• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, originally designed to be a baking oven, reflect Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The timeless design is a blend of practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Clay chimineas can be fired in kilns which remove organic material from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They are built to live outdoors all year round, but should be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a warm evening in the summer, with friends and family enjoying delicious food outdoors, all warmed by your Mexican or clay chiminea. This scene is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor chiminea fireplace.

These stoves, which were terra-cotta in origin, were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens, helping tribesmen through the cold desert nights of their home country. Their distinctive design was derived from their utilitarian qualities which emphasized practicality and importance of communal living.

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

The unique design of the chiminea was influenced by the concept of a potbellied base which rises up into an extended chimney. This form is a perfect method of containing the flame while directing the smoke upwards, which minimizes air inhalation and maximizes heat retention.

Chimineas were utilized for cooking as well as heating and lighting for the tribes of Mexico. Today we can enjoy them for their beauty and the comforting warmth they provide in cold autumn evenings and even in the chilly winter days.

Whether your chiminea is an authentic mexican chimineas piece or a more modern version, Gardeco has a choice of styles that will suit your garden and décor. We have a variety of sizes, ranging from small and medium, to extra-large clay chimineas for sale and Jumbo. We also offer clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded, or engraving into the body of the product.

Our selection of terracotta chimineas and Mexican Chimineas are made by artisans from the heartland of Mexico. The colours and shapes can vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. It is possible to repaint your chiminea using an emulsion paint that is water-based in the event that it begins to fade. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

Chimineas aren't just functional but they also add a rustic and authentic feel to the space. They are available in various styles and materials and can be paired with any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point or blend seamlessly with your landscape.

The traditional chimenea, made of clay, was created with both practical and historical significance in mind. Its tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from users and its rounded body radiates heat. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, which played an important place in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditional chimineas are handcrafted by local artisans using moist clay that is collected directly from the earth. The raw material was then molded to its final shape before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas are very labor intensive to make, especially large chiminea ones. The chiminea's neck as well as the bowl are created by smoothing long snakes of clay that have been rolled. The rim of the clay was usually decorated with carvings or patterns.

A modern chiminea is typically composed of metals like cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made of metal was a significant evolutionary step since they can withstand high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas be used in a vast range of climates.

Although there are several companies that make clay and terracotta chimineas the majority of chimineas today are made of metal. Metal chimineas last longer and easier to clean. Metal chimineas are much more popular than clay chimineas because they can stand up to higher temperatures and be cleaned with ease.

No matter what type of chiminea is selected it is essential that it is placed in the correct place. It should be placed in a level space and away from any flammable objects such as grass, trees or other structures. The chiminea should be placed on a concrete patio, brick patio or stone terrace, and should not be placed on a deck made of wood. It's also a good idea to place 50mm of sand, or Gardeco Lava Stones under the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.

Materials

Kiln-fired terracotta and clay chimineas are still being made today by small factories. The temperatures can reach up to 1000 degrees Celsius. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas are able to be put together. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas can give an Mexican feeling in the garden.

Chimineas are usually hand painted and come in a variety of colors and designs to fit the various styles. The paint finish will fade due to time and heat of the fire, so it is recommended to re-paint using an emulsion based on water.

In the beginning, they were designed to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over the years have evolved into a symbol of culture, adjusting their function to satisfy a variety of requirements. These distinctive structures weren't only used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played a crucial role in repelling bugs and promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea, with a broad base and a narrow chimney spout allows for the maximum amount of air to be drawn into the bottom of the structure, minimizing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep heat within the belly of the chiminea, which makes it ideal for cooking over.

Currently, chimineas are available in a variety of materials such as cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are the most commonly used, and offer the classic Mexican look. However, they are prone to cracking under pressure and should only be used on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to cracking, and are elegant and sturdy.

To ensure that the chiminea will last for as long as is possible It should be kept in a well-ventilated space and shielded from rain and wind. It should be positioned away from any walls or structures that might catch alight and also any eaves or patio roofs which could be damaged by the sudden change in temperature when the chiminea is completely extinguished. To prevent the chiminea smoking excessively, it is recommended that only seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning with wire brushes is crucial, as it helps stop the accumulation of deposits which are likely to ignite and turn black. The chiminea being protected from wind will also help to reduce the amount of smoke it produces as it burns.

Maintenance

Like all fire equipment, proper maintenance is essential to ensuring the longevity of your chiminea. This can prolong its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas are fragile and should be kept in a protected area where they can be properly cared for. While a chiminea made from clay may seem sturdy enough, it is still susceptible to cracks and breaking due to various sources. This is why it's crucial to examine your chiminea regularly for signs of wear and tear, as well as to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the frequency at which it should be fired.

To keep your mexican chimney looking good you must clean it thoroughly with a mild detergent. This will get rid of any build-up dirt and grime, which can lead to discoloration and corrosion. To remove loose rust particles you should employ a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles are used to protect. After scrubbing your chiminea clean then rinse it and let it dry completely. This will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion, and can also extend the lifespan of your outdoor chiminea fireplace.

After the chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that could catch on to the embers as you build a fire. Sanding can also make the surface appear more attractive and even. The sanding process can be followed by a series of coats of stove or grill paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and guard it from rust.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind as it can cause the paint to peel off and fade. You can easily fix the problem by using water-based emulsions or paints or masonry sprayed. It is also crucial 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 prevent overheating.