공지사항

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

The first time they were used was as bread ovens, chimineas reflect Mexico's rich heritage of culture. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.

Chimineas made of clay are fired in kilns to remove organic materials and make the pores more resistant to cracking. They can be used all year round, but should not be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a warm, sunny evening in the summer, with friends and family eating delicious food outdoors and being warm by your Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a picture like the Mexican roots of this type of outdoor chiminea fireplace fire pit.

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

Originally these stoves were made from natural terra-cotta clay which was dried and wood-fired in kilns. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and do not have an exterior that is glazed to protect them. Modern manufacturers make chimineas from metals such as cast iron, brass and aluminum. These materials provide enhanced weather resistance and durability, addressing one of the main limitations of the clay design.

The chiminea's distinctive design was influenced by the concept of a potbellied base that rises into an extended chimney. This shape is an ideal way to contain fire while also directing smoke upwards, which decreases the risk of inhaling air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were used for cooking, heating and providing light for the tribes of Mexico. We can still enjoy their aesthetics as well as the warmth they provide in the cold autumn evenings or even under the cold winter sun.

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

Our range of terracotta chimineas and Mexican chimineas are handmade by artisans in the heart of Mexico. The manufacturing process can cause minor variations in colour and shape. If your chiminea begins to discolour, you can easily repaint it using an emulsion water-based paint. It is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions and care tips before using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

Chimineas not only add character and warmth to any space they also are useful. They are available in various designs and materials. They can be paired with any patio furniture. They can be focal points or blend in seamlessly with the surroundings.

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, round body radiates warmth. It was also used as a gathering place for socializing and storytelling which played a crucial function in Mexican and Central American culture.

Traditionally, chimineas were handcrafted by local artisans from wet clay, which was collected directly from the ground. The raw material was then 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 large sized ones. Typically potters would coil long snakes of clay into a circular shape, and then smooth the clay to form the chiminea's bowl and neck. The rim of the clay was often decorated with carvings and patterns.

Modern chimineas are generally made from metals such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were an important improvement because they could stand up to high temperatures and humidity without cracking. This change allowed chimineas to be used in a vast range of climates.

Although there are several companies that make clay and terracotta chimineas, the majority of chimineas are now constructed from metal. The advantages of metal chimineas include its capability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These advantages have made chimineas made of metal more popular than clay counterparts.

It doesn't matter what kind of chiminea large you choose, it is important that it be placed in the right spot. It should be positioned in a level location and away from any fire-prone objects such as grass, trees or other structures. The chiminea should be set on a concrete, brick or stone patio, and not on a wooden deck. It's also an excellent idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones underneath the blue rooster chiminea to shield it from direct heat and keep the most hot part of the fire pits and chimineas away from the clay.

Materials

Kiln-fired terracotta and clay chimineas are still being produced by small factories. The temperatures can rise up to 1000c. Once they are cooled and cured, the chimineas are assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas provide the Mexican feeling in the garden.

Chimineas are usually hand painted with a variety of colours and designs to suit a wide range of styles. The paint finish will fade as time passes and with the 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 through time have become a symbol of culture, adjusting their functionality to accommodate a variety of needs. In addition to being bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico They also played a crucial role in repelling insects as well as encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea, having a wide base and a narrow chimney spout allows for the maximum amount of air to be drawn into the bottom of the structure, which reduces smoke inhalation. It also helps retain the heat inside the chiminea's belly, which makes it ideal for cooking.

Presently, chimineas can be found in a variety of materials, including cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are the most commonly used, and offer the classic Mexican style. However, they are susceptible to crack under pressure and should only be used on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas carry less risk of damage and are elegant and sturdy.

To ensure the chiminea lasts for as long as is possible, it should always be placed in a well-ventilated location and shielded from rain and wind. It should be placed away from any structures or 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 smoking too much, it is advised to keep the leaves away and only well-seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is also important, as it will keep deposits from accumulating which are likely to ignite and blacken. Chimineas can be protected from wind to decrease the amount smoke that it produces.

Maintenance

Maintaining the equipment properly is essential to the longevity of any fire apparatus. This will prolong its life and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas are fragile and should be kept outdoors in a place where they can be taken care for. Although a chiminea made of clay may seem sturdy enough, it's still vulnerable to cracks and breakage from various sources. This is why it is crucial to examine your chiminea regularly for signs of wear and tear, and also to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the frequency at which it should be fired.

The first step in ensuring that your mexican chiminea stays looking its best is to wash it thoroughly with a mild detergent. This will eliminate any dirt and grime that could cause discoloration or corrosion. A wire brush is used to remove loose rust particles, and it is also recommended that you use gloves and goggles for safety reasons. After scrubbing your chiminea clean wash it off and let it dry completely. This will prevent any moisture that causes corrosion and will greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, lightly sand it down using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough areas which could catch embers if you decide to build a fire. Sanding will also help make the surface more even and attractive. In the end, sanding could be followed by a series of coats of stove or grill paint, which will enhance the appearance of your chiminea as well as guard it from rust.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind, as this can cause the paint to peel and fade. If this happens you can sand the areas affected with water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays, and it is generally easy to do. It is also crucial to only add a few pieces of wood at a given time and build small fires to your chiminea in order to "break it in" and prevent overheating.