9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Mexican Chimineas
Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Chimineas, which were originally used as ovens for baking, are a reflection of Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The simple design, which blends practicality and aesthetics, is timeless.
Chimineas of clay are fired in kilns to eliminate organic materials and make the pores more resistant to cracking. They can be used outdoors all year long however they shouldn't be exposed to the elements for too long.
Origins
Imagine a warm evening in summer, with your loved ones and family eating delicious food outside with a warm Mexican or clay chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins for this type of outdoor fireplace.
These traditional terracotta stoves were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the harsh winter nights in their homeland. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian characteristics which emphasized practicality and importance of living in a communal setting.
These stoves were initially made 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 the protection of a glazed surface. them. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas made of metals such as aluminum, cast iron and brass. These are more durable and resistant to weather, which is one of the main limitations of the clay design.
The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by a pot-bellied bottom that rises up to create an extended fireplace. This design is ideal for containing a fire pit with chiminea while directing smoke upwards. This helps reduce the intake of air and increases heat retention.
Mexican tribes used chimineas for lighting, heating and cooking. Today we can enjoy them for their beauty and the warmth they provide on chilly autumn evenings and even in chilly winter days.
No matter if your chiminea's an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern one, Gardeco has a choice of styles that will suit your garden and decor. We stock a wide range of sizes, ranging from small and medium to extra-large and Jumbo. We also carry clay chimineas that have been decorated with either a moulded or engraved design.
Our selection of terracotta chimineas and mexican chimineas (via famous-directory.com) is handmade by artisans right in the middle of Mexico. The colours and shapes can vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea begins discolour you can always repaint it with an water-based emulsion. It is important to read the instructions of the manufacturer and tips for care before using your new chiminea for the first time.
Design
Chimineas are not 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 they can be matched with any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point, or they can blend in seamlessly with your landscape.
The clay chimenea was created to serve both practical and historical reasons. The tall, chimney-like neck directed the smoke away from its users and its rounded circular body exuded warmth. It also served as a center for storytelling and socializing and played a significant function in Mexican and Central American culture.
Traditional Ceramic chimineas are crafted by local artisans using wet clay that is taken directly from the earth. The clay was then formed into its final form prior to being dried by kiln. The process of making a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, particularly for larger ones. The chiminea's neck and bowl are created by smoothing long snakes of rolled clay. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns or carvings.
A modern chiminea is usually composed of metals like cast iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were an important development because they can withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a broad range of climates.
Metal Chimineas are most commonly used but there are certain companies that make clay and terracotta chimineas. Metal chimineas are more durable and easier to clean. These factors have made metal chimineas more popular than their clay counterparts.
Whatever type of chiminea that you select it is essential to place it in the right location. It should be positioned in a level area and away from any fire-prone objects, such as trees, grass, or other buildings. The chiminea needs to be set on an asphalt patio, brick patio or stone terrace and should not be placed on a wood deck. It's also recommended to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones underneath the chiminea fire pit to shield it from direct heat and keep the hot part of the fire from the clay.
Materials
Kiln-fired terracotta and clay chimineas are still being manufactured by small-scale factories. The temperatures can rise up to 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas can be assembled. Some are covered in glaze, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas offer an Mexican feeling in a garden.
Chimineas can be painted by hand in a variety of colours and patterns to fit different styles. The paint finish will fade as time passes and also with the heat from the fire, therefore it is recommended to paint again using an acrylic emulsion that is water-based.
Originally designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through time have become a cultural symbol, adapting their functions to accommodate a variety of needs. In addition to serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico These distinctive structures also played a crucial role in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.
The unique design of the chiminea, with its broad base and narrow chimney spout permits the most air to be drawn into the structure from the bottom, which reduces the intake of smoke. It also helps retain the heat within the chiminea's belly. This makes it perfect for cooking.
Chimineas are currently available in a wide range of materials such as terracotta, cast iron, and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are by far the most popular choice, providing the traditional Mexican look. However, they are prone to cracking under pressure and should only be used on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to damage, while remaining stylish and durable.
To ensure the chiminea lasts for as long as it can it should be placed in a well-ventilated location and protected from rain and wind. It should be kept away from any walls and structures that might catch alight as well as eaves or patio roofs which may be damaged by the sudden shift in temperature that happens when the chiminea's flame is removed. To avoid the chiminea burning excessively it is recommended that only seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. It is important to clean the chiminea regularly using a wirebrush, since this will help prevent the build-up of deposits that may cause blackening and burning. The chiminea being protected from winds will also help reduce the amount of smoke that it emits as it burns.
Maintenance
Maintaining the equipment properly is essential to the longevity of any fire apparatus. This can prolong its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should be kept outside in a place where they can be properly taken care of. Although a chiminea for sale made from clay appears to be sturdy but it is still susceptible to cracks and break from a variety of sources. It is essential to inspect your chiminea for signs of wear, and to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how often to start it up.
The first step in ensuring that your mexican-chiminea stays looking its best is to wash it thoroughly using an easy detergent solution. This will eliminate any built-up dirt and grime, which can cause discoloration or corrosion. To remove the rusty particles that are loose, use a wire brush. It is recommended that goggles and gloves are worn to protect yourself. After cleaning, rinse the chiminea and allow it to dry completely. This will stop any moisture from causing corrosion and can significantly extend the lifespan of your chiminea.
After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, you can lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that could catch on to embers when you build an open flame. Sanding can also make the surface appear more attractive and even. In the end, sanding could be followed by several coats of stove or grill paint, which will enhance the appearance of your chiminea as well as keep it from corrosion.
It is also recommended that you keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and winds since this can cause the paint to fade and peel. If this occurs, you can touch up the areas affected with water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays, and it's usually easy to do. It is also important to only build small fires and to add small amounts of wood at a time to your chiminea so that you make sure it is "broken in" and to prevent overheating.