Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican fire pits chimineas Pit

Originally used as bread ovens Chimineas are a symbol of Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The simple design, which blends practicality and aesthetic simplicity is timeless.

Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns, which remove organic material from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They can be used all year round however, they should not be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a balmy evening in summer, with family and friends enjoying delicious food outdoors and being warm by your Mexican or clay chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor chiminea fireplace.

These stoves, which were terra-cotta in origin, were designed to function as radiant heaters as well as ovens, helping tribesmen through the dark winter nights of their home country. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian values which emphasized practicality and importance of living in a communal setting.

The stoves were originally made from natural terra-cotta clay that was dried before being fired wood in kilns. Clay chimineas have a more rustic appearance and were not glazed to protect their surface. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas from metals such as brass, cast iron and aluminum. These materials provide enhanced durability and weather resistance which addresses one of the biggest weaknesses of the clay design.

The distinctive design of the chiminea was inspired by the idea of a potbellied base which rises up into an long chimney. This shape is ideal for containing a fire while moving smoke upwards. This helps reduce air intake and enhances heat retention.

Chimineas were used to cook, heating and providing light for the tribes of Mexico. We still appreciate their aesthetics as well as the warmth they offer in the cold autumn evenings, or even in the brisk winter sun.

If your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern one, 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 large and jumbo. We also stock clay chimineas which have been decorated with either an engraved or moulded design.

Our range of terracotta and mexican chimineas (hop over to this website) are handmade by artisans from the center of the country. The process of making them can cause slight variations in the shape and colour. If your chiminea begins discolour you can always paint it over with an emulsion water-based paint. Before you begin using your new chiminea, it's important to read all the instructions and tips on care given by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas are not just practical, but they also give an authentic and rustic feel to the space. They come in different materials and designs and can be matched with any furniture for your patio. They can be a focal point or blend in seamlessly with the landscape.

The clay chimenea was created for both practical and cultural reasons. The tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users and its rounded body radiated warmth. It also served as a gathering place for socializing and storytelling, giving it an important function in Mexican and Central American culture.

Traditional chimineas are made by local artisans using moist clay that is collected directly from the earth. The raw material was transformed into its final form prior to being kiln-dried. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor-intensive to create particularly big ones. Typically, potters would coil long snakes of clay into a cylindrical shape and then smooth the clay to form the chiminea's bowl and neck. The rim of the clay was usually decorated with carvings or patterns.

Modern chimineas are generally constructed of metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were a significant improvement because they could stand up to high temperatures and humidity without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas to be used in a variety of climates.

Metal Chimineas are most commonly used, although there are still some companies that manufacture clay and terracotta ones. Metal chimineas are stronger and easier to clean. Metal chimineas are more sought-after than clay chimineas because they can stand up to higher temperatures and be cleaned more easily.

No matter what type of chiminea you choose it is essential to place it in the right location. It must be placed in a leveled space, away from anything that could ignite such as trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea should also be placed on a brick, concrete or stone patio, and not on a wooden deck. It's a good idea also to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco Lava Stones under the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.

Materials

Traditional chimineas of terracotta and clay that are still produced by small-scale factories today, are kiln fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas are able to be assembled. Some are covered in glaze, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas are a very popular choice since they give an authentic Mexican look to a garden.

Chimineas can be painted by hand in a variety colours and patterns to match different styles. The paint finish can fade as time passes and because of the heat generated by the fire, so it is recommended to re-paint using an acrylic emulsion based on water.

The original purpose was to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over time have become a symbol of culture, adjusting their function to meet a variety of needs. These distinctive structures were not solely used by indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played an important function in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea, having a wide base and narrow chimney spout, allows for the most air to be drawn in at the bottom of the structure, which reduces smoke inhalation. It also helps retain heat in the chiminea's belly, which makes it perfect for cooking.

Currently, chimineas are available 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 appearance. They are susceptible to cracking when under pressure and should only be put on flat surfaces that are fire-proof. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have less danger of being damaged but are still elegant and sturdy.

To ensure that the chiminea lasts for as long as it can it should be kept in a well-ventilated area and protected from rain and wind. It should be placed away from any walls and structures which could catch alight as well as eaves or patio roofs which might be damaged by the sudden change in temperature when the chiminea's flame is extinguished. To avoid the chiminea burning excessively it is recommended that only dried, seasoned logs are burned. Regular cleaning with a wire brush is also essential, as it will keep deposits from accumulating that could cause the chiminea to burn and blacken. Sheltering the chiminea from the wind can also help reduce the amount of smoke it releases as it is burned.

Maintenance

Like any other fire apparatus, proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your Chiminea. This will prolong its life and ensure that it is operating safely. Chimineas can be fragile, and should be kept in a protected area where they can be properly cared for. Even if a steel chiminea made of clay appears sturdy however, it could still crack and break from various sources. It is crucial to examine your chiminea for signs wear and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how often to fire it.

The first step in ensuring that your mexican chiminea stays looking its best is to wash it thoroughly with an easy detergent solution. This will remove any built-up dirt and grime, which can lead to discoloration and rust. To remove the rusty particles that are loose, make use of 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 process will prevent any water from causing corrosion and can also prolong the lifespan of your chiminea.

After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that could catch embers if you decide to make a fire. Sanding can also make the look more attractive and even. Sanding can be followed with several coats of grill or stove paint to enhance the look and safeguard your chiminea from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind as this could cause the paint to peel and fade. It is possible to fix the problem by using water-based emulsions paints or masonry spray. Also, it is essential to build small fires and to add small amounts of wood at a time to your chiminea to get it "broken in" and to avoid overheating.