9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Mexican Chimineas

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, originally designed to be ovens for baking, are a reflection of Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The timeless design is a blend of practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Chimineas made of clay can be fired in kilns, which remove organic matter from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They are designed to live outdoors all year long, but must be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a warm evening in the summer, with your loved ones and family eating delicious food outdoors and being warm by your Mexican or clay chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins for this type of outdoor fireplace.

The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to function as radiant heaters and ovens. They helped tribesmen survive the harsh winter nights in their home. Their distinctive design was derived from their utilitarian qualities that emphasized practicality and the importance of communal living.

The stoves were originally constructed of natural terra-cotta clay that was dried before being fired wood in kilns. Chimineas made from clay have a more rustic look and were not glazed to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas using metals like brass, cast iron and aluminum. These materials offer enhanced weather resistance and durability, addressing one of the major weaknesses of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was influenced by a potbellied bottom that rises up to create an extended fireplace. This design is a great way to contain a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which decreases the possibility of air inhalation and enhances heat retention.

Mexican tribes used chimineas for heating, cooking and lighting. Today, we can appreciate them for their beauty and the warmth they provide on chilly autumn evenings and even in chilly winter sunshine.

No matter if your chiminea's an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to suit your garden and décor. We have a variety of sizes; from small and medium to extra-large clay chiminea and jumbo. We also have clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded, or engraved into the body of the item.

Our range of terracotta-based chimineas and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans right in the heart of Mexico. Colours and shapes may vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. You can always repaint your chiminea with an emulsion paint that is water-based if it begins to turn discoloured. It is essential to read the instructions of the manufacturer and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea the first time.

Design

Chimineas not only add warmth and character to any space They are also functional. They are available in a variety of designs and materials. They can be matched to any furniture for your patio. They can be used as a focal point, or blend seamlessly with your landscape.

The traditional chimenea, constructed of clay, was created with both practical and historical significance in mind. The tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users, while its rounded body radiated heat. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, playing an important place in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditionally, chimineas were made by local artisans using wet clay that was taken directly from the ground. This raw material was then formed into its final shape before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor intensive to make particularly large ones. Typically, potters would coil long snakes of clay into a circular shape and then smooth the clay, creating the chiminea's bowl as well as neck. The rim of the clay was usually decorated with carvings or patterns.

Modern chimineas are typically constructed of metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were a significant development because they can withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This allowed chimineas to be used in many different climates.

Metal Chimineas are the most popular however there are some companies that manufacture clay and terracotta chimineas. Metal chimineas are more durable and easier to clean. These advantages have made chimineas made of metal more popular than clay counterparts.

No matter which kind of chiminea you pick, it's essential that you put it in the correct spot. It must be placed in a leveled space, away from anything that could ignite like trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea should be placed on a brick, concrete, patio, or stone terrace and should not be placed on a deck made of wood. It's also a good idea to place 50mm of sand, or Gardeco Lava Stones, under the chiminea. This will shield it from direct heat.

Materials

Kiln-fired terracotta and clay chimineas are still being manufactured by small-scale factories. The temperatures can go up to 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas may be assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice because they provide the authentic Mexican look to a garden.

Chimineas are hand-painted in a variety colours and patterns to suit different styles. The paint finish will discolour over time and with the heat from the flame, so it is best to re-paint using a water-based acrylic emulsion.

Originally designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through the years have evolved into an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their function to satisfy a variety of requirements. These distinctive structures weren't solely used by indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played an important role in repelling bugs and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of the chiminea, with its wide base and narrow chimney spout allows maximum air to be drawn into the structure from the bottom, minimizing smoke intake. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea. This makes it ideal to cook over.

Chimineas today can be found in a variety of materials including terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminium. Terracotta chimineas are the most commonly used, and offer the classic Mexican look. They are prone to cracking under pressure, and should be placed on an even surface that is safe from fire. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas carry a lower risk of damage but are still stylish and durable.

To ensure the chiminea lasts for as long as it can it should be kept in a well-ventilated area and shielded from wind and rain. It should be placed away from any walls or structures which could catch alight, as well as any patio roofs or eaves that may be damaged by the sudden shift in temperature that occurs when the indoor chiminea's flame is extinguished. To stop the chiminea from burning too much, it's recommended that leaves are not burned and only dry, seasoned logs be burned. Regular cleaning using wire brushes is important, as it will stop the accumulation of deposits that are liable to burn and turn black. Chimineas can be protected from wind, which will reduce the amount smoke that it emits.

Maintenance

Like any other fire apparatus the proper maintenance is crucial to ensuring the longevity of your Chiminea. This will extend its lifespan and ensure it operates safely. Chimineas are quite fragile and should be kept away from the elements in an area that is well maintained. While a chiminea made from clay may seem solid enough, it is still susceptible to cracks and breakage from various sources. This is why it's important to inspect your chiminea frequently for signs of wear and tear as well as to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the frequency at which it should be fired.

To keep your mexican chimney looking beautiful you must clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will get rid of any dirt and grime that could cause discoloration or rust. To remove the rusty particles that are loose, use a wire brush. It is recommended that goggles and gloves are used to protect. After scrubbing, rinse the chiminea, and allow it to dry completely. This will stop any moisture which causes corrosion, and can prolong the life of your chiminea.

After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, it should be lightly sanded using fine grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots which could be caught on sparks when you start a fire. Sanding can also make the surface look more attractive and even. Finally, the sanding can be followed by a series of coats of stove or grill paint, which will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and protect it from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and wind as this could cause paint to peel and fade. You can fix the issue using water-based emulsions paints or masonry spray. It is also essential to only add a small amount of wood at a time, and create small fires for your propane chiminea to "break it in" and avoid overheating.