A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess

With this small terracotta chiminea, you get all the warmth of a fire that burns wood without the mess. Simply place newspaper lightly scrunched in the sand, or put a log grate inside, then add kindling and logs before lighting.

This stylish black steel chiminea has an oxidized finish that adds an informal look. The 360-degree grate is ideal for crackling flames, while the tall chimney channels smoke upwards and away from the flames.

Types

A small chiminea can be used to provide warmth to the patio or outdoor seating area. They are also a great alternative to a grill when cooking outdoors. These grills are available in a wide variety of materials, from terra cotta clay to cast iron and steel. They can also be constructed in a traditional or more modern style.

Some of these units include a chimney that carries smoke away from the seating area. This could be beneficial if you reside in a region that has restrictions on the amount of smoke produced by outdoor fireplaces or other heat sources. Certain models feature an ash screen as well as a spark screen within the fireplace. Depending on the size of your fireplace you may be interested in a chiminea that can support the weight of a large fire or holds a lot of wood.

The material of your chiminea can have an impact on its performance as well as appearance in your outdoor space. A terra cotta model offers the classic look, but it is prone to being damaged by the elements. A Metal chimineas chiminea is more durable, however it can require protection from rust. A hybrid chiminea that is typically made from a mix of cast iron and steel could offer the best of both worlds.

The size of your chiminea may affect the amount of heat that is produced. A larger chiminea tends to be heavier and cost more, however it also generates more heat than a smaller unit.

Metal chimineas are usually decorated with a decorative surface which adds charm. Some are embellished with ornaments or carved designs, while others have simple lines and a plain finish. Some models come with a lid to keep pets and children away from the flames. Some models have doors to facilitate the addition of fuel and take away the ashes. There are chimineas that have an integrated barbecue that lets you cook food on an open fire.

Safety

If you're thinking about buying a small chiminea, there are some important safety measures to keep in mind. Chimineas aren't inherently dangerous however they can get hot and can pose a risk to children and pets when you're not cautious. Make sure to take a few steps to ensure that you enjoy your chiminea for a long time to be.

One of the most important points to remember is that a chiminea isn't the equivalent to a fireplace or wood stove. They don't have dampers to control the flame and are prone to break if are not handled properly.

Use a lid that is fire-proof on your chiminea. This will stop rain from getting in and causing damage to the stack. This can also help reduce smoke nuisance. You may also want to consider purchasing a freestanding, fireproof frame that will stand above the smoke stack to shield it from the elements.

Chimineas can create a lot of sparks when they burn, which is why you should avoid placing them in close proximity to flammable objects like fences and clotheslines. It is also important to clear the area around your chiminea before lighting it. Make sure there are at minimum six feet between it and any combustible object.

Another safety measure is to never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other accelerant in your chiminea. These liquids can be dangerous to fire and could cause an explosion in the chimney. Also, you should not use water to light a fire in a chiminea as it can cause the clay to crack or even break.

Only use wood to heat your chiminea. It produces less smoke than other fuels. Start with small pieces of wood, and later add larger pieces to the flames. If you have difficulties lighting the fire you can try putting newspaper in a ball and laying it against the grate. This will create a powerful draft which will spark the paper and ignite the kindling.

Never burn a chiminea indoors since it can release harmful carbon monoxide fumes which can cause death to people and animals alike. Additionally, it's a fire pits chimineas hazard and can cause serious damage to your home.

Maintenance

A chiminea is an attractive feature for any outdoor space and can provide warmth and atmosphere when it is used often. Proper maintenance enhances its appearance and prevents damage and safety hazards and ensures that it will be enjoyed for years to come. Routine care should include regular cleaning and inspections, both inside and outside and appropriate storage in the off-season.

Chimineas must be placed in an area which is clear of overhanging structures and branches and away from combustible material such as pavers and concrete. Placing a chimney directly on top of a roof or any other structure is dangerous, as sparks can be released from the chimney and ignite anything that is above it. The area must be large enough to accommodate a chiminea and its flue. There should also be some space on all sides.

Chiminies can be cleaned using water and a mild detergent, using soft brushes to ensure that the surface is not damaged by the clay. After washing, the chiminea must be thoroughly rinsed and dried completely. Before cleaning, it's important to get rid of any ash that has accumulated in the chimney and chiminea's bowl. While cleaning it is essential to wear gloves to avoid contact with the hot soot and ash. During the cleaning process, it is important to check the exterior and interior of the vehicle for chips or cracks that might need to be repaired.

If cracks do occur they can be repaired by using a specially-designed clay repair kit that is available from a variety of chiminea stores. These kits include all the necessary sealants adhesives, sealants, and other materials to fix minor cracks. If a fracture is left untreated, eventually it can become a major issue that could compromise the integrity and safety of the Chiminea.

To keep a chiminea in good health it must be fuelled by natural wood products that are well-seasoned and dry. Burning paint or treated wood as well as trash and plastics can cause toxic fumes to be released into the chiminea. A properly-used fuel and regular maintenance can prevent cracks or damage caused by excessive heat. It is also important to control the size of fires within the chiminea, and avoid large, roaring fires which can cause thermal stress and shock to the clay.

Cleaning

A well-maintained chiminea can bring many enjoyable evenings of warmth and sociability. Like all outdoor furniture and equipment, it requires regular cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Security is the most important factor. Gloves and goggles are essential to protect your skin during cleaning. When cleaning the chiminea it's important to ensure that the chiminea has cooled completely. This will not only safeguard your skin but also prevent the inhalation of harmful particles that may still be hot from previous fires.

Before you start the cleaning process, you must remove any large clumps of ash that have built up in the chiminea, and dispose of them in a safe way. Wearing protective gear employ a wirebrush to gently remove loose rust. A light sanding can be beneficial, too, as it helps eliminate any final particles of rust that are missed by the wire brush. It also smooths the surface of the chiminea, ready for repainting with an appropriate high-heat paint that is designed for grills or fireplaces.

Clay Ceramic chimineas should be regularly examined, and if any damage is found the chiminea should be repaired by using clay repair kits available from most home improvement stores. It is a good idea to carry out this inspection before your first use of the chiminea as it can help strengthen the clay, and also prepare it for regular heating. It's also a great way to identify any cracks or other damages that might not be obvious when the chiminea isn't in use.

It's vital to note that a chiminea should only be used outdoors on a non-flammable base such as a concrete slab, sand or a hearth pad. This is particularly important if you have pets or children who may be enticed to play with the burning sparks, or if it's situated near flammable materials such as wooden fences and lighting for your garden, planters and furniture. Also, it's recommended to put an over-the-top lid of your chiminea when it's not being used, in order to minimize the chance of burning fires spreading.