A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess

With this small chiminea, you get all the warmth of a wood-burning fire without the mess. Simply place newspaper lightly scrunched in the sand or a log grate inside, and add logs and kindling before lighting.

This stylish black steel chiminea has an oxidized finish to add a casual flair. The 360-degree grate maximizes your burning flames, while the tall chimney funnels smoke upward and away from the flames.

Types

A small chiminea can be an outdoor fire pit that adds an extra element of warmth to an outdoor seating area or patio. These are also a great alternative to a BBQ grill for cooking outdoors. They are available in various materials, that range from terracotta clay to cast iron to steel. They can also be designed in a more traditional or contemporary style.

Certain models come with a chimney which directs smoke away from the seating area. This is a great feature when you reside in an area that has regulations on the amount of smoke that outdoor fireplaces and other heat sources can emit. Some models also come with an ash catcher as well as an ash screen within the chimney. You might want to select an ash catcher with a larger fire capacity or one that can accommodate lots of wood, based on the dimensions of the area.

The kind of material your chiminea is constructed of is crucial as it affects its performance as well as the way it appears in your outdoor space. A terra cotta model offers the classic look, but it is prone to damage from the elements. Metal Chimineas are stronger, but they might require a protective coat to stop the rust. A hybrid chiminea that is typically made from a mix of steel and cast iron could offer the best of both worlds.

In addition to the material type, the size of your chiminea influences the amount of heat it produces. A larger chiminea is heavier and more expensive, yet it will generate more heat.

Chimineas are typically decorated with a decorative surface, which adds to their charm. Some are decorated with ornaments or carved designs, while others have simple lines and a plain look. Some models have a lid to keep pets and children away from the fire. Certain models come with a door that makes it easier to add fuel or take out the ashes. You can also find models with built-in grills, which allows you to prepare food on a flame.

Safety

If you're considering buying a small chiminea, there are some important precautions to bear in your mind. Chimineas are not inherently unsafe however they can get hot and pose a hazard to pets and children if you're not careful. Be aware of a few safety precautions to ensure you can enjoy your chiminea for years to be.

One of the most important aspects to keep in mind is that a chiminea's design is not the same as a fireplace or wood stove. They do not have dampers to regulate the flame and are prone to break if are not handled with care.

Always put a fire-proof cover on your chiminea to stop rain from getting into the stack and causing it to break. This can also help reduce the smoke nuisance. You might want to consider buying an independent fireproof frame that can be set up above the smoke stack. This will protect it from weather.

Chimineas can generate a lot of sparks when they're burning and it is recommended to avoid placing them in proximity to explosive materials like fences, clothes lines and plants. It's also a good idea to clear the area around your chiminea before lighting it, and also to ensure that it has at least six feet of space from anything combustible.

Another measure to protect yourself is to avoid using gasoline, lighter fluid or any other accelerant in your chimney. These liquids can cause an explosive explosion in the chimney and pose a fire risk. You should also never use water to put out an ember in a chiminea since it could cause the clay to crack, or even break.

It is recommended to make use of wood for your ceramic chiminea since it produces less smoke and heat than other types of fuels. Start with small pieces of wood, and later add larger pieces to the flames. If you're having difficulty lighting the kindling, try putting some newspaper in a ball and laying it against the grate. This will create a powerful draft which will spark the paper and ignite the kindling.

Never burn a chiminea indoors since it can release dangerous carbon monoxide fumes, which are lethal to people and animals too. It can also cause serious damage to your home and could pose a fire risk.

Maintenance

A big chiminea can be an exquisite addition to any outdoor area and provides warmth and ambience when used often. Proper maintenance will enhance its appearance, avoid injuries and dangers to safety and ensure that it can be enjoyed for many years to come. Routine care should include regular cleaning and inspections, both inside and outside and proper storage during off-season weather.

Chimineas should be put in an area that is away from branches and structures with overhangs and away from combustible material such as concrete and pavers. It is also risky to put a chiminea on a roof or other structure. Sparks can fly from the chimney and ignite anything above. The area must be clean and large enough to fit the entire chiminea, including the flue, and have a few feet of clearance from all sides for safety.

Chiminies must be cleaned with a mild detergent and water, using soft brushes and a cloth to avoid damaging the clay surface. After washing, the chiminea needs to be rinsed thoroughly and dried completely. It is essential to get rid of any ash that has accumulated in the chiminea bowl and chimney before cleaning. Wearing gloves while cleaning is vital to avoid contact with hot soot or ash. During the process, it's essential to check the interior and exterior for any cracks or chips that might need repair.

If cracks do occur, they can be repaired by using a specially designed clay repair kit, which is available from most chiminea retailers. These kits contain all the necessary sealants adhesives, sealants, and other components to repair minor cracks. If a fracture is left untreated and it gets worse, it can turn into an issue that threatens the integrity and safety of the chiminea.

To keep a chiminea in good health it must be powered by natural wood products that have been seasoned and dry. Burning materials like treated or painted plastics, wood, or garbage emit toxic fumes that can be harmful to chiminesas. Proper fuel and regular cleaning help prevent cracking and damage caused by excessive heat. It is also essential to manage the size of fires within the chiminea, and avoid large, roaring flames that can cause thermal stress and shock to the clay.

Cleaning

A chiminea that is well maintained will provide plenty of warm and enjoyable evenings. However, just like all outdoor furniture and equipment, it needs regular cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Prioritising safety is paramount and gloves and goggles are necessary to shield your skin from dirt and dust while cleaning. When cleaning the chiminea it's important to make sure that the chiminea has cooled completely. This will not only safeguard your skin but also prevent breathing in harmful particles that may still be hot after previous fires.

Before you begin the cleaning procedure, remove any large chiminea pieces of ash built up within the chiminea and dispose of them in a safe way. With a wire brush gently brush off any loose rust, always remembering to wear your safety equipment. A light sanding can be beneficial, too, since it helps remove any particles of rust that are missed by the wire brush. It also smooths the surface of the chiminea, ready for repainting with a suitable high-heat paint designed for grills and fireplaces.

Many home improvement stores offer clay repair kits. This inspection should be carried out prior to using the chiminea, as it will strengthen the material and make it ready for regular heating. It's also a great way to check for any cracks or other damages that might not be obvious when the chiminea isn't being in use.

It is important to remember that a chiminea should only be used outside on a non-flammable surface like a concrete slab, sand or a hearth pad. This is particularly important when you have pets or children who may be enticed by the burning embers, or situated near flammable materials such as wooden fences and plants, garden lighting and furniture. When not in use you should also put the lid on top of the chiminea to reduce the chance of an explosion spreading.