9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Mexican Chimineas
Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Originally designed to be a bread oven Chimineas are a symbol of Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetics is timeless.
Chimineas made of clay are fired in kilns to eliminate 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 warm summer evening, surrounded by family and friends, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle heat of your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a picture reminiscent of the Mexican roots of this type of outdoor firepit.
The terracotta stoves of the past were made to be both radiant heaters as well as ovens. They helped tribesmen to survive the cold desert nights in their homeland. Their distinctive shape was derived from their utilitarian values which stressed practicality and communal living.
The stoves were built out of natural terracotta clay which was dried in kilns before being then wood-fired. Clay chimineas are more rustic and don't have a the protection of a glazed surface. them. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas made of metals, such as cast iron, aluminum and brass. These materials provide better weather resistance and durability which addresses one of the biggest weaknesses of the clay design.
The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by the idea of a potbellied base which rises up into an extended chimney. This form is a perfect way to contain a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which decreases the risk of inhaling air and increases heat retention.
Chimineas were used for cooking as well as heating and lighting for the tribal people of Mexico. We still appreciate their beauty and the warmth they offer in the chilly autumn evenings, or even in the warm winter sun.
Gardeco has a range of styles that will suit your garden. We offer a range of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also stock clay chimineas that are decorated with either engraving or a moulded design.
Our selection of terracotta and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans in the heart of the country. Colours and shapes may vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. It is possible to repaint your chiminea using an emulsion paint which is water-based if it starts to turn discoloured. Before you begin using your new chiminea it is crucial to follow all instructions and tips on care given by the manufacturer.
Design
Chimineas are not just practical, but they also give an authentic and rustic feel to the space. They are available in various styles and materials and can be matched to any furniture for your patio. They can be used as a focal point or blend seamlessly with your landscaping.
The clay chimenea was designed for both practical and cultural reasons. The tall, chimney-like neck directed the smoke away from its users and its rounded round body radiates warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, playing an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.
Traditional chimineas are made by local artisans using wet clay that is collected directly from the earth. The raw material was formed into its final form before being kiln dried. Clay chimeneas are very labor intensive to make particularly the larger ones. Typically potters would coil long snakes of clay into a cylindrical shape and then smooth the clay together, creating the chiminea's bowl and neck. The rim of the clay was often decorated with carvings and patterns.
Modern chimineas are generally made from metals such as cast-iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made of metal was a significant step forward because they can withstand high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas to be used in a variety of climates.
Although there are still a few companies that make clay and terracotta chimineas, the majority of chimineas today are made from metal. The advantages of using metal chimineas are its capability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These features have made chimineas from metal more popular than clay counterparts.
No matter which type of chiminea that you select it's important to place it in the right spot. It should be set in a leveled space and away from any fire-prone objects like trees, grass or other buildings. The chiminea should be set on a concrete, brick or stone patio, and never on a wooden deck. It is a good idea to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco Lava Stones, under the chiminea. This will shield it from direct heat.
Materials
Traditional chimineas of terracotta and clay, which are still made by small companies in the present, are fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. Once they are cooled and cured, the chimineas are assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas provide a Mexican feeling in the garden.
Chimineas are generally hand-painted and come in a variety of colors and designs that can be adapted to the various styles. The paint finish can fade over time and with the heat from the fire, therefore it is best to re-paint using an acrylic emulsion based on water.
In the beginning, they were designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through time have become a cultural symbol, adapting their function to satisfy a variety of requirements. In addition to serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico They also played an important function in repelling insects and in promoting social gatherings.
The unique design of the chiminea with its broad base and narrow chimney spout allows the most air to be drawn into the chiminea's bottom, minimizing smoke inhalation. It also helps retain the heat inside the chiminea, which makes it ideal for cooking over.
Currently, chimineas are available in a wide range of materials that include cast iron, terracotta chiminea and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas have an elegant Mexican look. However, they are prone to crack under pressure and should only be placed on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas aren't as susceptible to cracking and damage, but they are elegant and sturdy.
To ensure the chiminea lasts for as long as it can it should be kept in a well-ventilated area and shielded from wind and rain. It should be positioned away from any walls and structures that might catch alight as well as roofs on patios or eaves that may be damaged by the sudden change in temperature that occurs when the chiminea's flame is completely extinguished. To stop the chiminea from burning too much, it is advised to keep the leaves away and only seasoned, kiln dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is also essential, as it will prevent build up of deposits that are liable to burn and blacken. Chimineas can be protected from wind to decrease the amount of smoke it releases.
Maintenance
Like any other fire apparatus, proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This can help extend its lifespan and also ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas are fragile and should be kept outside in a place where they can be taken care for. Although a chiminea made of clay may seem sturdy enough, it is still susceptible to cracks and breaking from a variety of sources. This is why it's essential to check your propane chiminea frequently for signs of wear and tear, and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how often it should be fired.
To keep your mexican chimney looking great, you should clean it thoroughly with mild detergent. This will get rid of any dirt and grime that can cause discoloration or rust. To get rid of loose rust particles you should employ a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles be used to protect. After scrubbing, rinse the chiminea for sale near me, and let it dry completely. This will stop any moisture from causing corrosion and it can greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.
After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it needs to be lightly sanded using fine grit the sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and eliminate any rough areas which could trap embers should you decide to build a fire. Sanding can also make the surface appear more attractive and even. Finally, the sanding can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint, which will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and guard it from rust.
It is also recommended to keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and winds, as this can cause the paint to fade and peel. If this happens it is possible to touch up the affected areas with water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays and it's generally simple to do. Additionally, it is important to only use small fires and to add small amounts of wood at one time to your chiminea so that you get it "broken in" and to avoid overheating.