A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess

This small propane chiminea provides all the warmth and comfort of a wood-burning fireplace without the mess. Simply place newspaper lightly scrunched in the sand or log grate inside, and add logs and a kindling before lighting.

This stylish black steel chiminea features an oxidized finish to add a casual look. The 360-degree grate maximizes your burning flames and the tall chimney carries smoke upward and away from the flames.

Types

A small chiminea is an outdoor fire pit that adds an additional element of warmth to an outdoor seating area or patio. These are also a great alternative to a grill for outdoor cooking. These grills can be found in a variety of materials, ranging from clay chiminea made of terra cotta, to cast aluminum chiminea iron and steel. They can also be constructed in a more traditional or modern style.

Some of these units feature chimneys that direct smoke away the seating area. This is a great feature when you reside in an area that has regulations on the amount of smoke that outdoor fireplaces and other heat sources can emit. Certain models also have an ash catcher and a spark screen in the chimney. Depending on the size of your room you may think about a chiminea that is able to support the weight of a large fire or holds a lot of wood.

The type of material your chiminea's made of is vital as it impacts its performance and how it looks in your outdoor space. Terra cotta models offer the classic look, but it is susceptible to damage from the elements. A metal chiminea is more durable, however it may require protection from rust. A hybrid chiminea, which is typically made from a mix of steel and cast iron could offer the best chiminea of both worlds.

In addition to the type of material, the size of your chiminea also has an impact on how much heat it produces. A larger chiminea will be heavier and more expensive, however it also generates more heat than a smaller chiminea.

Chimineas are typically decorated with a patterned surface, which adds charm. Some are decorated with ornaments and carved designs while others are simple lines and a basic finish. Some models have a lid that protects the flames and also prevent pets or children from being too close. Some models come with doors that facilitate the addition of fuel and take away the ashes. There are chimineas that have built-in barbecues, which allows you cook food over an open flame.

Safety

There are a few safety precautions you should consider when purchasing an inexpensive, portable chiminea. Chimineas do not pose an immediate threat to pets or children however, they can be very 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 things to remember is that a chiminea isn't the equivalent to a fireplace or wood stove. They don't have dampers that control the flame and can easily break if they are not handled properly.

Always use a fire-proof cover on your chiminea to prevent rain from entering the chiminea and causing it break. This will also help to reduce the smoke nuisance. You may also want to think about purchasing a freestanding, fireproof frame that will stand above the smoke stack to shield it from the elements.

Chimineas can generate a lot of sparks when they burn, which is why you should not place them near flame-prone objects such as fences and clotheslines. It's recommended to clean the area around your chiminea before lighting it, and also to ensure that it has at minimum six feet of distance from anything combustible.

A second safety measure is not to use gasoline, lighter liquid or any other accelerator in your chiminea. These liquids could cause an explosive explosion in the chimney and are a fire risk. It is also not recommended to use water to put out a fire in a chiminea because it could cause the clay to crack, or even break.

Make sure to use only wood to heat your chiminea. It emits less smoke than other fuels. Start with small pieces of wood and then add larger pieces to the flames. If you have trouble lighting the kindling then try placing some newspaper in a ball and placing it against the grate. This will generate a strong draft that will light the paper and the kindling.

Never burn a Chiminea indoors. It releases dangerous carbon monoxide fumes which can be deadly for both people and animals. It can also cause serious damage to your home and pose an ignition risk.

Maintenance

Chiminesas can be an attractive addition to any outdoor area and can provide warmth and ambience when used frequently. Proper maintenance will enhance its appearance, reduce accidents and damage, and ensure that it will be enjoyed for a long time to come. Regular cleaning and inspections of both the interior and exterior should be part of the routine care, as well as appropriate storage in non-seasonal weather conditions.

Chimineas must be placed in a place that is free of branches and structures with overhangs, and also away from any combustible material like concrete and pavers. It is also risky to place a chiminea under the roof, or on any other structure. Sparks can fly from the chimney and ignite whatever is above. The area should be big enough to accommodate a chiminea and its flue. There should also be a few feet clearance across all sides.

Chiminies can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent using soft brushes to avoid damaging the surface of the clay. After washing the chiminea, it must be thoroughly rinsed and then allowed to dry completely. Before cleaning, it's essential to clean any ash off the chiminea's bowl and chimney. When cleaning it is crucial to wear gloves to avoid touching the hot soot and ash. During the process, it's essential to check the exterior and interior for any chips or cracks that may require repair.

Most chiminea retailers sell clay repair kits that can be used to repair cracks. These kits include all the sealants needed as well as adhesives and other materials to fix small cracks. If a crack is not addressed in time, it could become a major problem that compromises the safety and integrity of the chiminea.

In order to keep a chiminea in good health it must be powered by natural wood products that are seasoned and dry. Burning paint or treated wood, as along with trash and plastics can cause toxic fumes to be released into the chiminea. Proper fuel and regular cleaning help keep cracks and damages caused by excessive heat. It is essential to control the size of the flames in the chiminea. Avoiding roaring, large flames could cause thermal shock to the clay.

Cleaning

A well-maintained chiminea can give you many pleasant evenings of warmth and sociability. But, like most outdoor furniture and equipment it requires regular cleaning to ensure optimum performance. It is essential to ensure safety and gloves and goggles are a must-have to protect your skin from dirt and dust during cleaning. When cleaning the chiminea it's important to ensure that the chiminea is cooled completely. This will not only protect your skin, but helps to prevent the inhalation of dangerous particles that might still be hot from earlier fires.

Before you begin the cleaning process, you must remove any large clumps of ash that have been accumulating in the chiminea Outdoor and eliminate them in a safe manner. Wearing protective equipment, use a wirebrush to gently remove any loose rust. A light sanding can be beneficial, too, as it helps eliminate any final rust particles that are missed by the wire brush and smooths the largest chiminea's surface ready to be painted with a suitable high-heat paint designed for fireplaces or grills.

The majority of home improvement stores sell clay repair kits. This inspection should be done prior to using the chiminea because it will help strengthen the material and make it ready for regular heating. It's also a good way to identify any cracks or other damage that may not be visible even when the chiminea hasn't been in use.

It is crucial to remember that you should make use of a chiminea outdoors on a non-flammable foundation, such as a concrete slab or sand or hearth pad. This is especially important if there are children or pets around who might be enticed to play near the flames or if your chiminea's placed near flammable objects such as wooden fences and planters, as well as garden lights and furniture. When it is not in use, you should also put an lid over the chiminea in order to limit the possibility of the spread of a fire.