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Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally used as a bread oven, chimineas reflect Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.

Clay chimineas are fired in kilns to remove organic materials and make the pores more resistant to cracking. They are designed to live outdoors all year round, but must be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a balmy evening in the summer with friends and family enjoying delicious food outdoors, all warmed by your Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a scene that is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor firepit.

The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens. They helped tribesmen survive the cold winter nights in their homes. Their distinctive shape was derived by their utilitarian principles that emphasised practicality and shared living.

Originally, these stoves were built out of natural terracotta clay which was dried in kilns and then wood-fired. Clay chimineas have a more rustic look and were not glazed to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas using metals like brass, cast iron and aluminum. These materials are more robust and resistant to weathering, which is one of the main limitations of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by a pot-bellied base that rises up to create an extended fireplace. This shape is an ideal method of containing a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which minimizes the risk of inhaling air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were used by Mexican tribes for heating, cooking and lighting. We can still enjoy their beauty and the warmth they bring in the chilly autumn evenings, or even in the cold winter sun.

No matter if your chiminea's an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to match your decor and garden. We have a variety of sizes, from small and medium to large and large. We also stock clay chimineas which have been decorated with either an engraved or moulded design.

Our range of terracotta chimineas and Mexican chimineas are handmade by artisans in the heart of the country. The process of making them can cause minor variations in colour and shape. If your chiminea starts to fade, you can always paint it over with an water-based emulsion. It is important to read the instructions of the manufacturer and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

Chimineas are not only practical, but they also give an authentic and rustic feel to the space. They come in different styles and materials, and they can be combined to any patio furniture. They can be focal points or blend seamlessly into the surroundings.

The traditional chimenea made of clay, was created with both practical and historical significance in mind. Its tall, chimney-like neck directed the smoke away from its users and its rounded, circular body exuded warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, which played a significant role in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditionally, chimineas were handcrafted by local artisans using moist clay that was taken directly from the ground. The clay was then formed into its final form before being kiln dried. The process of creating the clay chimenea was very labor-intensive, particularly for the large sized ones. Typically, potters would coil long snakes of clay into a cylinder shape, and then smooth the clay, creating the chiminea's bowl as well as neck. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns and carvings.

Modern chimineas are usually constructed of metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made from metal was a significant step forward because they are able to endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a broad range of climates.

Metal chimineas are the most common however there are some companies that produce clay and terracotta chimineas sale. The advantages of metal chimineas include its ability to withstand higher temperatures, as well as the fact that it is able to be cleaned more easily. These advantages have made chimineas from metal more popular than their clay counterparts.

Whatever type of chiminea outdoor that you select, it's essential that you place it in the proper spot. It should be placed in a leveled space and away from any flammable items like grass, trees or other structures. The chiminea needs to be set on an asphalt patio, brick patio, or stone terrace and not on a deck made of wood. It's also recommended to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones under 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 which are still manufactured by small-scale factories today, are fired to temperatures of up to 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas are able to be put together. Some are glazed, while others are left unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice because they provide the authentic Mexican style to your garden.

Chimineas are usually hand painted, with various colors and designs to fit an array of styles. The paint finish will discolour over time and with the heat from the fire, therefore it is best to re-paint using a water-based acrylic emulsion.

The original purpose was to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through the years have transformed into an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their function to meet a variety of needs. In addition to being bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico, these distinctive structures also played a crucial role in repelling insects and in promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of the chiminea with its wide base and narrow chimney spout permits maximum air to be drawn into the chiminea's bottom, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea, which makes it ideal to cook over.

Chimineas today can be found in many different materials like cast iron, terracotta clay and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are the most commonly used, and offer the traditional Mexican style. However, they are prone to crack under pressure and should only be used on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have less risk of damage but are still elegant and robust.

To ensure the chiminea lasts as long as possible It should be placed in a well-ventilated location and protected from wind and rain. It should be positioned away from any walls and structures which could catch alight, as well as any eaves or patio roofs which might be damaged by the sudden change in temperature that occurs when the blue rooster chiminea's flame is completely extinguished. To avoid the chiminea burning excessively it is recommended that only dried, seasoned logs are burned. Regular cleaning using wire brushes is crucial, as it helps keep deposits from accumulating which are likely to ignite and blacken. The chiminea being protected from winds will also help reduce the amount of smoke it releases as it is burned.

Maintenance

Like all fire equipment it is important to maintain it properly to ensuring the longevity of your chiminea. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure it works safely. Chimineas can be fragile and should be kept outside in a place where they can be taken care for. Even though a clay chiminea appears to be sturdy however, it could still crack and break from various sources. This is why it's essential to check 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 to ensure that your mexican chiminea stays looking its best is to clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will remove any built-up dirt and grime that could cause discoloration and rust. To remove loose rust particles you should use a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles are worn for safety. After you have scrubbed, wash the chiminea, and allow it to dry completely. This will keep any moisture from causing corrosion and can greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it should be lightly sanded using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and remove any rough areas which could be caught on sparks when you start a fire. The sanding can also help to make the surface more uniform and attractive. In the end, sanding could be followed by a series of coats of stove or grill paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and keep it from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind, as it can cause the paint to peel and fade. If this occurs you can sand the affected areas using water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays, and it's usually easy to do. It is also crucial to only add a few pieces of wood at a given time and create small fires for your chiminea to "break it into" and to avoid overheating.