• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally used as a bread oven, chimineas reflect Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, which blends practicality with aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.

Clay chimineas can be fired in kilns, which remove organic materials from the clay and seals the pores to avoid cracking. They can be used all year round however they shouldn't be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a warm evening in summer, with friends and family eating delicious food outside with a warm Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a picture like the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor firepit.

The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to function as radiant heaters as well as ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the harsh winter nights in their homes. 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 which was dried before being fired wood in kilns. Chimineas made from clay are more rustic in appearance and were not glazed to protect their surface. Modern manufacturers make chimineas made of metals like brass, cast iron, and aluminum. These materials offer enhanced durability and resistance to weather and address one of the main limitations of the clay design.

The distinctive design of the chiminea was inspired by the concept of a potbellied base that rises into an extended chimney. This form is a perfect way to contain the flame while directing the smoke upwards, which decreases the risk of inhaling air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were a popular method of lighting, heating and cooking. We can still enjoy their aesthetics as well as the warmth they offer in the chilly autumn evenings or even in the brisk winter sun.

If your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of styles that will suit your decor and garden. We offer a range of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also sell clay chimineas that have decor that can be moulded or engraving into the body of the product.

Our range of terracotta and mexican chimineas (https://krotcinus.com/) are handmade by artisans from the center of Mexico. The process of manufacturing can result in slight variations in colour and shape. If your chiminea starts to fade, you can always repaint it with an water-based emulsion. It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea the first time.

Design

Chimineas aren't just functional but they also add an authentic and rustic feel to the space. They come in different materials and designs and can be paired with any furniture for your patio. They can be used as a focal point or they can blend seamlessly with your landscape.

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

Traditionally, chimineas were crafted by local artisans from wet clay that was taken directly from the ground. The raw material was formed into its final form prior to being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor intensive to make especially large ones. Typically, potters would coil long snakes of clay into a circular shape, and then smooth the clay together, creating the chiminea's bowl and neck. The big clay chiminea's rim was often decorated with carvings and patterns.

Modern chimineas are usually constructed of metals, such as cast aluminum chiminea-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were an important development because they can endure high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas be used in a broad range of climates.

Although there are still several companies that manufacture clay and terracotta-based chimineas most chimineas now are made from metal. The benefits of using metal chimineas include its capability to withstand higher temperatures, as well as the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These features have made chimineas from metal more popular than their clay counterparts.

Whatever type of chiminea that you select, it's essential that you place it in the proper place. It should be set in a leveled area far from anything that could ignite such as trees, grass or other buildings. The chiminea must also be set 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 under the chiminea to shield it from direct heat and to keep the hot part of the fire from the clay.

Materials

Traditional clay and terracotta chimineas, which are still made by small factories in the present, are fired to temperatures up to 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas are able to be assembled. Some are glazed, while others are left unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice because they provide an authentic Mexican look to a garden.

Chimineas are usually hand painted, with many colours and designs to suit a wide range of styles. The paint finish can fade as time passes and also because of the heat generated by the fire, therefore it is best to re-paint using an acrylic emulsion that is water-based.

Although originally designed as essential features for heating and cooking for city-dwelling Mexicans Chimineas have been a symbol of an appreciation for cultural heritage over the centuries adapting to various requirements for functional purposes. These distinctive structures weren't only used by the indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played a significant role in repelling bugs and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of the chiminea with its broad base and narrow chimney spout allows maximum air flow into the chiminea's bottom, which reduces the intake of smoke. It also helps retain the heat within the chiminea's belly, making it perfect for cooking.

Presently, chimineas can be found in a variety of materials such as cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are the most commonly used, and offer the classic Mexican style. However, they are prone to cracking under pressure, and should only be used on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have less risk of damage and are still attractive and sturdy.

To ensure the chiminea lasts for as long as is possible, it should always be kept in a well-ventilated area and shielded from wind and rain. It should be kept away from any structures or walls that could catch fire, as well as any patio roofs or eaves that may be damaged by a sudden shift in temperature after the chiminea has been put out. To stop the chiminea from burning excessively, it is advised to keep the leaves away and only dry, seasoned logs are burned. It is essential to regularly clean the chiminea by using a wirebrush as this will prevent deposits that could cause blackening and burning. Sheltering the chiminea from the winds will also help reduce the amount of smoke that it emits as it is burned.

Maintenance

As with any fire equipment, proper maintenance is essential to ensuring the longevity of your chiminea. This can prolong its lifespan and ensure that it functions safely. Chimineas can be fragile and should be kept outdoors where they can be properly cared for. Even if a chiminea made of clay appears to be strong but it is still susceptible to cracks and break from a variety of sources. It is important to check your chiminea for signs wear and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding how often to use it.

To keep your mexican chimney looking great, you should clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will eliminate any dirt and grime that may cause discoloration or corrosion. To get rid of loose rust particles, make use of a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles be worn to protect yourself. After scrubbing your chiminea clean wash it off and let it dry completely. This process will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion and it can greatly extend the lifespan of your chiminea.

After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, you can lightly sand it down using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and remove any rough areas which could attract embers if you decide to start an open flame. Sanding will also help make the surface more uniform and attractive. In the end, sanding could be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint, which will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and protect it from corrosion.

It is also recommended to keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and winds, as this can cause the paint to peel and fade. If this occurs you can sand the affected areas with water-based emulsion paints or masonry spray, and it's generally simple to do. It is also crucial to only add a few pieces of wood at a time, and build small fires to your chiminea in order to "break it in" and to avoid overheating.