A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess

With this tiny chiminea, you get all the warmth of a fire pits & chimineas that burns wood without the mess. Place newspaper lightly scrunched into the sand grate or log grates and add the kindling and logs prior to lighting.

This sleek black steel chiminea has an oxidized look to add an informal look. The 360-degree grate increases the size of your burning flames and the tall chimney carries smoke upwards and away from you.

Types

A small chiminea could be used to provide warmth to an outdoor patio or seating area. These are also a great alternative to a barbecue grill for cooking outdoors. They are available in a variety of materials, from clay made of terra cotta, to cast iron and steel. They can be made in either a traditional style or a more contemporary style.

Some models have a chimney that directs smoke away from the seating area. This could be beneficial if you reside in an area that has restrictions on the amount of smoke produced by outdoor fireplaces or other heat sources. Certain models come with an ash screen as well as a spark screen in the fireplace. Based on the size of your fireplace you may be interested in an adobe chiminea which can accommodate an enormous fire or holds a significant amount of wood.

The material you choose for your chiminea has an impact on its performance as well as appearance in your outdoor space. Terra cotta chimineas offer a classic look, but it is susceptible to damage from the elements. Metal chimineas are more durable, but it may require an extra layer of protection to avoid corrosion. A hybrid chiminea is composed of a mixture of cast iron and stainless steel. It may offer the best characteristics of both.

In addition to the type of material the size of your chiminea also affects the amount of heat it produces. A larger chiminea is heavier and more expensive but can produce more heat.

Chimineas usually have a decorative surface which gives them a touch of charm. Some are embellished with ornaments and carved designs while others have simple lines and a plain finish. Some have a lid that protects the flames and keep pets or children from getting too close. Certain models come with a door that makes it easier to add fuel or to remove the ashes. You can also find chimineas that have a built-in grill, which allows you to prepare food with an open flame.

Safety

There are some security precautions you need to take when buying an inexpensive portable chiminea. Chimineas aren't necessarily dangerous however they can get hot and can pose a risk to children and pets when you're not cautious. Taking a few precautions will ensure that you're able to enjoy your chiminea in peace for years to come.

One of the most important points to keep in mind is that a chiminea's design is not the identical to a fireplace or wood stove. They don't have dampers to control the flame, and they are prone to break if are not handled properly.

Use a lid that is fire-proof on your chiminea. This will stop rain from getting in and causing damage to the stack. This can also help reduce smoke nuisance. You might also consider purchasing a freestanding, fireproof frame that can stand above the smoke stack and protect it from the elements.

Chimineas can create many sparks when burning and it is recommended to keep them away from explosive materials like fences, clothes lines and plants. It's recommended to clear the area around your chiminea outdoor before lighting it, and to ensure that it has at minimum six feet of distance from anything combustible.

A second safety measure is never to make use of lighter liquid, gasoline or any other accelerator in your chimney. These liquids could cause an explosive explosion in the chimney, and pose an hazard to fire. It is not recommended to use water to light a chiminea flame as it can cause the clay to crack and even break.

Use only wood to heat your chiminea. It produces less smoke than other fuels. Start with small pieces of wood, and then add larger ones to the flames. If you're unable to ignite the fire quickly, try rolling up newspapers and laying it against the grate inside the stack. This will create powerful draft that quickly ignites the paper and your kindling.

Do not burn a Chiminea in the indoors. It can release dangerous carbon monoxide fumes which can be fatal to both humans and animals. It could also cause serious damage to the home and could pose an ignition risk.

Maintenance

When used regularly, a chiminea is an attractive addition to any outdoor chiminea fireplace space, and can provide warmth and ambiance. Proper maintenance enhances its appearance and reduces accidents and damage making sure it can be enjoyed for years to be to. Regular inspections and cleaning of both the exterior and the interior should be part of routine maintenance, along with proper storage in off-season weather conditions.

Chimineas should be set in a spot that is free of overhanging branches and structures, and away from combustible materials like concrete or pavers. Placing a chiminea on top of a roof or any other structure is risky as sparks could fly out of the chimney and ignite anything above it. The area should be clear and large enough to accommodate the entire chiminea, including the flue, with a few feet of clearance from all sides for the safety of use.

Chiminies should be cleaned with a mild detergent and water, using soft brushes and cloths to avoid damaging the clay surface. After washing the chiminea, it should be thoroughly rinsed and allowed to completely dry. It is crucial to get rid of any ash that has accumulated in the chiminea bowl and chimney before cleaning. During the cleaning process it is crucial to wear gloves to avoid contact with the hot soot and ash. During the cleaning process, be sure to examine the interior and exterior of the vehicle for chips or cracks that might require repair.

If cracks do occur they can be fixed by using a specially-designed clay repair kit that is available from most chiminea retailers. The kits contain all the necessary sealants and adhesives to properly fix minor fractures and cracks. If a crack goes unattended and it gets worse, it can turn into an issue that threatens the safety and integrity of the chiminea.

In order to keep a chiminea in good health it must be fuelled with natural wood products that have been seasoned and dry. Burning paint or treated wood, as along with trash and plastics can cause toxic fumes to be released into the chiminea. Proper fuel and regular cleaning can help to prevent damage and cracks from excessive heat. It is also important to control the size of fires within Chimineas, and avoid large, roaring flames which can cause thermal stress and shock to the clay.

Cleaning

A chiminea that's well maintained will provide many warm and enjoyable evenings. Like all outdoor furniture and equipment, it requires regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Prioritising safety is paramount, with gloves and goggles a must-have to protect your skin from dust and debris while cleaning. Before cleaning the chiminea it is essential to ensure that the chiminea is cooled completely. This will not only protect your skin, but helps to prevent the inhalation of harmful particles that may be hot from previous fires.

Before you start the cleaning process, you must remove any large chunks of ash that have built up in the chiminea, and dispose of them in a secure manner. Utilizing a wire brush, gently scrape off loose rust - always remembering to wear your protective equipment. A light sanding process is beneficial because it removes any rust particles the wire brush missed, and smooths out the surface of your chiminea.

Clay chimineas should be regularly inspected and, if damage is discovered the chiminea should be repaired by using clay repair kits available at most home improvement stores. It's a good idea carry out this inspection before your first time using the chiminea, as it will help in strengthening the material, and prepare it for regular heating. This is a good method to examine the chiminea's condition for damage and cracks that might not be apparent when it's not in use.

It is important to note that you should make use of a chiminea outdoors on a non-flammable foundation, like concrete slab, sand slab, or hearth pad. This is important when there are children or pets around who might be enticed to play near the flames or if your chiminea's located near flammable materials like wooden fences, planters, garden lights and furniture. When not in use you should also place the lid on top of the chiminea to reduce the chance of an explosion spreading.