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

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, which were originally used as a baking oven, reflect Mexico's rich culture. The timeless design combines practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Clay chimineas can be fired in kilns, which remove organic materials from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They can be used all year round, but should not be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a warm summer evening with your family and friends, savoring delicious food in an outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle heat from your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a scene an ode to the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fire pit.

The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to serve as radiant heaters and ovens. They helped tribesmen to survive the cold winter nights in their home. Their distinctive shape stems from their utilitarian qualities, emphasising practicality and the importance of living in a communal setting.

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

The distinctive design of the chiminea was influenced by the concept of a pot-bellied base which rises up into an long chimney. This design is ideal for containing a fire while sending smoke upwards. This reduces air intake and maximizes heat retention.

Mexican tribes used chimineas for heating, cooking and lighting. We can still enjoy their beauty and the warmth they offer in the cold winter evenings or even under the brisk winter sun.

Gardeco provides a variety of styles that will suit your garden. We offer a range of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large clay chimineas for sale. We also have clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded, or engraving into the body of the item.

Our range of terracotta and Mexican chimineas are handmade by artisans from the center of Mexico. Shapes and colours may differ slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. You can always repaint your chiminea with an emulsion paint that's water-based if it begins to discolour. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

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

The clay chimenea was created to be practical as well as for cultural reasons. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed smoke away from its users and its rounded round body radiates warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, which played an important place in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditionally, chimineas were made by local artisans from wet clay, which was gathered directly from the ground. The clay was then molded to its final shape before being kiln dried. The process of making a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, especially for large sized ones. The chiminea's neck as well as the bowl are made by smoothing together long snakes of clay rolled. The rim of the clay was often decorated with patterns and carvings.

Modern chimineas are usually constructed from metals like cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were a significant evolution because they can endure high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a wide range of climates.

Metal Chimineas are the most popular but there are some companies that produce clay and terracotta ones. The advantages of using metal chimineas are its ability to withstand higher temperatures as well as the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These features have made chimineas made of metal chiminea more popular than clay counterparts.

No matter what type of chiminea you choose, it is important that it is placed in the right place. It should be set in a leveled area far from any fire-prone objects like trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea must be placed on a brick, concrete, patio or stone terrace, and should not be placed on a deck made of wood. It's also recommended to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones beneath the chiminea to protect it from direct heat and to keep the hot part of the fire from the clay.

Materials

Traditional chimineas made of terracotta and clay that are still produced by small factories today, are kiln fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas can be assembled. Some are coated with glazes, while others are unglazed. Chimineas like these are a popular choice because they provide the authentic Mexican style to your garden.

Chimineas can be painted by hand in a variety of colours and patterns to fit different styles. The paint finish will discolour as time passes and with the heat from the fire, therefore it is recommended to paint again using an acrylic emulsion that is water-based.

Though originally intended as vital features for heating and cooking for urban Mexicans Chimineas have been a symbol of an appreciation for cultural heritage throughout the ages adapting to various requirements for functional purposes. These distinctive structures weren't only used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played an important function in repelling insects and promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of the chiminea with its wide base and narrow chimney spout permits the most air to be drawn into the chiminea's bottom, minimizing the intake of smoke. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea. This makes it ideal for cooking over.

Chimineas are currently available in a variety of materials that include cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are by far the most common choice, offering the traditional Mexican style. However, they are prone to crack under pressure and should only be used on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have a lower risk of damage and are still stylish and durable.

To ensure that the chiminea lasts as long as possible, you should keep it in a place which is well ventilated and protected from wind and rain. It should be placed away from any structures or walls that could catch fire pits chimineas, and also the roofs of patios and eaves which could be damaged by a sudden change in temperature after the chiminea has been put out. To stop the chiminea's ashes from burning too much, it is advised to keep the leaves away and only dry, seasoned logs are burned. It is essential to clean the chiminea regularly with a wirebrush, as this will avoid deposits that could cause blackening and burning. The chiminea can be shielded from the wind to reduce the amount of smoke it produces.

Maintenance

Maintaining the equipment properly is essential to the longevity of any fire apparatus. This can help prolong its life and ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas are quite fragile and should be kept in a protected area in an area that is well taken care of. While a chiminea made from clay may seem sturdy enough, it's still susceptible to cracks and breakage from various sources. It is essential to inspect your chiminea for signs wear and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how often you should use it.

The first step in ensuring that your mexican-chiminea stays looking its best is to wash it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will get rid of any build-up dirt and grime, which can cause discoloration or rust. A wire brush should be used to remove dust and rust particles. 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 process will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion, and can significantly 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 spots that could trap embers should you decide to build a fire. Sanding can also make the surface look more attractive and even. Sanding can be followed by a few coats of grill or stove paint to enhance the look and ensure that your chiminea is protected from rust.

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 occurs you can sand the areas affected with water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays, and it's generally simple to do. It is also essential to only add a small amount of wood at a given time and create small fires for your chiminea in order to "break it into" and prevent overheating.