A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess

This small chiminea provides all the warmth and convenience of a wood-burning fireplace without the mess. Place newspaper lightly scrunched into the sand grate or log grates, and then add the kindling and logs prior to lighting.

This sleek black steel chiminea has an oxidized finish to give it casual elegance. The 360-degree grate is ideal for crackling flames while the tall chimney channels let smoke escape the user.

Types

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

Some of these units include a chimney that carries smoke away from the seating area, which can be helpful if reside in a region that has restrictions regarding the amount of smoke produced by outdoor fireplaces or other heat sources. Some models also come with an ash catcher as well as a spark screen in the chimney. You may want to choose an ash catcher with a larger fire capacity or one that is able to hold plenty of wood, depending on the size of the space.

The material of your chiminea will have an immediate influence on its performance and appearance in your outdoor space. Terra cotta models are classic, but they can be damaged by elements. Metal Chimineas are more durable, but they might require a protective coating to stop rust. A hybrid chiminea that is typically constructed from a mix of steel and cast iron could offer the best of both worlds.

The size of your chiminea will affect the amount of heat that is generated. A larger chiminea tends to be heavier and more expensive, however it also produces more heat than a smaller chiminea.

Chimineas are often decorated with a decorative surface which adds to their charm. Some are adorned with ornaments or carved patterns while others have plain lines and a plain look. Some models have lids to keep pets and children away from the flames. Some models have doors that make it easier to add fuel or take out ashes. You can find chimineas with built-in barbecues, which lets you cook food over an open fire.

Safety

If you're thinking of purchasing a small chiminea there are a few important precautions to keep in mind. chimineas and fire pits don't pose a danger to pets or children however, they can be very hot. Be aware of a few safety steps to ensure that you enjoy your chiminea large for many years to be.

It is essential to know that a fireplace or wood stove is not a chiminea. They don't have dampers that control the flame and are prone to break if are not handled properly.

Use a lid that is fire-proof on your chiminea. This will prevent rain from entering and breaking the stack. This will also help reduce the smoke nuisance. You might also look into purchasing a freestanding fireproof frame that will stand above the smoke stack and shield it from the elements.

Chimineas can produce many sparks when they're burning therefore it is best to avoid placing them near flammable materials such as fences, clothes lines, and plants. It's recommended to clean 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 precaution is to not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other accelerant in your chiminea. These liquids can trigger an explosive explosion in the chimney and pose an hazard to fire. It is not recommended to use water to ignite a chiminea fire as it could cause the chinese clay to crack and even break.

It is recommended to use wood in your chiminea since it will produce less smoke and heat than other types of fuels. Start with small pieces of wood, and then add larger ones to the flames. If you aren't able to ignite the fire quickly, try balling up some newspaper and leaning it against the grate inside the stack - this creates powerful draft that quickly ignites the paper and your kindling.

Never burn a Chiminea indoors. It can release dangerous carbon monoxide fumes which can be fatal to both humans and animals. It's also an ablaze hazard and could cause serious damage to your home.

Maintenance

When it is used often, a chiminea makes an attractive feature for any outdoor space. It provides warmth and ambiance. Regular maintenance will improve its appearance, avoid injuries and dangers to safety and ensure that it will be enjoyed for years to be. Routine care should include regular cleaning and inspections, both inside and outside, as well proper storage during off-season weather.

Chimineas should be put in a place that is free of overhanging structures and branches and away from any combustible material such as concrete and pavers. It is also dangerous to put a chiminea on the roof, or on any other structure. Sparks can fly from the chimney and ignite whatever is above. The area must be clean and large enough to hold the entire chiminea, including flue, and have some feet of space on all sides to ensure 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 it should be thoroughly rinsed and then allowed to dry completely. Prior to cleaning, it is crucial to remove any ash from the chimney and the bowl of the chiminea. During the cleaning process it is essential to wear gloves to avoid touching the hot soot and ash. During the cleaning process, it's important to examine the interior and exterior of the vehicle for any chips or cracks that might need to be repaired.

The majority of chiminea stores sell a clay repair kit that can be used to repair cracks. These kits include all the necessary adhesives and sealants to repair minor fractures and cracks. If a crack is left unattended it may eventually turn into a major problem that affects the integrity of the chiminea and renders it unsafe to use.

To ensure that your chiminea is in good condition, you should only make use of wood products that have been treated and dried. Burning substances such as treated or painted wood, plastics, and garbage release toxic fumes that are harmful to chiminesas. Proper fuel and regular cleaning help to prevent damage and cracks caused by excessive heat. It is important to limit the size of the flames in the chiminea. Avoiding huge, roaring flames can cause thermal shock to the clay.

Cleaning

A well-maintained chiminea can give you many pleasant evenings of warmth and sociability. Like all outdoor furniture and equipment, it requires regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Safety is the most important factor wearing gloves and safety glasses a must-have to protect your skin from dust and debris while cleaning. It's also important to ensure that the chiminea remains cool before starting the cleaning process. This is not only safe for your skin, but also prevents the inhalation of any harmful particles that may be hot from previous fires.

Get rid of any extra large chiminea clumps that have accumulated in the chiminea before you begin the cleaning process. Get rid of them in a safe manner. Using a wire brush, gently scrape off any loose rust, making sure to wear your protective gear. A light sanding is also beneficial as it helps remove any rust particles the wire brush missed, and smooths out the surface of your chiminea.

Clay chimineas should be regularly examined, and if any damage is discovered the chiminea should be repaired with clay repair kits available at most home improvement stores. The inspection should be conducted before you use the chiminea, as it will help strengthen the material and make it ready for regular heating. This is a good method to inspect the chiminea for any cracks or other damage that might not be apparent even when it's not in use.

It is important to note that you should only utilize a chiminea on a nonflammable base, like concrete slab, sand slab, or hearth pad. This is especially important for families with children or pets who might be enticed to play with the burning embers, or if it's situated near flammable materials such as wooden fences and plants, garden lighting and furniture. Also, it's a good idea to place a lid on top of your chiminea when it's not in use, to help to limit the possibility of burning fires spreading.