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Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, which were originally used as ovens for baking, are a reflection of Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetic simplicity is timeless.

Chimineas made of clay are fired in kilns that remove organic matter and close the pores to prevent cracking. They are built to live outdoors all year round, but should 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 a beautiful outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle heat of your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fireplace.

These traditional terracotta stoves were made to be both radiant heaters and ovens. They helped tribesmen survive the cold winter nights in their home. Their distinctive design was inspired by their utilitarian principles that emphasised practicality and shared living.

In the beginning, these stoves were built from terracotta clay, which was dried in kilns, then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay have a more rustic look and were not glazed to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers make chimineas out of metals such as aluminum, cast iron and brass. These materials provide better durability and resistance to weather and address one of the biggest chiminea weaknesses of the clay design.

The distinctive design of the ceramic chiminea was inspired by the idea of a pot-bellied base that rises to form an elongated chimney. This form is a perfect method of containing a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which decreases the possibility of air inhalation and enhances heat retention.

Chimineas were a popular method of heating, cooking and lighting. We can still enjoy their beauty and the warmth they offer in the cold autumn evenings, or even in the warm winter sun.

Whether your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to match your garden and décor. We offer a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large. We also stock clay chimineas which have been decorated with either engraving or a moulded design.

Our selection of terracotta chimineas and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans from the heart of the country. The manufacturing process can cause minor variations in the shape and colour. You can always repaint your chiminea with an emulsion paint that is water-based if it begins to discolour. Before you use your new chiminea, it is essential to read all instructions and care tips provided 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 various styles and materials and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be focal points or blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

The clay chimenea was designed to be practical as well as for cultural reasons. Its tall, chimney-like neck directed smoke away from its users, and its rounded, circular body exuded warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, giving it an important place in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditional chimineas are handcrafted by local artisans using wet clay that is taken directly from the earth. The raw material was then molded to its final shape before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas are extremely labor intensive to make particularly large ones. Typically potters would coil long snakes of clay into a circular shape, and then smooth the clay together to form the chiminea's bowl and neck. The rim of the clay was usually decorated with carvings or patterns.

Modern chimineas are usually made from metals such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas are an important evolution because they can stand up to high temperatures and humidity 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 most chimineas now are made from metal. Metal chimineas are stronger and easier to clean. Metal chimineas are much more popular than clay chimineas due to the fact that they can endure higher temperatures and be cleaned easier.

It doesn't matter what kind of chiminea is chosen it is essential that it be placed in the right place. It should be placed in a leveled space, away from any flammable items such as trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea should also be placed on a concrete, brick, or stone patio and not on a wooden deck. 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 from the clay.

Materials

Traditional chimineas of terracotta and clay, which are still made by small-scale factories in the present, are fired to temperatures up to 1000c. Once they are cooled and dried the chimineas are then assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas offer a Mexican feel in the garden.

Chimineas are typically hand-painted with many colors and designs that can be adapted to an array of styles. The paint finish will fade due to time and heat of the fire, so it's best to re-paint with a water-based emulsion.

The original purpose was to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through the years have transformed into a cultural symbol, adapting their functions to meet a variety of needs. In addition to being bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico They also played a vital function in repelling insects and in promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of the chiminea with its broad base and narrow chimney spout allows the most air to be drawn into the structure from the bottom, which reduces smoke intake. It also helps retain the heat within the chiminea's belly, making it ideal for cooking.

Today, chimineas can be found in many different materials like terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminium. Terracotta Chimineas are an elegant Mexican look. However, they are susceptible to cracking under pressure, and should only be placed on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to cracking, and are elegant and durable.

To make sure the chiminea is as long-lasting as you can, keep it in a place which is well ventilated and protected from wind and rain. It should be kept away from structures and walls that could catch fire, as well as the roofs of patios and eaves which could be damaged by a sudden change in temperature after the chiminea has been extinguished. To stop the chiminea from smoking too much, it's recommended that leaves be avoided and only dry, seasoned logs are burned. It is crucial to regularly clean the big chiminea by using a wirebrush as this will help prevent the build-up of deposits that may cause blackening and burning. The chiminea being protected from wind can also help reduce the amount of smoke that it emits when it is burned.

Maintenance

Like all fire equipment it is important to maintain it properly to ensuring the longevity of your chiminea. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should always be kept outside in an area that is well maintained. While a clay chiminea may appear to be 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, and also to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the frequency at which it should be fired.

The first step to ensure that your mexican chiminea is looking its best is to clean it thoroughly with a mild detergent solution. This will get rid of any dirt or grime that can cause discoloration or rust. To remove loose rust particles you should make use of a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles be worn for safety. After cleaning, rinse the chiminea, and let it dry completely. This process will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion and it can greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you can lightly sand it using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that could catch embers if you decide to start an open flame. Sanding can also make the surface appear more appealing and even. Sanding can be followed by several coats of stove paint or grill paint to improve the appearance and ensure that your chiminea is protected from corrosion.

It is also recommended that you keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and winds since this can cause the paint to fade and peel. You can easily fix the issue using water-based emulsions and paints or masonry sprayed. Also, it is essential to only build small fires and to add only a few logs at each time to your chiminea so that you get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.