• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally designed to be a bread oven Chimineas are a symbol of Mexico's rich heritage of culture. The timeless design blends practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

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

Origins

Imagine a summer evening that is warm and sunny, surrounded by family and friends, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, warm by the gentle heat from your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor fireplace.

The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the cold winter nights in their home. Their distinctive shape was derived from their utilitarian values which emphasised practicality and shared living.

The stoves were originally constructed from natural terra-cotta clay which was dried before being fired wood in kilns. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and don't have a a glazed surface to protect them. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas made of metals like aluminum, cast iron and brass. These materials provide enhanced weather resistance and durability, addressing one of the biggest weaknesses of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was influenced by the concept of a pot-bellied base which rises up into an extended chimney. This design is ideal for containing a fire while sending smoke upwards. This minimizes the intake of air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were used for cooking, heating and providing light for the tribal people of Mexico. We can still enjoy their design and the warmth they provide in the cold winter evenings or even in the warm winter sun.

Gardeco has a range of styles that will suit your garden. We offer a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large. We also sell clay chimineas for sale near me that have decor that can be moulded or inscribed into the body of the item.

Our range of terracotta and Mexican Chimineas are made by artisans from the center of the country. The process of making them can cause minor variations in the shape and colour. If your chiminea begins discolour, you can easily repaint it with an emulsion water-based paint. It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions and tips for care before using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

Chimineas are not just practical, but they also give an authentic and rustic look to the space. They are available in a variety of materials and designs and can be paired with any furniture for your patio. They can be used as a focal point, or blend seamlessly with your landscaping.

The traditional chimenea, made of clay, was designed with both practical and historical significance in mind. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed smoke away from the users and its rounded round body radiates warmth. It also served as a center for socializing and storytelling which played a crucial function in Mexican and Central American culture.

Traditional chimineas are handcrafted by local artisans using wet clay that is collected directly from the earth. The clay was then molded to its final shape before being kiln dried. Clay chimeneas are extremely labor-intensive to create, especially the larger ones. The chiminea's neck as well as the bowl are made by smoothing together long snakes of clay rolled. The rim of the clay is often decorated with carvings or patterns.

A modern chiminea is usually constructed from metal, such as cast aluminium chiminea iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas are an important improvement because they could withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This allowed chimineas to be used in many different climates.

Although there are still several companies that make clay and terracotta chimineas, the majority of chimineas are now constructed from metal. Metal chimineas are stronger and are easier to clean. Metal chimineas are much more popular than clay chimineas due to the fact that they can stand up to higher temperatures and be cleaned with ease.

No matter which type of chiminea you choose it is essential to place it in the right spot. It should be positioned in a level area and away from any fire-prone objects like trees, grass, or other buildings. The chiminea must also be set on a brick, concrete, or stone patio and not on a wooden deck. It's also a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones underneath the chiminea to shield it from direct heat and keep the most hot part of the fire from the clay.

Materials

Traditional clay and terracotta chimineas that are still produced by small companies today, are kiln fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. After cooling and cured, the chimineas are assembled. Some are glazed while others are left unglazed. These chimineas provide an Mexican feel in a garden.

Chimineas are typically hand-painted and come in many colors and designs that can be adapted to 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 that is water-based.

In the beginning, they were designed to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through time have become a cultural symbol, adapting their function to satisfy a variety of requirements. These distinctive structures were not solely used by indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played an important role in repelling bugs and promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea, featuring a wide base and narrow chimney spout, allows for the most air to be drawn in from the bottom of the structure, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps retain the heat within the chiminea's belly, making it perfect for cooking.

Currently, chimineas are available in a variety of materials that include cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are the most commonly used, and offer the classic Mexican style. However, they are prone to cracking under pressure and should only be placed on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas carry a lower risk of damage and are stylish and robust.

To make sure the chiminea will last as long as you can, keep it in a place which is well ventilated and shielded from rain and wind. It should be positioned away from any walls or structures that might catch alight as well as eaves or patio roofs which may be damaged by the sudden change in temperature that happens when the chiminea is removed. To ensure that the chiminea does not smoke excessively it is recommended that only dried, seasoned logs are burned. It is essential to clean the chiminea frequently with a wirebrush, as this will prevent deposits that may cause blackening and burning. The chiminea can be protected from wind, which will reduce the amount of smoke it releases.

Maintenance

Like all fire equipment, proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This can prolong its lifespan and ensure that it functions safely. Chimineas can be fragile, and should be kept outdoors where they can be cared for. While a clay chiminea may seem sturdy enough, it is still susceptible to cracks and breaking due to various sources. It is important to check your chiminea for signs wear, and to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how often you should fire it.

To keep your Mexican chimney looking beautiful, you should clean it thoroughly using mild detergent. This will get rid of any build-up dirt and grime, which can lead to discoloration and rust. A wire brush should be used to remove dust and rust particles. it is recommended you wear gloves and goggles for safety reasons. After you have scrubbed, wash the largest chiminea, and allow it to dry completely. This will keep any moisture from which causes corrosion, and can prolong the life of your chiminea.

After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, it needs to be lightly sanded with fine grit Sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and remove any rough areas which could catch embers if you decide to start a fire. Sanding can also make the look more attractive and even. The sanding process can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and guard it from rust.

Keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind as this could cause paint to peel and fade. If this happens you can sand the affected areas with water-based emulsion paints or masonry spray, and it's generally simple to do. It is also essential to only add a small chiminea amount of wood at a time, and make small fires in your chiminea to "break it in" and prevent overheating.