A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess

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

This chic 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 the flames.

Types

A small chiminea is used to add warmth to the patio or outdoor seating area. They are also an excellent alternative to a barbecue grill when cooking outdoors. These grills are available in a range of materials, from clay terra cotta to cast iron and steel. They can be designed in either a traditional style or a more modern one.

Some of these fireplaces have a chimney that directs smoke away from the seating area, which may be helpful if you live in an area with restrictions regarding the amount of smoke emitted by outdoor fireplaces or other heat sources. Some models also come with an ash catcher as well as an ash screen within the chimney. Depending on the size of your space you may be interested in an adobe chiminea which can accommodate a large fire or that holds a lot of wood.

The type of material your chiminea is made from is important because it impacts its performance and how it looks in your outdoor space. Terra cotta chimineas offer a classic look, but it is prone to being damaged from the elements. A metal chiminea is more durable, however it can require protection from rust. A hybrid chiminea is made of a mixture of stainless steel and cast iron. It can have the best features of both.

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

Chimineas are often decorated with a patterned surface, which adds charm. Some are decorated with ornaments and carved patterns while others are simple lines and a plain finish. Some models have a lid that protects the flames and keep pets and children from being too close. Some models come with doors to allow you to easily add fuel and remove the ashes. There are also chimineas that have an integrated grill that allows you to prepare food over an open flame.

Safety

There are some security precautions you need to consider when purchasing a small portable chiminea. Chimineas don't pose any danger to pets or children however, they can be very hot. A few precautions can ensure that you're able to enjoy your chiminea safely for many years to be.

It is essential to know that a fireplace or wood stove is not a chiminea. Contrary to these appliances, they don't have dampers that control burning, and they are easily damaged if not handled carefully.

Always put a fire-proof cover on your chiminea to prevent rain from entering the stack and causing it break. This can also help reduce the smoke nuisance. You might also think about purchasing a freestanding, fireproof frame that can be placed above the smoke stack and shield it from the elements.

Chimineas can generate a lot of sparks when they burn, which is why you should not place them near flammable items like fences and clotheslines. It's recommended to clear the area around the chiminea prior lighting it, and also to ensure that it has at minimum six feet of distance from anything combustible.

Another precaution is to avoid using gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other accelerant in your chiminea. These liquids can cause an explosive explosion in the chimney and pose a fire risk. Water should never be used to light a chiminea fire as it can cause the chinese clay to crack and even break.

You should only use wood in your chiminea because it produces less heat and smoke than other types of fuels. Start with small pieces of wood and then add larger ones to the flames. If you have difficulty lighting the kindling you can try putting newspaper into a ball and placing it on the grate. This will generate a strong draft that will ignite the paper and kindling.

Never burn a Chiminea indoors. It releases toxic carbon monoxide fumes that can be deadly for both people and animals. Additionally, it's an ablaze hazard and could cause serious damage to your home.

Maintenance

A chiminea is an attractive addition to any outdoor space, and it provides warmth and ambience when used frequently. Proper maintenance will enhance its appearance, prevent accidents and damage, and ensure that it can be enjoyed for many years to come. Routine care should include regular cleaning and inspections both indoors and out and proper storage in winter weather.

Chimineas should be put in a place that is free of branches and structures that hang over and away from combustible materials like concrete and pavers. It is also hazardous to place a propane chiminea under a roof, or any other structure. Sparks could fly off the chimney and ignite whatever is above. The area should be free of obstructions and large enough to fit the entire chiminea, including flue, and have some feet of space from all sides for the safety of use.

Chiminies can be cleaned using water and a mild detergent, using soft brushes to ensure that the surface is not damaged by the clay. After washing, the chiminea needs to be thoroughly rinsed and dried completely. Prior to cleaning, it is crucial to remove any ash from the chiminea's bowl and chimney. While cleaning it is essential to wear gloves to avoid touching the hot soot and ash. During the process, it's also important to inspect the interior and exterior for any cracks or chips that may require repair.

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

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

Cleaning

A well-maintained chiminea can provide many happy nights of warmth and conviviality. However, just like all outdoor furniture and equipment it requires regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance. It is essential to ensure safety wearing gloves and safety glasses necessary to shield your skin from dust and debris while cleaning. When cleaning the chiminea it is crucial to ensure that the chiminea has completely cooled. This not only protects your skin, but also prevents the inhalation of any hazardous particles that could be hot from previous fires.

Before beginning the cleaning process, take out any large pieces of ash built up in the chiminea, and dispose of them in a secure manner. Utilizing a wire brush, gently scrape off any loose rust, always remembering to wear your safety equipment. A light sanding can be beneficial too, since this can help eliminate any final particles of rust that are missed by the wire brush and smooths the chiminea's surface, ready for repainting with a suitable high-heat paint designed for fireplaces or grills.

Clay chimineas should be regularly examined, and if any damage is discovered the chiminea should be repaired by using clay repair kits, accessible from a variety of home improvement stores. It's a good idea to perform this inspection prior to your first time using the chiminea large as it will help in strengthening the clay, and also prepare it for regular heating. It's also a great method to check for any cracks or other damage that might not be apparent when the chiminea isn't in use.

It is crucial to remember that you should make use of a chiminea outdoors on a nonflammable base, such as a concrete slab or sand or hearth pad. This is especially important if there are pets or children around that might be enticed to play close to the blazes or if your chiminea's placed near flammable objects such as wooden fences, planters, garden lights and furniture. It's also a good idea to place an over-the-top lid of your chiminea whenever it's not in use, to help to reduce the risk of flames spreading.