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A Chiminea Terracotta Adds Warmth and Ambiance to Your Backyard Patio A chiminea will add warmth and ambience to your backyard. Its chimney directs smoke upwards to keep the flames and sparks from damaging surrounding plants and burning your home or deck. Clay chimineas must be coated with a seasoned (broken in) slowly. The first few fires must be small and slow-burning. Sealing a chiminea is also recommended, particularly in rainy climates. Material A chiminea can add the warmth and character of any backyard patio. Its traditional pot-belly design is perfect for entertaining, however, innovative designs can be adapted to a broad range of decor styles. Although clay is the most popular material, chimineas can also be made of cast iron or aluminum. Each material type has its own advantages. While clay is simple to maintain while metal is more durable and at enduring high temperatures. When choosing a chiminea, consider its size, design and the type of fuel. The size of the chiminea should be able enough to accommodate the amount of wood you be using to ensure an even flame. Larger models may be more suited to family gatherings and smaller models are better for intimate spaces. A chimney focuses smoke upwards and protects the area from rain and preventing it from blowing around in strong winds. The design of a chiminea is what distinguishes it from other outdoor fire pits. The bowl-shaped base houses the flames, and protects the flames from rain, wind and debris. The chimney adds a stylish touch and makes it easy to control the size of the flames. Chimineas of clay are formed and molded by hand, then fired at high temperatures. They are often glazed with ceramic glaze to make them attractive and resistant to weather damage. Some are decorated with Mexican-inspired motifs. These chimineas can be purchased in garden stores and home improvement centres. Before lighting a chiminea you should cover its interior with coarse-grained gravel or sand. The sand helps reduce smoke and also prevents the clay from cracking when fired. Once you've covered your base, put a few small pieces of kindling at the center. Add a natural fire lighter like this one from Amazon to make it easier to light. When you are ready to cook Use a long-handled fork or spatula to turn the hot embers. Don't attempt to cook food directly over hot flames, since this can cause burns and turn black. Start with a small fire and gradually increase the heat. Then, move the pan up to the top. Design A chiminea is a type of fire pit that appears like a potbelly stove with a wide bottom, with a mouth for the fire and an extended narrow chimney for smoke. The chimney is used to protect the fire against rain and wind, which could create an open fire pit. Since more than 400 years Chimineas have been used to cook for gatherings and cooking as well as heating homes. Originally handmade of clay, they're now made of cast iron or terracotta, with both traditional and modern styles. While modern chimineas often eschew the curves of traditional models, they still retain a distinctive chimney design. They can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from 12 to 16 inches in diameter at the base and 25 to 30 inches high (including stands). The chimney is usually 6 feet tall. The height of the chiminea can be crucial, since it can draw smoke upwards and keep it from bouncing off people or things in your yard. You can also use aromatic woods, which will smell wonderful when they burn. This enhances the experience. When you're choosing a chiminea make sure you choose one made of durable material that can withstand high temperatures. Do not purchase a chiminea with decorative elements or other features that can break or crack when heated. If you choose a chiminea made of clay or terracotta that is not seasoned, it should be by burning small amounts of wood for 3 to 4 hours until the clay has a chance to cure. The chiminea must be secured by a lid when it is not in use to keep water from leaking over the flames and burning. Cast iron chimineas are heavier and more durable than clay models, meaning they can handle higher temperatures and rougher handling. They also tend to be more versatile since they can burn coal or briquettes in addition to wood. However, if you're going for a traditional look choose a clay chiminea. No matter what material you decide to use, make sure that you place your chiminea away from your home and all outdoor furniture. The chiminea should be at least 10 feet away from other structures, like a shed or fence. Create a patio hearth by placing pavers over a small space to serve as an area for your chiminea to stand on and make it easier to control the flame. chiminea and bbq can add a whole new dimension to any outdoor space and is the central point for family gatherings. However, just like any fire pit or fireplace it is crucial to understand the maintenance requirements prior to purchasing one. Traditional clay chimineas tend be more fragile than chimineas made from cast iron but both can endure the elements, but the differences in design and materials need a different approach to maintaining. The first step is to prepare the base of the chiminea. The bottom of the chiminea should be lined with gravel or sand to keep it from coming into direct contact with the fire. This will help reduce smoke and prevent the chiminea from cracking. It is also crucial to ensure that the chiminea is erected on the ground in a stable and safe location. Never put it on a deck or another flammable surface. If you have to place it on a surface that is flammable you can use a metal grates to elevate the wood. This will protect the chiminea from the sparks and heat of the fire. Before lighting the chiminea for the first time, it needs to be seasoned by burning several small fires. This helps to stop it from breaking when you burn a lot of wood. After each fire, thoroughly clean the chiminea by brushing with a wire-bristle brush or cloth. You should also take out any creosote and ash inside the chiminea. These chemicals can affect the quality and quantity of fires you can create in your chiminea If they aren't removed. The chiminea must be sealed by a cover that protects it when it is not being used. This will prevent the clay from becoming too wet and shrinking or cracking. If exposed to rain or snow Chimineas can suffer this type of damage. Even in summer, it is recommended to cover the chiminea. It is also a good idea to have a different fuel source for the fire such as wood or propane tanks. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby to stop any sudden fires. Maintenance To ensure that chimineas last as long as they can, they require regular maintenance. This includes maintaining the structure in good condition and applying protective coatings and storing it properly during off-season periods to guard against extreme weather conditions. Following these steps and the basic guidelines for usage will prolong the life of your chiminea and reduce potential safety hazards. Chimineas, made from clay, could break if exposed to extreme temperature changes. This is why it's important to store your terra-cotta in a dry and secure location during the off-season, most likely with a cover that will guard against frost and rain. It is also recommended to apply an adhesive to your fireplace made of clay to shield it from moisture and temperature fluctuations. When cleaning a chiminea, it is important to use non-abrasive tools and a soft cloth or brush to avoid damaging the clay surface. A bucket of water or a hose is the best way to wash off the surface after scrubbing, and it's crucial to allow the chiminea to dry completely before using it again. This will stop mildew and mold growth, and keep the chiminea looking brand new. If you have a cracked section on your chiminea it is important to clamp the pieces together. Then, apply outdoor oven cement over the crack. It is available in most hardware stores. It's applied using a spatula or pointing trowel. The cement must be allowed to dry thoroughly before you can start a test fire inside the chiminea. Once the cement has dried, sand the damaged area of your chiminea with medium coarse sandpaper to prepare it for repainting. It is then possible to paint it using more than or less any emulsion paint for masonry or household use in a shade that complements the rest of your chiminea. If there is any rust or corrosion you can get rid of it by sanding and washing the affected areas with water.