• 목록
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

The first time they were used was as a bread oven, chimineas reflect Mexico's rich heritage of culture. The simple design, blending practicality with aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.

Ceramic chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns, which remove organic materials from the clay and seals the pores to avoid cracking. They are designed to live outdoors all year round, but should be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a summer evening that is warm and sunny with your family and friends, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle heat of your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a scene reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor firepit.

The terracotta stoves of the past were made to be both radiant heaters and ovens. They helped tribesmen survive the harsh winter nights in their home. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian characteristics that emphasized practicality and the importance of communal living.

The stoves were built out of natural terracotta big clay chiminea which was dried in kilns before being then wood-fired. Chimineas made from clay have a more rustic appearance and were not glazed to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas made of metals such as aluminum, cast iron and brass. These are more robust and resistant to weather, which is one of the main limitations of the clay design.

The chiminea's distinctive design was influenced by the concept of a potbellied base which rises up into an extended chimney. This design is a great method of containing the flame while directing the smoke upwards, which reduces air inhalation and maximizes heat retention.

Mexican tribes used chimineas for lighting, heating and cooking. Today, we can appreciate these beautiful qualities and also for the warm comfort they offer in cold autumn evenings and even in brisk winter sun.

Whether your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to match your decor and garden. We stock a wide range of sizes, from small and medium to extra-large and Jumbo. We also stock clay chimineas that have been decorated with either an engraved or moulded design.

Our range of terracotta Chimineas as well as Mexican chimineas is handmade by artisans from the heartland of Mexico. The manufacturing process can cause minor variations in the shape and colour. If your chiminea starts to discolour you can always paint it over with an water-based emulsion. It is essential to read the instructions of the manufacturer and care tips before using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

Chimineas aren't just useful, but they also provide an authentic and rustic look to the space. They are available in various styles and materials and can be matched to any furniture for your patio. They can be used as a focal point or they can blend in seamlessly with your landscaping.

The traditional chimenea, made of clay, was created with both practical and historical significance in mind. Its tall, chimney-like neck directed smoke away from its users and its rounded circular body exuded warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, giving it an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditional chimineas are made by local artisans using wet clay that is collected directly from the earth. The clay was then molded to its final shape before being kiln dried. The process of creating the clay chimenea was labor-intensive, particularly for huge ones. Typically, potters would coil long snakes of clay into a cylinder shape, and then smooth the clay to form the chiminea's bowl and neck. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns or carvings.

A modern chiminea is usually composed of metals like cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made from metal was a significant evolutionary step because they are able to withstand high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a broad range of climates.

Although there are still several companies that make clay and terracotta-based chimineas the majority of chimineas today are constructed from metal. Metal chimineas are more durable and easier to clean. These factors have made chimineas from metal more popular than clay counterparts.

No matter which kind of chiminea you pick it is essential to place it in the proper place. It must be placed in a leveled area far from any fire-prone objects such as trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea should be placed on a brick, concrete or stone patio and not on a wooden deck. It's also a good idea to put 50mm of sand, or Gardeco Lava Stones beneath the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.

Materials

Traditional chimineas made of terracotta and clay which are still manufactured by small companies today, are fired to temperatures up to 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas can be assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas can give an Mexican experience in the garden.

Chimineas are generally hand-painted, with various colours and designs to suit the various styles. The paint finish will fade over time and because of the heat generated by the fire, therefore it is best to re-paint using an acrylic emulsion based on water.

Although originally designed as essential features of cooking and heating for town-dwelling Mexicans Chimineas have been a symbol of a sense of cultural heritage through time, adapting to diverse needs. In addition to serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico They also played a vital function in repelling insects and in promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea featuring a wide base and narrow chimney spout allows for the maximum amount of air to be drawn in from the bottom of the structure, minimizing smoke inhalation. It also helps to retain the heat inside the chiminea. This makes it ideal to cook over.

Chimineas are currently available in a wide range of materials, including terracotta, cast aluminium chiminea iron, and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas offer 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 and aluminum chimineas have a lower risk of damage and are stylish and sturdy.

To make sure the chiminea lasts as long as possible, you should place it in a location that is well-ventilated and protected from wind and rain. It should be placed away from any walls and structures that could catch fire and also any patio roofs or eaves that could be damaged by the sudden change in temperature when the chiminea's flame is removed. To prevent the chiminea smoking excessively, it is recommended that only dried, seasoned logs are burned. It is essential to clean the chiminea regularly by using a wirebrush as this will avoid deposits that could burn and blacken. Sheltering the chiminea from the winds will also help reduce the amount of smoke it produces as it burns.

Maintenance

The proper maintenance is vital to the longevity of any fire equipment. This can help prolong its lifespan and ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas are relatively fragile and should always be kept outside where they can be properly taken care of. Although a indoor chiminea made of clay may appear to be sturdy enough, it's still susceptible to cracking and breakage from various sources. This is why it's crucial to examine your chiminea on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear, and also to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding how often it should be fired.

The first step in ensuring that your mexican chiminea stays looking its best is to wash it thoroughly with a mild detergent solution. This will remove any dirt and grime that could cause discoloration or corrosion. To remove loose rust particles you should employ a wire brush. It is recommended that goggles and gloves are worn to protect yourself. After you have scrubbed, wash the chiminea, and let it dry completely. This will prevent any moisture that causes corrosion and will greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

After the chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and remove any rough areas that could catch on to the embers as you build an open flame. Sanding can also make the appear more appealing and even. In the end, sanding could be followed by several coats of stove or grill paint, which will improve the appearance of your chiminea terracotta and guard it from rust.

Keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind, as this could cause paint to peel and fade. If this happens, you can touch up the affected areas using water-based emulsion paints or masonry spray, and it is generally easy to do. It is also essential to only add a few pieces of wood at a time and build small fires to your chiminea so that you can "break it in" and to avoid overheating.