a variety of sources. It is important to check your chiminea for signs wear and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on how often you should fire it.

To keep your mexican chimney looking good you must clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will eliminate any built-up dirt and grime that can cause discoloration or rust. A wire brush is used to scrub away dust and rust particles. it is recommended you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself. After scrubbing the chiminea, rinse it and let it dry completely. This will prevent any moisture causing corrosion and can greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, it needs to be lightly sanded using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that might catch sparks when you start an open flame. The sanding will also help make the surface more even and attractive. Finally, the sanding can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea as well as protect it from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and winds as this could cause the paint to peel and fade. You can fix the problem by using water-based emulsions or paints or masonry sprayed. It is also essential to only add a small amount of wood at a given time and create small fires for your chiminea in order to "break it into" and avoid overheating.