The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Mexican Chimineas

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally used as a bread oven Chimineas are a symbol of Mexico's rich heritage of culture. The timeless design is a blend of practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns which remove organic materials from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They can be used outdoors all year long however, they should not be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

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

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

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

The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by the concept of a potbellied base that rises into an elongated chimney. This form is a perfect way to contain a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which reduces the possibility of air inhalation and enhances heat retention.

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

If your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern one, Gardeco has a choice of styles that will suit your decor and garden. We stock a wide range of sizes; from small and medium to extra-large and jumbo. We also offer clay chimineas decorated with decorations that can be moulded, or engraving into the body of the item.

Our range of terracotta chimineas and Mexican Chimineas are made by artisans in the middle of Mexico. The process of making them can cause small variations in shape and colour. You can always re-paint your chiminea with an emulsion paint which is water-based in the event that it begins to turn discoloured. Before using your new chiminea, it is important to read all the instructions and tips on care given by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas not just add warmth and character to any space They are also useful. They come in various materials and designs and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be a focal point or blend seamlessly into the surroundings.

The traditional chimenea, made of clay, was designed with both practical and historical significance in mind. The tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users, while its rounded body exuded heat. It was also used as a gathering place for socializing and storytelling which played a crucial function in Mexican and Central American culture.

Traditional chimineas are crafted by local artisans using wet clay that is gathered directly from the earth. The raw material was transformed into the shape of the final chimenea before being dried in a kiln. The process of creating the clay chimenea was labor-intensive, particularly for the large sized ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are made by smoothing together long snakes of clay that have been rolled. The rim of the clay was often decorated with carvings and patterns.

Modern chimineas are usually made from metals such as cast-iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made from metal was a significant step forward because they can stand up to extreme temperatures and humidity without cracking. This allowed chimineas to be used in a variety of climates.

Metal Chimineas are the most popular however there are some companies that produce clay and terracotta chimineas. The advantages of using metal chimineas 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 sought-after than clay chimineas since they can stand up to higher temperatures and be cleaned with ease.

Whatever type of chiminea that you select it's important to place it in the right location. It should be placed in a level area and away from any fire-prone objects like trees, grass, or other buildings. The chiminea should be placed on an asphalt patio, brick patio or stone terrace and never on a wood deck. It's also a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones underneath 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 today, are fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. After they have been cooled and cured the chimineas are then assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas like these are a popular choice since they give the authentic Mexican feel to a garden.

Chimineas are hand-painted in a variety colours and patterns to fit different styles. The paint finish can fade as time passes and also with the heat from the fire, therefore it is recommended to re-paint using an acrylic emulsion based on water.

In the beginning, they were designed to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through time have become an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their function to meet a variety of needs. These distinctive structures weren't only used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played a crucial function in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of a propane chiminea with a broad base and narrow chimney spout, allows the most air to be drawn in from the bottom of the structure, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps retain the heat inside the chiminea's belly. This makes it perfect for cooking.

Chimineas today can be found in various materials, including terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are by far the most commonly used, and offer the traditional Mexican appearance. However, they are prone to crack under pressure and should only be used on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas carry a lower risk of damage but are still stylish and durable.

To ensure that the chiminea lasts as long as you can, keep it in a place which is well ventilated and shielded from rain and wind. It should be kept away from structures and walls that could catch fire, as well as any eaves and patio roofs that may be damaged by a sudden change in temperatures when the chiminea has been extinguished. To stop the chiminea from burning too much, it's advised to keep the leaves away and only seasoned, kiln dried logs be burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is also important, as it will prevent build up of deposits which are likely to ignite and blacken. The chiminea can be shielded from wind to decrease the amount of smoke it emits.

Maintenance

Like all fire equipment the proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure it works safely. Chimineas are relatively fragile and should be kept in a protected area where they can be properly taken care of. Although a chiminea made of clay may appear to be sturdy enough, it is still susceptible to cracks and breaking from a variety of sources. It is important to check your blue rooster chiminea's condition for signs of wear and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how often you should start it up.

To keep your Mexican chimney looking beautiful you must clean it thoroughly with mild detergent. This will eliminate any dirt and grime that could cause discoloration or rust. A wire brush should be used to scrub away loose rust particles, and it is also recommended that you use gloves and goggles for safety purposes. After scrubbing the chiminea wash it off 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, you should lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough areas which could catch embers if you decide to start a fire. Sanding can also make the appear more attractive and even. The sanding process can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea as well as guard it from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind, as it can cause the paint to peel off and fade. You can solve the issue by using water-based emulsions paints or masonry spray. Additionally, it is important to only build small fires and add small amounts of wood at each time to your chiminea to make sure it is "broken in" and to prevent overheating.