12 Companies Setting The Standard In Mexican Chimineas

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally used as bread ovens Chimineas represent Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The simple design, which blends practicality and aesthetic simplicity is timeless.

Clay chimineas are fired in kilns that remove organic material and close the pores to prevent cracking. They are designed to live outdoors all year round, but should be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a warm evening in the summer with friends and family eating delicious food outside, all warmed by your Mexican or clay chiminea. This scene is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor fireplace.

These traditional terracotta stoves were made to be both radiant heaters and ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the cold winter nights in their home. Their distinctive shape was derived by their utilitarian values that stressed practicality and communal living.

Originally, these stoves were made from natural terracotta clay that was dried in kilns and then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and don't have a a glazed surface to protect them. Modern manufacturers create chimineas made of metals like aluminum, cast aluminium chiminea iron and brass. These are more robust and resistant to weathering which is one of the major limitations in the clay design.

The chiminea's distinctive design was influenced by the concept of a pot-bellied base which rises up into an elongated chimney. This design is a great method of containing a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which reduces the risk of inhaling air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were used to cook, heating and providing light for the indigenous people of Mexico. We can still enjoy their aesthetics as well as the warmth they provide in the cold autumn evenings, or even in the brisk winter sun.

If your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern one, Gardeco has a choice of styles that will suit your decor and garden. We have a variety of sizes, from small and medium to large and jumbo. We also offer clay chimineas that have decor that can be moulded, or engraving into the body of the item.

Our range of terracotta-based Chimineas and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans right in the heart of the country. Shapes and colours may differ slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea starts to discolour, you can easily repaint it with an emulsion water-based paint. Before you use your new chiminea, it is crucial to follow all instructions and tips on care given by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas not only add warmth and character to any space, but they are also functional. They are available in various styles and materials and can be paired with any furniture for your patio. They can be focal points or blend seamlessly into the surroundings.

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

Traditional chimineas are handcrafted by local artisans using wet clay that is gathered directly from the earth. The clay was then transformed into the shape of the final chimenea before being dried in a kiln. The process of making a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, particularly for large sized ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are created by smoothing long snakes of clay rolled. The rim of the clay was usually decorated with patterns or carvings.

A modern chiminea is generally constructed from metal, such as cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of metal chimineas was a significant step forward since they can endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas to be used in a variety of climates.

Metal chimineas are the most common, although there are still some companies that produce clay and terracotta chimineas. The advantages of metal chimineas include its ability to withstand higher temperatures as well as the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These factors have made metal chimineas more popular than clay counterparts.

It doesn't matter what kind of chiminea is selected, it is important that it be placed in the right spot. It should be placed in a level location and away from any fire-prone objects, such as grass, trees, or other buildings. The chiminea should also be set on a concrete, brick or stone patio, and never on a wooden 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 keep the hot part of the fire away from the clay.

Materials

Kiln-fired clay chimineas and terracotta are still being produced by small factories. The temperatures can go up to 1000 degrees Celsius. After cooling and dried, the chimineas are assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas offer a Mexican feel in the garden.

Chimineas are generally hand-painted with many colours and designs to suit the various styles. The paint finish does discolour with time and the heat of the fire, so it is recommended to re-paint using a water-based emulsion.

Although originally designed as essential features for heating and cooking for town-dwelling Mexicans Chimineas have also embodied an appreciation for cultural heritage through time, adapting to diverse functional requirements. Apart from serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico They also played an important role in repelling insects and promoting social gatherings.

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

Currently, chimineas are available in a wide range of materials such as cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are the most common choice, offering the classic Mexican appearance. However, they are susceptible to cracking under pressure, and should only be placed on a flat, fire-safe surface. cast iron chiminea iron and aluminum chimineas have less risk of damage and are elegant and robust.

To ensure that the chiminea lasts as long as possible, you should keep it in an area which is well ventilated and protected from wind and rain. It should be placed away from any walls or structures that might catch alight and also any eaves or patio roofs which could be damaged by the sudden change in temperature that occurs when the chiminea's flame is extinguished. To prevent the chiminea smoking excessively it is recommended that only seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. It is essential to clean the chiminea regularly by using a wirebrush as this will help prevent the build-up of deposits that could cause blackening and burning. The chiminea being protected from wind will also help to reduce the amount of smoke it produces as it is burned.

Maintenance

Like any other fire pits & chimineas apparatus, proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This will help prolong its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas are fragile and should be kept outside where they can be properly cared for. Even though a clay chiminea appears to be sturdy, it can still crack and break from various sources. It is important to check your chiminea for signs wear, and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on how often you should use it.

To keep your Mexican chimney looking beautiful you must clean it thoroughly with mild detergent. This will get rid of any dirt and grime that may cause discoloration or corrosion. To get rid of loose rust particles you should use a wire brush. It is recommended that goggles and gloves are used to protect. After cleaning, rinse the chiminea, and allow it to dry completely. This will stop any moisture from causing corrosion and it can greatly extend the lifespan of your chiminea.

After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, lightly sand it using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough areas which could be caught on embers when you build an open flame. Sanding can also make the appear more appealing and even. Sanding can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint to enhance the look and protect your chiminea from rust.

It is also recommended to keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind, as this 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 generally simple to do. Additionally, it is important to only use small fires, and to add small amounts of wood at one time to your chiminea to get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.