10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Mexican Chimineas

chimineas clay - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally designed to be bread ovens Chimineas represent Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, which blends practicality with aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.

Chimineas of clay are fired in kilns to remove organic materials and make the pores more resistant to cracking. They can be utilized outdoors all year, but should not be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a balmy evening in summer, with your loved ones and family eating delicious food outdoors, all warmed by your Mexican or clay chiminea fire pit. This scene is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor fireplace.

These traditional terracotta stoves were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the harsh winter nights in their homeland. Their distinctive design was inspired from their utilitarian values which stressed practicality and communal living.

Originally, these stoves were built from terracotta clay, which was dried in kilns, then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and don't have a a glazed surface to protect them. Modern manufacturers make chimineas and fire pits out of metals, such as cast iron, aluminum and brass. These materials provide enhanced weather resistance and durability and address one of the major weaknesses of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by the idea of a potbellied base which rises up into an long chimney. This form is a perfect way to contain the flame while directing the smoke upwards, which minimizes the risk of inhaling air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were utilized for cooking as well as heating and lighting for the indigenous people of Mexico. Today we can enjoy them for their beauty and also for the comforting warmth they provide in cold autumn evenings and even in brisk winter sunshine.

No matter if your chiminea's an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to suit your garden and decor. We offer a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large. We also have clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded or engraving into the body of the product.

Our range of terracotta chimineas and Mexican chimineas are handmade by artisans in the heart of Mexico. The process of manufacturing can result in slight variations in shape and colour. If your chiminea starts to discolour you can always paint it over with an emulsion water-based paint. It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

Chimineas are not only useful, but they also provide an authentic and rustic feel to the space. They come in various materials and designs and can be paired with any patio furniture. They can be a focal point or blend in seamlessly with the surroundings.

The traditional chimenea, constructed of clay, was designed with both practical and cultural significance in mind. Its tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users, and its rounded body radiates heat. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, giving it a significant role in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditional chimineas are crafted by local artisans using moist clay that is collected directly from the earth. The raw material was then transformed into the shape of the final chimenea before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas are very labor-intensive to make especially big ones. Typically, potters would coil long snakes of clay into a circular shape and then smooth the clay to form the chiminea's neck and bowl. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns or carvings.

A modern chiminea is usually constructed from metal, such as cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made from metal was an important evolutionary step because they can withstand high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas be used in a broad range of climates.

Although there are a number of companies that make clay and terracotta chimineas the majority of chimineas are now constructed from metal. Metal chimineas last longer and easier to clean. Metal chimineas are much more popular than clay chimineas due to the fact that they can withstand higher temperatures and can be cleaned easier.

It doesn't matter which type of chiminea is selected, it is important that it is placed in the right spot. It should be set in a leveled area and away from any flammable items like trees, grass or other buildings. The chiminea needs to be set on an asphalt patio, brick patio or stone terrace, and never on a wood deck. It's also a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones underneath the chiminea in order to shield it from direct heat and to keep the most hot part of the fire from the clay.

Materials

Traditional chimineas of terracotta and clay, which are still made by small companies today, are kiln fired to temperatures of up to 1000c. After cooling and cured the chimineas are then assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice since they give the authentic Mexican style to your garden.

Chimineas are typically hand-painted and come in a variety of colours and designs to suit the various styles. The paint finish can fade as time passes and with the heat from the flame, so it is best to re-paint using a water-based acrylic emulsion.

Though originally intended as vital features for heating and cooking for city-dwelling Mexicans Chimineas have also embodied the sense of heritage through time, adapting to diverse needs. In addition to being bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico, these distinctive structures also played a crucial role in repelling insects as well as promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea having a wide base and narrow chimney spout, allows the maximum amount of air to be drawn in from the bottom of the structure, which reduces smoke inhalation. It also helps retain heat within the belly of the chiminea, which makes it ideal to cook over.

Chimineas are currently available in a variety of materials, including cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas offer an elegant Mexican style. They are susceptible to cracking when under pressure and should only be put on an even surface that is fire-safe. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas carry a lower risk of damage but are still elegant and robust.

To make sure the chiminea lasts as long as you can, place it in a location which is well ventilated and protected from rain and wind. It should be placed away from any structures or walls that could catch fire, and also any eaves and patio roofs that could be damaged by a sudden shift in temperature after the chiminea is extinguished. In order to prevent the chiminea's ashes from burning too much, it is recommended that leaves be avoided and only well-seasoned, kiln-dried logs be burned. Regular cleaning with a wire brush is crucial, as it helps stop the accumulation of deposits that are liable to burn and turn black. The chiminea can be protected from wind to decrease the amount of smoke it releases.

Maintenance

The proper maintenance is vital to the longevity of any fire apparatus. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure it operates safely. Chimineas are quite fragile and should always be kept in a protected area in an area that is well taken care of. While a chiminea made from clay may seem solid enough, it is still susceptible to cracking and breaking from a variety of sources. It is essential to inspect your chiminea for signs wear and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on how often you should use it.

The first step in ensuring that your mexican-chiminea stays looking the best is to scrub it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will get rid of any dirt or grime that can cause discoloration or corrosion. To get rid of the rusty particles that are loose, use a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles be worn for safety. After scrubbing the chiminea then rinse it and let it dry completely. This will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion and can significantly extend the lifespan of your chiminea.

After the chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and eliminate any rough areas which could trap embers should you decide to start an open flame. The sanding will also help make the surface more even and attractive. The sanding process can be followed by several coats of stove or grill paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and guard it from rust.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind as it can cause paint to peel and fade. You can solve the issue by using water-based emulsions and paints or masonry sprayed. Also, it is essential to build small fires and add only a few logs at one time to your chiminea to get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.