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The Basics of a Ceramic Chiminea The most popular type of chiminea is made of clay. Think terra cotta plant pots, or those red pottery ones. Clay is tough and durable however, it is susceptible to cracking if handled improperly. The clay in a chiminea is highly absorbent and needs to be protected by sand or gravel at the bottom, along with logs, kindling, and other materials. This stops the clay from getting too hot and prevents hairline cracks from forming. Materials The traditional clay chimineas (also known as pot-bellied or ovens) include a chimney that emits smoke upwards. These types of chimineas have glazes to guard them from cracking and weathering caused by sudden temperature fluctuations. However, they are still vulnerable to rain and sun. This is why it is important to keep them covered when not in use, and to ensure that water puddles do not form inside the clay. The majority of chimineas are constructed from terracotta, however other materials like cast iron and steel are also readily available. Terracotta offers an authentic Mexican-inspired design, while aluminum and cast iron are durable alternatives that require less maintenance than the terracotta. Some manufacturers offer modern styles which combine the beauty and durability of a chiminea that is made of clay. Many people match their chimineas to flowering or evergreen plants. This creates a natural look to enhance the ambience in their backyard. It is important to carefully choose the right plant combinations, however, because a Chiminea needs to be placed in a spot free of structures that can catch fire. It is also essential to make sure that the chiminea's location is on a safe surface, such as brick, concrete or stone patios. A chiminea can be made by hand using high-fired, unglazed clay. The potter is the one who shapes the clay. They can use the mold of a plaster or potter’s wheel. In either case the clay is then smoothed and kneaded before being allowed to dry. Some of the more recent clay chimineas have been pre-grogged. This is an additive that helps to resist thermal stress that can cause cracking in earthenware. Other chimineas are made in metal moulds, which give them different designs and shapes to fit any backyard. Cast iron chimineas are heavier than clay models however, they are more durable and less likely to crack or break because of sudden temperature fluctuations. They are more affordable than other types of chimineas, too and are available in gas-burning models, too for extra versatility. Styles A chiminea is designed to resemble an outdoor fireplace and can be decorated with different materials and styles. Terracotta chimineas provide the classic look that dates back centuries, whereas metal options are more durable and handle high temperatures. Many chimineas feature decorative patterns and designs to match the furniture of the patio. A rustic finish, for instance gives your chiminea an old-fashioned look, especially if you pair it with wood or iron patio furniture. Chimineas are usually designed to be freestanding, but they can also be erected on a brick, stone or concrete patio. Whatever you decide to place your chiminea, ensure that it is safe from winds and is away from flammable plants or structures. It is important to remember that chimineas emit smoke and soot that can influence the air quality in the surrounding area. Some chimineas feature a chimney opening at the bottom, and others are squat with a pointed upwards. Both styles are available with or without a large opening to allow for the addition of firewood. The chimneys of squat models may be shaped to enhance visual appeal and create a more dramatic design. You can also add decorative features on the outside of your Chiminea such as marble, wrought iron, or granite. Think about a copper or ceramic top for a touch of style. The lustrous shimmer of these finishes can help to reflect the light off your chiminea and improves the overall appearance of your chiminea. A regular chiminea-polish is another way to protect your outdoor fire pit from damage and also beautify it. Use a natural polishing agent like beeswax, or olive oil, to smooth the surface and create a beautiful glow. Apply a thin layer of the product and rub gently. Rinse and dry your chiminea to get a sparkling finish. Chimineas require a lot of maintenance, but with the right care and attention your creative outdoor chiminea can look fashionable for years to come. By using efficient decorating strategies and maintaining your chiminea, you will be able to enjoy it well into the cooler seasons. Safety Although they are popular however, chimineas are risky if they're not used properly. Chimineas made of clay, particularly ones that aren't glazed, are prone to breaking and cracking. They also pose an ignition source if they are too close to flammable objects like your furniture, your home, and the garden. You should use your chiminea outside and in a space that is surrounded by a fire-resistant material or secured. Keep a fire extinguisher near you and use it to put out small flames, or hot coals, which may happen while you are tending your flame. It is also an excellent idea to employ a long lighter in order to light your fire and move coals around using tongs rather than with your hands. It is also a good idea to keep an empty bucket of water on hand in case you need to remove the chiminea. However, it is important not to use water to extinguish a chiminea that has been cooled down and to only add water after the fire has died naturally or when a large fire is in danger of bursting into the chimney. The draft generated by a chiminea could carry sparks upward through the stack, so it is important to protect your home and your neighbors from accidental burns by using simple spark arrestors constructed from chicken wire that is placed on the top of the smokestack. Chimineas also generate lots of heat, and the area surrounding them can get very hot, so you should put up a low wall around the chiminea to remind people that coming too close could result in painful burns. Do not burn your chiminea in rainy or windy conditions. The sparks could cause the chimney to catch fire and cause damage to your home. Make sure to inquire with your local fire department if there burn bans in place before using the Chiminea. Before you add firewood to the chiminea, make sure you clear the area surrounding it. This will ensure that there aren't any flammable materials in the area. You should also clean the inside of your fireplace after each use. This will stop the accumulation of ash that could lead to smoke inhalation, or a sooty outside. Maintenance Clay chimineas need some attention, even although they can be used to make outdoor fires. To ensure their longevity they must be handled in the same way as other clay products. This means avoiding allowing them to become too hot too quickly, and making sure to allow them to cool down between each use. In addition, they should be regularly sealed and sanded to prevent the paint from being damaged by moisture. The first step to keep your chiminea in good shape is to clear the ashes from it after every use, but only once the thing has completely cooled down. It will remain warm even though it appears to have cooled down, so use a small rake and a brush to clear away the ash. After you have carefully removed the ash and cleared away the debris, the next step will be to fill the bottom of the chiminea either sand or gravel. If you don't do this, your chiminea may crack. This is because clay absorbs water and can crack if it becomes too dry. Some sources suggest sealing the outside of the chiminea by using an acrylic waterproofing agent similar to the ones used to seal tiles. This will help keep moisture from leaking into the chiminea and damaging it. chimineas Fireplaces & Stoves UK is recommended that the chiminea gets cleaned and resealed every 6-8 weeks during periods of heavy use. Chimineas should be burned only on bare, fire-safe surfaces and they should never be placed on wood decking or on any other kind of overhead covering. Utilizing only wood that is well-seasoned can also decrease the number of sparks produced and help to avoid cracking the clay. Because a chiminea's body is made of clay it will not last forever, but it is hard to break unless you hit it with an hit or drop it. Cracks can occur due to a variety of reasons, including inadequate burning or a lack of maintenance. They also are prone to rust, so they must be covered when not in use. This will keep rain and snow off of it, so that it will not start to corrode the metal components of the chiminea.