Keeping Warm In Your Garden
A chiminea, commonly known as a freestanding fireplace typically used on the back garden patio. It has a front-loading, bulbous body and tall, chimney-like vent. Its primary use is often as a heat source but can also be used for cooking food. Its origins are traced to ancient Mexico and while still commonly used in the country, it has also become popular in the UK and the US. Back in the day, they were only available in fireplace shops, but now they are available in retail stores and garden centres. A chiminea will often require special handling, and most orders come with detailed special instructions, most sellers often give you sound advice regarding this matter.
There are three most common materials used in making the cast iron chiminea, aluminium and clay chiminea. Chiminea are constructed of two conponents – the base, also known as the pot is where the fire is made, and the neck, which is the vertical flue that guides the smoke. These two parts are put together separately and are only fused after each component has been fully made, and in the case of 100% fully dry clay. This junction has a limited threshold, especially in clay chimineas, so it is never advised to lift the chiminea from the neck, as the structure will be exposed to the risk of breaking.
Chimineas should be placed onto an iron stand which comes along with the product. recommended placed on a flat, level surface to ensure stability. If your chosen surface is made of wood, you need to have a fireproof pad on the wood before placing the chiminea. It is highly advised that there aren’t any objects directly above the fireplace that may be a fire hazard like an overhanging or nearby marquee.
Chimineas, especially clay ones, need to go through a process before they are used, and this is called seasoning. Seasoning is the process of hardening the inside part of the structure in and strengthen it preventing any cracks. To carry out this process , light a small fire inside the chiminea and leave it to naturally burn out on its own. Let it cool down and light another small fire. It is highly advisable that you repeat the process 5-10 times to complete the seasoning process. Once this is done, your chiminea is now ready to use and start a fire. Tryand keep the wood in a central position of the bowl to allow even heating of the entire structure.
There are a range of different types of wood that can be used in your chiminea. Fat wood is ideal. Apple wood, Mesquite, Pinion Pine, and Hickory logs are also a popular choice by many chiminea users. Mesquite is an ideal wood use for BBQ’s as it adds an aromatic flavour to your outdoor cooking. A drawback of Mesquite is that it gets quite hotter than the other types of wood. So if you do decide to use Mesquite for your chiminea, take extreme care. You have a good choice to decide which firewood to use, but do avoid damp wood as it causes plenty of smoke.
Chimineas are not designed for very large fires and it is not possible to use it as your main and primary of heat.
Protecting it from the weather, covering it with wood sealant is a sound idea to prevent cracks. Chiminea covers are also availablefor protecting the top. It also prevents from entering the chiminea, substantial moisture getting inside, and from attacking the outside surface.
Ensure that you follow every safety precaution when using your chiminea. The surfaces can get very hot so avoid contact and be careful at all times during use and until it has completely cooled down. Never let kids or pets wander around near the chiminea for obvious reasons. It is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher at hand incase any accidents occur.
If you have cold winters where you live, it would be a good idea store your chiminea. In particular, clay chimineas are vulnerable when exposed to cold temperatures and rain or moisture, so it wouldn’t be a bad thing to store it in your garage to keep it there during winter. Chimineas were never intended to be a primary heat source for the residents of theUK, so just store it, stay inside, and wait until the end of winter. You can then get out your chiminea, spark it up, and enjoy the heat.