How To Choose The Right Clay Chiminea On The Internet
Clay Chiminea - A Fun and Cosy Way to Enjoy the Outdoors
Clay Chimineas are a fun and cozy way to enjoy the outdoors. If they're not treated with care, they may break and crack.
To avoid this, it's important to cure your chimenea. It is essential to begin with small fires and allow it to heat slowly. This will also stop sharp pieces of hot clay flying around.
How they're made
Clay chimineas are made from either kiln dried (treated) or air dried clay. Kiln drying is the process of baking clay in a kiln that is heated to 1200 degrees. The clay is shaped either by hand or by putting it into a mold. After the clay has been formed it can be glazed (a material like glass or ceramic is placed to the surface) or left unglazed. It is also painted to add a decorative touch.
Chimineas are made from the clay terra cotta that is the same type of clay used to make a lot of plant pots. These days most chimineas are manufactured in Mexico. A flourishing industry that helps support local jobs. Chimineas are fired in small kilns, usually in batches of as high as 100 Mexican chimineas at a time.
The clay is rolled into long serpents that are formed into the body of an Chiminea. It is done by hand and requires some skills. The clay is difficult to form into a chiminea since they tend to be quite large. Certain chimineas can be made by throwing them on a wheel however this requires expert throwing skills and the use of tools such as sponges to make them in the correct shape.
Once a chiminea is created, it is allowed to dry in the sun or in a kiln which can take a few days. After it has dried it is either glazed or not. It is then baked at high temperatures in a ceramic kiln. It can take several firings to glaze a chimney of clay and to reach its full potential for fireproofing.
Wood or charcoal can be used to power a fire chiminea. Some people even cook with charcoal. Wood is the best fuel for the chimenea as it burns more slowly and produces fewer sparks. Using a gas burner inside the chiminea isn't recommended as the clay can crack under the pressure of the flames.
Do not lift a chimenea up by the chimney or the stack. This is a weak point and it's easy to break. Hold one hand on the lip of the mouth, or where the bowl opens, and gently grasp your chimenea's neck using the other.
The design
If you're looking for a way to transform your outdoor space into a new 'room' or simply take advantage of the natural warmth, a clay chiminea offers you the perfect solution. They're easy to use and appear great however, if you put them incorrectly, they could be damaged or even explode.
Regular cleaning is also required to eliminate ash, soot and other toxins from the interior. This keeps the structure clean and make it appear more attractive. It is recommended to clean it prior to attempting to light a fire, but it can be done afterward as well, depending on your preference. Regular cleaning can reduce the risk of a chiminea being a victim of fire, as accumulated debris could cause structural damage and ignite.
A layer of sand, or lava stone, may be positioned on the bottom of your fireplace. This will protect the clay from the heat of burning wood and coal which could cause cracks in the clay. A lot of people opt for bags of sand for their the largest chiminea, but lava rocks are an excellent alternative for those who want something a little more elegant.
You can build a hearth for your patio around your chiminea, providing a safe area for it to be set up. These are usually constructed by covering the area of a deck or patio with pavers or other non-combustible material, creating an elevated platform for your chiminea. You can move it around to prevent it being too close to trees or structures. It is also simple to put out the fire using water without worrying about causing harm to the surrounding area.
It is best to combine a chiminea and a grill. This lets you cook food while keeping your chiminea warm. It also gives you the opportunity to experiment with different cooking methods, something that isn't always possible with traditional fire pits. Remember that chimineas are heavy and should only be moved with the help of a person who can help or when fully cooled. Covering them when not in use can increase their lifespan.
The chimney
A chiminea is basically a clay pot with chimney. It is a feature for fire that can be set up anywhere in the yard or garden to add warmth and atmosphere. Chimineas are designed to burn charcoal or wood. They can also be used to enhance patio furniture. They are easy to maintain and can last for many years. They can be painted with non-toxic paints to match the decor. Adding a cover to protect it from the weather and debris will aid in prolonging its life.
A chiminea made of clay, just like any other pot, is vulnerable to various elements like rain and extreme temperature changes. To ensure that your chiminea stays in good condition it is essential to regularly clean it. Using a stiff bristled brush, you will need to remove all dirt and ash from the inside of your chiminea. The next step is to clean the exterior of your fireplace using mild soap and a soft cloth.
It is also recommended that you put an additional layer of sand or rocks on the bottom of your chiminea. This will keep the hot coals from directly touching the clay, result in cracking of the heat. Lava stones are a very popular choice and will provide you with an additional layer of protection for your chiminea.
Both cast iron and clay can withstand extreme temperatures, but they must be maintained carefully to avoid breaking or cracking. A chiminea that is cracked or damaged may break open and release ashes, posing the risk of fire.
Chimineas made from clay can be repaired using high-temperature epoxy adhesives, which are available at most hardware stores. In contrast to traditional flower pots made of clay however, chimineas and fire pits require to be repaired with products that are able to stand up to high temperatures.
Like any fireplace one can expect a Chiminea to generate hot flames when lit. To minimize this the risk, make use of well-seasoned and trimmed wood and use a mesh screen or chicken wire at the top of the stack. Installing a metal chiminea grate on the opening of your chiminea can also aid in reducing the amount of sparks that come out of it.
The firebox
If you're looking to add a an attractive and warm outdoor fire feature to your living space, the clay chimney (also called a the chimenea) might be just the thing. These simple, flexible units come in a variety styles and materials that will suit any home or garden setting.
Generally speaking, these structures come with a fire bowl, the main body to feed and hold the wood, and a short chimney stack for the removal of smoke and ash. Some might also include grills or other cooking components for homeowners who wish to make their chimineas an outdoor kitchen.
Like any clay pot, a chiminea also requires regular maintenance to keep it in good shape. Clay may break or crack when it is put under extreme stress like abrupt temperature changes. To prevent this from happening, you should place your chiminea in a safe area like an open fire pit, a firepad, or on concrete or stone.
It's important to keep the flames of the fire bowl as tiny and as controlled as you can. A large fire can easily cause the clay to break and shatter. This can cause sharp pieces of hot clay flying off, which can be hazardous to children and pets nearby.
It is best to "season" the chiminea first before using it. Four to eight small fires are suggested to seal the clay. Chiminas should be allowed to cool completely after each fire prior to trying another.
When your chiminea has been seasoned, you can expect it to last for many years if it is properly cared for. Modern chimineas are constructed from heavily grogged clay to make them more resistant to sudden temperature changes that could break or crack other kinds of chimineas. It's also a good idea to buy and install a cover for your chiminea in wet weather. This will protect it from sleet and rain, and also reduce the amount of heat that is lost during the season of rain.
