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Clay Chiminea - A Fun and Cosy Way to Enjoy the Outdoors
Clay Chimineas are a wonderful option to take advantage of the great outdoors. However, if they aren't treated with care, they can break and crack.
To prevent this from happening, it is essential to get rid of your chimenea. It is crucial to start with small fires, and then allow it to warm slowly. This will also stop sharp pieces of hot clay flying around.
How they are made
Chimineas made of clay are either kiln dried (treated) or air dried clay. Kiln drying involves baking the clay in a kiln to temperatures that are above 1200 degrees. The clay is shaped either by hand or by putting it into molds. After the clay has been shaped it is either coated with glaze (a material like ceramic or glass is applied to the surface of the clay) or left unglazed. It can also be painted to add decoration.
Chimineas can be made of the clay terra cotta which is the same clay used to create a variety of plant pots. Today, the majority of Chimineas are produced in Mexico. A flourishing business that provides local jobs. Chimineas can be fired in small kilns, in batches of up to 100 Mexican-style chimineas.
The clay is then formed into long snakes which are then coiled together to form the chiminea's body. This is done by hand, with a bit of expertise, and it can be difficult to get the clay to the right shape for a chiminea, as they tend to be quite large. Certain chimineas can also be put on a wheel, similar to the pottery pot that requires skilled throwing techniques and the use of tools such as sponges to help the clay to the right shape.
After the chiminea has been formed, it is dried in the sun or a oven for several days. After drying, it is either glazed or left unglazed and baked in the kiln again at high temperatures. It can require a few firings to completely glaze a clay chiminea to achieve its full fireproofing potential.
Wood or charcoal can be used to fuel the Chiminea. Some people even cook with charcoal. The most suitable fuel for the chimenea is charcoal, which burns slower and doesn't release too much sparks. Fireplaces & Stoves of a gas stove inside a chiminea isn't recommended as the clay can crack under the pressure of the flames.
When moving a chimenea never lift it by the chimney or stack as this is a weak spot and it will break easily. Keep one hand on the area where the mouth or the bowl opens, and gently hold your chimenea's neck with the other hand.
The design
A clay chiminea is the perfect solution for anyone looking to create an extra room in their outdoor space or just relax in the sun. These are easy to use, and they look fantastic but if you position them incorrectly, they could be damaged or even explode.
They should also be cleaned frequently, in order to remove soot and ash from the inside. This helps keep the structure neat and makes it look much more attractive too. It's best to do this prior to lighting a fire, but it is possible to do it afterward as well, depending on your preference. Regular cleaning can also lower the risk of a safety hazard because accumulated debris could be ignited unexpectedly, and could cause structural damage to your chiminea.
Another option is to place a layer of sand or lava stones on the bottom of your chiminea. This will protect the clay from the heat generated by burning wood and coals which could cause it to crack. The majority of people use bags of to each chiminea. However it is possible to use lava stones as an ideal alternative for those looking to get something a bit more elegant.
You can build a hearth for your patio around your chiminea to provide an area that is safe for it to be placed. They are typically constructed by covering the area of a deck or patio with pavers or other non-combustible material, creating an elevated platform for your chiminea. You can move it around to prevent it from being too close to buildings or other vegetation. It is also simple to douse the fire with water, without having to worry about damaging the surrounding area.
It is best to use a chiminea in conjunction with grill. It allows you to cook while keeping your chiminea hot and lets you explore cooking techniques that aren't always feasible when using traditional fire pits. Remember that chimineas are heavy and should only be moved with the assistance of a friend or when fully cooled. Covering them when not in use will increase their lifespan.
The chimney
A chiminea is made up of a clay pot as well as a chimney. It can be set anywhere to add warmth and ambience. Chimineas can be used to cook charcoal or wood. They are also beautiful and will look great with any patio furniture. They are easy to maintain and will last many years. They can be painted using non-toxic paints to match with the decor. A cover to protect it from elements and debris will help extend its lifespan.
Like all pots, a clay chiminea is susceptible to various elements such as extreme heat fluctuations and rain. To ensure that your chiminea is in good shape, you will need to regularly clean it. With a stiff bristled brush you'll need to clean all ash and dirt from the inside of your chiminea. You will then need to clean the exterior of your fireplace using mild soap and a soft cloth.
It is also recommended to put an additional layer of sand or rock on the bottom of your chiminea. This will prevent the hot coals from touching the clay, result in cracking in the clay due to heat. Lava stones are a favorite and provide an additional layer of protection for your chiminea.
While both cast iron and clay chimineas can withstand a lot of heat, they need to be carefully maintained to prevent cracking or breaking. A cracked or broken chiminea could break and spill ashes, creating an opportunity for fire.
Most hardware stores carry high-temperature adhesives to repair clay chimineas. However, unlike traditional clay flowerpots, chimineas must be repaired using products that are able to withstand high temperature.
Like all fireplaces, a chiminea will generate hot sparks whenever you light it. To minimize this, you will need to make sure that the wood is well-seasoned and cut and a mesh screen or chicken wire on the top of the stack. A metal grate placed over the opening will help reduce the amount sparks that come out of your chiminea.
The firebox
If you're looking to add a a convenient and warm outdoor fire feature to your living space, a clay chimney (also called a chimenea) could be the ideal thing. These simple and flexible units are available in various styles and materials to fit any home or yard setting.
Generally, these structures include a fire bowl, main body that feeds and holds the wood, and a shorter chimney stack for the expulsion of ash and smoke. Some may include grills and other cooking components for those who want to make their chimineas an outdoor kitchen.
Like any clay pot, a chiminea requires some ongoing maintenance to ensure it is in good shape. Clay may break or crack when it is subjected extreme stress, such as sudden temperature changes. To prevent this from happening it is best to put your chiminea in a stable space such as a fire pit, a firepad or on stone or concrete.
It's essential to keep the flames of the fire bowl as tiny and contained as possible. A large fire can cause the clay to crack and shatter. This can send sharp pieces of hot pottery flying off, which could be hazardous to pets and children around.
The best method to avoid this is to "season" your chiminea prior you use it for the first time. It is suggested to make four to eight small fires to seal the clay. After each fire, you should allow the chiminea to cool down completely before attempting another one.
If you care for your chiminea properly it will last for years. Modern chimineas often use the most heavily grogged, heavy clay to withstand sudden temperature changes. This could cause other types of chimineas to crack or break. It's also a good idea to buy and use a protective cover for your chiminea during humid weather. This will protect it from rain, sleet, and also reduce the amount of heat lost during the rainy season.
