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Clay Chiminea - A Fun and Cosy Way to Enjoy the Outdoors
Clay chimineas offer a fun and cosy way to enjoy the outdoors. If they're not treated with care, they can crack and break.
It is important to cure your Chimenea. It is essential to begin by setting small fires, and then allow it to heat slowly. This will also prevent sharp pieces of hot clay flying around.
How they're made
Clay chimineas are created from either kiln dried (treated) or air dried clay. Kiln drying involves baking the clay in a kiln to temperatures that are above 1200 degrees. The clay is either formed by hand or molded into a shape. After the clay has been shaped, it is either glazed (a substance such as Ceramic chimineas or glass is applied to the surface of the clay) or left unglazed. It can also be painted to add decoration.
Chimineas are made from terra cotta clay which is the same type of clay used to make a lot of plant pots. Nowadays, most chimineas are manufactured in Mexico. A flourishing industry that helps support local jobs. Chimineas are fired using small kilns, often in batches of up to 100 Mexican Chimineas per hour.
The clay is rolled into long serpents, and then coiled to form the body of the Chiminea. This is done by hand and requires skills. The clay is difficult to form into a chiminea since they tend to be quite large. Certain chimineas can be thrown on a potter's wheel however this requires expert throwing skills and the use of tools such as sponges to get them into the right shape.
Once a chiminea is created, it is allowed to dry in the sun or in a kiln, which can take a few days. Once it has dried it is glazed or left unglazed before being baked in the kiln again at high temperatures. It can take several firings to glaze a clay chimney and reach its full fireproof potential.
A terracotta chiminea can be fueled by charcoal or wood and some even use them for cooking. Wood is the most suitable fuel to use in a chimenea, as it burns more slowly and doesn't produce too many sparks. Using a gas burner inside a chiminea isn't recommended as the clay can crack under the pressure of the flames.
Never lift a chimenea by the chimney or stack. This is a weak spot and it can break easily. Instead, put one hand on the lip of the chimenea, where the mouth or bowl opens, and place the neck in a gentle position with the other hand.
The design
A clay chiminea is the perfect solution for those looking to add a little space in their outdoor space or relax in the sun. They're simple to use and look gorgeous, but they can crack or even explode if exposed to excessive pressure which is why they must be put in a safe place.
Regular cleaning is also required to eliminate ash, soot and other toxins from the inside. This helps keep the structure neat and makes it look much more attractive too. It's best to do this before attempting to light an ember, however it is possible to do it afterwards, based on your preference. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of a safety hazard since accumulated debris can be ignited unexpectedly, and could cause structural damage to your chimney.
Another good idea is to put a layer of lava stones or sand on the bottom of your chiminea. This will shield the clay from the heat generated by burning wood and coals that could cause cracks in the clay. A lot of people opt for bags of sand for their the chiminea, but lava rocks are an excellent alternative for those who prefer something more refined.
You can also build a hearth for your patio to surround your chiminea, a fire-proof area for it to sit on. These are typically constructed by covering a section of a patio or deck with pavers or other non-combustible materials and then creating an elevated platform for your chiminea. You can move it around to prevent it from being too close to buildings or other vegetation. It is also simple to douse the fire with water without worrying about causing harm to the surrounding area.
While you can use a chiminea it's own, it's recommended to combine them with a grill. It allows you to cook while keeping your chiminea warm and allows you to experiment with cooking methods that are not always feasible when using traditional fire pits. Be aware that chimineas can be extremely heavy and larger ones should only be moved after they are completely cool or with the assistance of a companion. They can also be greatly extended by covering them when they are not in use.
The chimney
A chiminea is essentially clay pots that have a chimney. It is a fire feature that can be put anywhere in the garden or yard to provide warmth and ambiance. Chimineas are designed to burn charcoal or wood. They are also very attractive and can complement any patio furniture. They are easy to maintain and last for many years. They can be painted to match the decor non-toxic paints. A cover can prolong the lifespan of your gazebo, by protecting it from debris and weather.
A chiminea made from clay, as every pot, is susceptible to several elements such as rain and extreme temperature fluctuations. It is essential to keep your chiminea clean to ensure it is in good working order. You'll need to clean the inside of your Chiminea with a hard bristled brush. After that, using a mild soap on a soft, clean cloth, you will need to wipe down the exterior of your chiminea.
It is also recommended to place a layer of sand or rocks on the bottom of your chiminea. This will keep the hot coals from directly touching the clay, causing cracking in the clay due to heat. Lava stones are a favorite and provide an extra layer of protection for your Chiminea.
While both cast iron and clay chimineas can withstand a lot of heat, they require careful maintenance to prevent cracking or breaking. A chiminea which is cracked or broken could break open, spilling the ashes and creating a fire hazard.
Chimineas made from clay can be repaired with high-temperature epoxy glues that are available at most hardware stores. In contrast to traditional flower pots made of clay, however, chimineas need to be repaired using products that can endure high temperatures.
Like any fireplace, a chiminea will generate hot sparks whenever you light it. You can cut down on the number of sparks by using seasoned cut, well-seasoned wood. Also, place the screen of mesh on top of the stack. A metal grate placed on top of the opening will reduce the amount of sparks that fly out of your chiminea.
The firebox
A clay chiminea modern, also known as a "chimenea", is a great way to add a convenient outdoor fire pits & chimineas feature. These simple and flexible units are available in various designs and materials that will fit any outdoor or indoor setting.
Generally, these structures include a fire bowl, main body to feed and hold the wood, and a shorter chimney stack for the expulsion of smoke and ash. Some may include a grill or other cooking equipment for those who want to make their chimineas an outdoor kitchen.
As with any clay pot, a chiminea also requires regular maintenance to ensure it is in good shape. Clay can crack or break when it is put under extreme stress like sudden temperature fluctuations. To prevent this from happening it is best to put your chiminea in a stable location such as a fire pit, a firepad, or on stone or concrete.
In addition to ensuring that you keep your chiminea on a solid surface it is also advisable to keep the flames within the fire bowl as little as you can. It's easy for a large blaze to cause the clay to crack or break. This can cause extremely sharp chunks of hot clay to fly off and can be dangerous for pets or children who may be around.
It is best to "season" the chiminea in the beginning before using it. It is recommended to use four to eight small fires to fully seal the clay. After each fire, you should allow your chiminea's temperature to cool down completely before you attempt another.
Once your chiminea has been properly well-seasoned, you can count on it to last for years if properly maintained. Modern chimineas often use heavy clay that is heavily grogged to withstand sudden temperature fluctuations. This could cause other types of chimineas to crack or break. In times of heavy rain, it's recommended to use a chiminea cover. It will shield it from rain, sleet, and reduce the amount heat lost during rainy season.
