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

• 페이스북 공유
• 트위터 공유
• 

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, originally used as ovens for baking, are a reflection of Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The timeless design blends practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Chimineas made of clay can be fired in kilns which remove organic matter from the clay and seals the pores to avoid cracking. They are designed to live outdoors all year round but must be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a balmy summer evening with friends and family, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle heat of your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a scene that is reminiscent of the Mexican roots of this type of outdoor fire pit.

These traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens, aiding tribesmen during the dark winter nights of their home country. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian qualities, emphasising practicality and the importance of communal living.

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

The distinctive design of the chiminea was inspired by the concept of a pot-bellied base which rises up into an elongated chimney. This design is perfect for containing a fire while sending smoke upwards. This minimizes air intake and enhances heat retention.

Chimineas were used to cook for heating, cooking and also to provide light for the tribes of Mexico. Today, we can appreciate these beautiful qualities and the warm comfort they offer on cold autumn evenings, and even in brisk winter sun.

Gardeco has a range of styles that will suit your garden. We have a variety of sizes; from small and medium to large chiminea and jumbo. We also carry clay chimineas that have been decorated with either an engraved or moulded design.

Our range of terracotta-based Chimineas and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans right in the heart of the country. The process of manufacturing can result in slight variations in shape and colour. You can always repaint your chiminea using an emulsion paint that's water-based in the event that it begins to discolour. Before using your new chiminea, it's essential to read all instructions and care tips provided by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas aren't just useful, but they also provide an authentic and rustic feel to the space. They are available in a variety of styles and materials and can be combined to any patio furniture. They can be focal points or blend in seamlessly with the landscape.

The traditional chimenea, made of clay, was created with both practical and cultural significance in mind. Its tall, chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users and its rounded round body radiates warmth. It was also used as a place for gathering and storytelling, giving it an important function in Mexican and Central American culture.

Traditional chimineas are made by local artisans using wet clay that is gathered directly from the earth. The raw material was then transformed into the shape of the final chimenea before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor intensive to make particularly large ones. Typically the potters would roll long snakes of clay into a cylindrical shape and then smooth the clay, creating the chiminea's bowl and neck. The rim of the clay was often decorated with patterns and carvings.

A modern chiminea is usually made of metal such as cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made of metal was an important evolutionary step because they are able to endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas to be used in many different climates.

While there are several companies that produce clay and terracotta chimineas, the majority of chimineas are now constructed from metal. Metal chimineas are stronger and are easier to clean. These factors have made chimineas from metal more popular than their clay counterparts.

Whatever type of chiminea that you select it is essential to place it in the right place. It should be placed in a level area and away from any fire-prone objects such as grass, trees or other structures. The chiminea indoor must be placed on a brick, concrete, patio or stone terrace and never on a wood deck. It's also a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones underneath the chiminea to protect it from direct heat and keep the most hot part of the fire from the clay.

Materials

Kiln-fired clay chimineas and terracotta chimineas are still being produced by small-scale factories. The temperatures can rise up to 1000 degrees Celsius. Once they are cooled and cured they are then assemble. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas are a very popular choice since they give an authentic Mexican look to a garden.

Chimineas can be hand painted in a variety colours and patterns to fit different styles. The paint finish does discolour due to time and heat of the fire, so it is recommended to paint again using an emulsion that is water-based.

Originally designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through time have become a symbol of culture, adjusting their functions to satisfy a variety of requirements. In addition to serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico They also played a crucial role in repelling insects as well as encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea, featuring a wide base and narrow chimney spout, allows the maximum amount of air to be drawn in at the bottom of the structure, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea's belly. This makes it perfect for cooking.

Chimineas today can be found in many different materials like terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminium. 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 aluminium chimineas are less prone to cracking, and are elegant and durable.

To ensure that the chiminea will last as long as you can, keep it in a place that is well-ventilated and shielded from rain and wind. It should be kept away from any structures or walls that could catch fire, and also the roofs of patios and eaves that may be damaged by a sudden shift in temperature after the blue rooster chiminea has been put out. In order to prevent the chiminea's ashes from burning excessively, it is recommended that leaves are not burned and only seasoned, kiln dried logs be burned. It is crucial to clean the chiminea frequently using a wirebrush, since this will avoid deposits that could burn and blacken. The chiminea being protected from wind will also help to reduce the amount of smoke it produces as it is burned.

Maintenance

The proper maintenance is vital to the longevity of any fire equipment. This will help to extend its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas can be fragile and should be kept in a protected area in a place where they can be taken care for. While a chiminea made from clay may appear to be sturdy enough, it's still vulnerable to cracks and breaking due to various sources. This is why it's essential to check your chiminea regularly for signs of wear and tear, as well as to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how often it should be fired.

The first step in ensuring that your mexican chiminea stays looking the best is to scrub it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will remove any built-up dirt and grime, which can lead to discoloration and corrosion. A wire brush should be used to scrub away loose rust particles, and it is recommended you wear gloves and safety glasses for safety reasons. After scrubbing your chiminea clean then rinse it and allow it to dry completely. This will stop any moisture causing corrosion and can greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

Once your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it needs to be lightly sanded using fine grit Sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and remove any rough spots that could attract embers if you decide to build an open flame. The sanding can also help to make the surface more uniform and attractive. Sanding can be followed by several coats of stove paint or grill paint to improve the appearance and protect your chiminea from corrosion.

It is also recommended to keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and winds, as this can cause the paint to peel and fade. If this happens, you can touch up the areas affected with water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays and it's generally simple to do. It is also important to only add a few pieces of wood at a time and make small fires in your chiminea to "break it into" and avoid overheating.