• 목록
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, originally designed to be a baking oven, reflect Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The simple design, which blends practicality with aesthetic simplicity is timeless.

Clay chimineas are fired in kilns to eliminate organic material and make the pores more resistant to cracking. They can be used all year round however they shouldn't be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a warm evening in summer, with family and friends enjoying delicious food outdoors and being warm by your Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a scene that is an ode to the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor firepit.

The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens. They helped tribesmen to survive the cold desert nights in their home. Their distinctive design was derived from their utilitarian characteristics that emphasized practicality and the importance of living in a communal setting.

The stoves were originally constructed from natural terra-cotta clay which was dried and wood-fired in kilns. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and don't have a a glazed surface to protect them. Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas made of metals like cast iron, brass and aluminum. These materials provide better durability and resistance to weather and address one of the biggest weaknesses of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was influenced by a pot-bellied bottom which rises to form an long fireplace. This design is a great way to contain fire while also directing smoke upwards, which decreases the risk of inhaling air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were a popular method of lighting, heating and cooking. Today, we can savor them for their aesthetic qualities and also for the warmth they provide in cold autumn evenings and even in chilly winter sunshine.

Gardeco offers a variety of styles that will fit your garden. We have a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large. We also carry clay chimineas that are decorated with either engraving or a moulded design.

Our range of terracotta chimineas and Mexican chimineas are handmade by artisans in the middle of Mexico. Colours and shapes may vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea begins discolour you can always repaint it using an emulsion water-based paint. Before you use your new chiminea, it's essential to read all instructions and care tips provided by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas not only add character and warmth to any space, but they are also useful. They come in different styles and materials, and they can be paired to any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point or they can blend in seamlessly with your landscape.

The traditional chimenea, constructed of clay, was created with both practical and cultural significance in mind. The tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from users, and its rounded body radiated heat. It was also used as a place for gathering and storytelling and played a significant role in Mexican and Central American culture.

Traditionally, chimineas were crafted by local artisans using wet clay, which was gathered directly from the ground. The clay was then molded to its final shape before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor-intensive to create particularly big ones. Typically potters would coil long snakes of clay into a circular shape, and then smooth the clay and create the chiminea's bowl as well as neck. The rim of the clay was often decorated with patterns and carvings.

A modern chiminea is generally constructed from metal, such as cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of metal chimineas was an important evolutionary step since they can stand up to extreme temperatures and humidity without cracking. This allowed chimineas to be used in many different climates.

Metal Chimineas are most commonly used, although there are still some companies that manufacture clay and terracotta chimineas. The advantages of a metal chiminea include its capability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it is able to be cleaned more easily. These advantages have made chimineas made of metal more popular than their clay counterparts.

No matter what type of best chiminea you choose it is essential to place it in the proper location. It should be set in a level area, away from anything that could ignite like grass, trees or other buildings. The chiminea should be placed on an asphalt patio, brick patio or stone terrace and should not be placed on a wood deck. It's a good idea also to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco Lava Stones, under the chiminea. This will shield it from direct heat.

Materials

Traditional chimineas made of terracotta and clay, which are still made by small companies today, are fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas can be put together. Some are glazed while others are left unglazed. Chimineas can give a Mexican feeling in the garden.

Chimineas are hand-painted in a variety colours and patterns to suit different styles. The paint finish will fade with time and the heat of the fire so it is recommended to paint again using an emulsion based on water.

In the beginning, they were designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over the years have transformed into an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their functions to satisfy a variety of requirements. These distinctive structures were not only used by the indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens and ovens, but also played an important function in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea, with a broad base and a narrow chimney spout, allows for the most air to be drawn in at the bottom of the structure, minimizing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea's belly, making it perfect for cooking.

Today, chimineas can be found in various materials, including cast iron, terracotta clay and even aluminium. Terracotta Chimineas are the most popular choice, providing the traditional Mexican appearance. They are prone to cracking under pressure, and should be placed on flat surfaces that are fire-proof. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to damage, while remaining stylish and durable.

To make sure the chiminea lasts 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 walls and structures that might catch alight as well as eaves or patio roofs which might be damaged due to the sudden change in temperature that occurs after the chiminea has been extinguished. To avoid the steel chiminea burning excessively, it is recommended that only dried, seasoned logs are burned. It is important to clean the chiminea frequently by using a wirebrush as this will avoid deposits that may burn and blacken. The chiminea can be protected from wind to decrease the amount smoke that it emits.

Maintenance

Maintaining the equipment properly is essential to the longevity of any fire equipment. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure that it is operating safely. Chimineas are fragile and should be kept in a protected area where they can be properly cared for. Although a chiminea made of clay may seem sturdy enough, it is still susceptible to cracking and breakage from various sources. It is crucial to examine your chiminea for signs wear and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on how often to use it.

To keep your mexican chimney looking good you must clean it thoroughly using mild detergent. This will eliminate any built-up dirt and grime that can cause discoloration or rust. A wire brush is used to remove loose rust particles, and it is also recommended that you wear gloves and safety glasses for safety purposes. After scrubbing, rinse the chiminea and let it dry completely. This will keep any moisture from which causes corrosion, and can prolong the life of your chiminea.

Once your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it should be lightly sanded using fine grit Sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and remove any rough areas that could attract embers if you decide to build a fire. Sanding can also make the surface appear more attractive and even. In the end, sanding could be followed by a series of coats of grill or stove paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea as well as guard it from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind as it can cause the paint to peel and fade. If this happens it is possible to touch up the affected areas with 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 time, and create small fires for your chiminea so that you can "break it in" and prevent overheating.