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. Simply place newspaper lightly scrunched in the sand, or put a log grate inside, and add logs and a kindling before lighting.

This chic black steel chiminea features an oxidized finish to add a casual look. The 360-degree grate is ideal for fire's roar, while the tall chimney channels smoke away from you.

Types

A small chiminea could be used to warm an outdoor patio or seating area. They also make an excellent alternative to a grill for cooking outdoors. They are available in a wide range of materials, from terra cotta clay to cast iron and steel. They can also be designed in a traditional or more contemporary style.

Certain models come with chimneys that direct smoke away from the seating area. This can be beneficial for those who reside in an area where there are regulations regarding the amount of smoke that outdoor fireplaces and other sources of heat can emit. Certain models come with an ash screen and a spark screen within the fireplace. You may want to choose one with a big capacity for fire or one that can hold plenty of wood, depending on the dimensions of the area.

The material you choose for your chiminea bbq has an immediate impact on its performance as well as appearance in your outdoor space. Terra cotta models are timeless, but they can be damaged by the elements. Metal Chimineas are stronger, however they may require a protective coat to prevent corrosion. A hybrid chiminea, usually made of a mixture of cast iron and steel, may offer the best of both worlds.

The size of your chiminea will also affect how much heat is produced. A larger chiminea is heavier and more expensive but can produce more heat.

Chimineas are often decorated with a decorative surface which adds charm. Some are adorned with ornaments or carved patterns while others are simple lines and a plain look. Some models have lids to keep children and pets away from the flames. Certain models come with doors that make it easier to add fuel or remove the ashes. You can also find models with built-in grills, which allows you to prepare food with an open flame.

Safety

There are some safety precautions you should consider when purchasing a small, portable Chiminea. Chimineas don't pose any danger to children or pets, but they can get extremely hot. By taking a few precautions, you'll ensure that you can enjoy your chiminea safely for many years to come.

It is important to understand that a wood stove or fireplace is not a Chiminea. They don't have dampers to control the flame and can easily break if they are not handled properly.

Always use a fire-resistant cover for your chiminea to prevent rain from entering the chiminea and causing it to crack. This will also help reduce the smoke nuisance. You might want to consider buying an independent fireproof frame that can be set up above the smoke stack. This will protect it from weather.

Chimineas can produce many sparks when they're burning and it is recommended to avoid placing them in proximity to explosive materials like fences, clothes lines, and plants. You should also clear the area around your chiminea before lighting it. Make sure there are at minimum six feet of space between it and any combustible object.

Another measure to protect yourself is to never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other accelerant in your chiminea outdoor. These liquids are an hazard to fire and can cause an explosion inside the chimney. Also, you should not use water to light an ember in a chiminea since it could cause the clay to crack, or even break.

Use only wood to heat your chiminea. It emits less smoke than other fuels. When you light your chiminea, begin with small pieces of wood and then add larger logs to the flames. If you aren't able to light the kindling quickly, try rolling up some newspaper and putting it against the grate within the stack. This will create a powerful draft that quickly lights the paper and ignite your fire.

Never burn a Chiminea indoors. It releases deadly carbon monoxide fumes that can be fatal to both humans and animals. It can also cause severe damage to the home and pose a fire hazard.

Maintenance

When it is used regularly, a chiminea is an attractive feature for any outdoor space and provides warmth and ambience. Proper maintenance enhances its appearance and reduces damage and safety hazards making sure it can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. Regular inspections and cleaning of both the exterior and interior should be part of the routine maintenance, along with proper storage in off-season weather conditions.

Chimineas must be placed in a location that is away from overhanging structures and branches and away from combustible materials like concrete and pavers. It is also hazardous to put a chiminea on a roof or other structure. Sparks could fly off the chimney and ignite whatever is above. The area must be clean and large enough to hold the entire chiminea, including the flue, with some feet of space on all sides to ensure the safety of use.

Chiminies can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent using soft brushes to avoid damaging the surface of the clay. After washing, the chiminea must be rinsed thoroughly and dried completely. It is important to get rid of all ash from the chiminea bowl and chimney before cleaning. During the cleaning process, it is important to wear gloves to avoid contact with the hot soot and ash. During the process, it's also important to inspect the interior and exterior for any chips or cracks that may require repair.

Most chiminea retailers offer a clay repair kit that can be used to fix cracks. The kits contain all the sealants needed as well as adhesives and other materials to fix small cracks. If a fracture is left untreated, eventually it can become a major problem that compromises the integrity and safety of the Chiminea.

In order to keep the chiminea in good shape it must be powered with natural wood products that have been dried and seasoned. Burning materials like painted or treated plastics, wood, and trash can release toxic fumes that pose a danger to chiminesas. Proper fuel and regular cleaning help to prevent damage and cracks caused by heat. It is also important to control the size of fires in Chimineas, and avoid large, roaring fires that can cause thermal stress and shock to the clay.

Cleaning

A chiminea that's well maintained will provide many warm and enjoyable evenings. Like all outdoor furnishings and equipment, it requires regular cleaning to ensure its optimal performance. It is essential to ensure safety wearing gloves and safety glasses necessary to shield your skin from dirt and dust while cleaning. Before cleaning the chiminea, it is essential to make sure that the chiminea has completely cooled. This not only protects your skin, but also stops the inhalation of any hazardous particles that could be hot from previous fires.

Eliminate any extra large chiminea clumps of rust that have built up in the chiminea before you begin the cleaning process. Get rid of them in a safe way. Wearing protective gear employ a wirebrush to gently remove loose rust. A light sanding process is beneficial since it removes any remaining rust particles the wire brush missed and smooths the surface of your chiminea.

Many home improvement stores offer clay repair kits. The inspection should be conducted prior to using the chiminea as it will strengthen the material and prepare it for regular heat. It's also a good way to look for cracks or other damages that might not be visible when the chiminea isn't being in use.

It is essential to remember that a chiminea is to be used outdoors on a non-flammable foundation like a concrete slab, sand or hearth pad. This is especially important for families with pets or children who could be enticed by the burning sparks, or if it's located close to flammable materials like wooden fences, plants, garden lighting and furniture. When not in use, you should also put a lid on top of the chiminea to reduce the risk of an explosion spreading.