A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess

With this small chiminea, you can enjoy the warmth of a fire that burns wood without the mess. Place newspaper lightly scrunched into the sand grate or log grates, and then add the kindling and logs prior to lighting.

This sleek black chiminea features an oxidized look for casual flair. The 360-degree grate maximizes your burning flames while the tall chimney carries smoke upward and away from you.

Types

A small chiminea could be used to add warmth to an outdoor patio or seating area. These are also a great alternative to a grill for cooking outdoors. These units come in a variety of materials including terracotta clay, cast aluminum chiminea iron to steel. They can also be designed in a traditional or contemporary style.

Some models have a chimney that directs smoke away the seating area. This may be useful if you reside in a location that has regulations on the amount of smoke outdoor fireplaces and other sources of heat can emit. Certain models come with an ash screen and spark screen inside the fireplace. Based on the size of your fireplace, you might think about an adobe chiminea which can accommodate a large fire or that can hold a large amount of wood.

The material of your chiminea can have an impact on its performance and appearance in your outdoor space. Terra cotta models are classic, but they can be damaged by elements. A chiminea made of metal chiminea is more durable, however it may require protection from the rust. A hybrid chiminea, typically made from a mix of steel chiminea and cast iron could offer the best of both worlds.

In addition to the type of material, the size of your chiminea also affects the amount of heat it produces. A larger chiminea weighs more and is more expensive, but it can also generate more heat.

Chimineas typically have a beautiful surface that gives them an added appearance of a charm. Some are embellished with ornaments and carved patterns while others have plain lines and a simple finish. Some have a lid that protects the flames and prevent children or pets from being too close. Some models have a door that makes it easier to add fuel or remove the ashes. Chimineas can be found with built-in barbecues, which lets you cook food on an open flame.

Safety

If you're considering purchasing a small chiminea there are some important precautions to bear in your mind. Chimineas do not pose a danger to pets or children however, they can be extremely hot. Make sure to take a few precautions to ensure you can enjoy your chiminea for a long time to be.

One of the most important aspects to remember is that a chiminea's design is not the same as a fireplace or wood stove. They don't have dampers to control the burning, and could easily break if they are not handled with care.

Always use a fire-resistant cover for your chiminea to prevent rain from entering the chiminea and causing it break. This will also help reduce the smoke nuisance. You may want to purchase an independent fireproof frame that can be set up above the smoke stack. This will shield it from the weather.

Chimineas can generate a lot of sparks when they ignite, so you should avoid placing them near flammable items like clotheslines and fences. You should also clear the area around your chiminea prior to lighting it. Be sure there are at least six feet of space between it and anything that could ignite.

Another measure to protect yourself is to avoid using gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other accelerant in your chiminea. These liquids can be an hazard to fire and can cause an explosion in the chimney. Water should never be used to ignite a chiminea flame as it could cause the chinese clay to crack and even break.

It is recommended to make use of wood for your chiminea because it will produce less smoke and heat than other fuels. Start with small pieces of wood and then add larger pieces to the flames. If you are having difficulties lighting the fire then try placing some newspaper into a ball and placing it against the grate. This will generate a strong draft which will ignite the paper and kindling.

Never burn a Chiminea indoors. It will release toxic carbon monoxide fumes that can be deadly for both people and animals. It's also dangerous to fire and could cause serious damage to your home.

Maintenance

When used frequently, a chiminea can be an attractive addition to any outdoor space and provides warmth and ambiance. Proper maintenance will enhance its appearance, reduce accidents and damage, and ensure that it will be enjoyed for years to be. Regular cleaning and inspections of both the exterior and interior are essential to routine maintenance, as should appropriate storage in non-seasonal weather conditions.

Chimineas should be placed in a place that is free of structures and branches that hang over, and away from combustible materials such as pavers or concrete. It is also dangerous to put a chiminea on a roof or other structure. Sparks can fly from the chimney and ignite anything above. The area must be clean and large enough to hold the entire chiminea, including flue, and have the possibility of having a few feet of clearance from all sides for the safety of use.

Chiminies should be cleaned using a mild detergent and water, using soft brushes and a cloth to prevent damaging the clay surface. After washing the chiminea, it should be thoroughly rinsed and dried completely. Before cleaning, it is essential to get rid of any ash that has accumulated in the chiminea's bowl and chimney. Wearing gloves while cleaning is essential to avoid contact with hot soot or ash. During the cleaning process, it's important to examine the exterior and interior of the vehicle for chips or cracks that may need to be repaired.

Most chiminea retailers sell clay repair kits that can be used to fix cracks. These kits contain all the required adhesives and sealants to properly fix small cracks and fractures. If a crack is left unattended, it could eventually become a major issue that compromises the integrity of the chiminea and makes it unsafe to use.

To keep a chiminea in good condition, it should be fueled with natural wood products that have been seasoned and dry. Burning materials such as treated or painted wood, plastics, and garbage can release toxic fumes that are harmful to chiminesas. Proper fuel and regular maintenance can prevent cracks and damage caused by excessive heat. It is also essential to control the size of fires in the chiminea, and avoid large, roaring flames that could cause thermal shock and stress to the clay.

Cleaning

A chiminea that is well maintained will offer many warm and social evenings. Like all outdoor furniture and equipment, it requires regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Safety is the most important factor, with gloves and goggles necessary to shield your skin from dirt and dust during cleaning. Before cleaning the chiminea it's important to ensure that the chiminea has completely cooled. This is not only safe for your skin, but also helps to prevent the inhalation of dangerous particles that might still be hot from earlier fires.

Before beginning the cleaning procedure, remove any large clumps of ash that have built up in the chiminea, and eliminate them in a safe manner. With a wire brush gently scrub off any loose rust, remembering to wear your safety equipment. A light sanding is also beneficial as it helps remove any final rust particles that the wire brush missed, and smooths the surface of your chiminea.

The majority of home improvement stores sell clay repair kits. The inspection should be conducted before using the chiminea, as it will strengthen the material and make it ready for regular heating. It's also a great method to check for any cracks or other damage that may not be apparent when the chiminea isn't in use.

It is important to note that you should only make use of a chiminea outdoors on a nonflammable base, such as a concrete slab or sand or hearth pad. This is particularly important especially if you have pets or children around that may be tempted to play close to the blazes or if your chiminea's located near flammable materials like wooden fences, planters, garden lights and furniture. When not in use, you should also put the lid on top of the chiminea in order to limit the risk of an explosion spreading.