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A Small Chiminea Provides Warmth Without the Mess
This small chiminea provides all the warmth and warmth of a fireplace made of wood without the mess. Place newspaper lightly scrunched in the log grate, sand grate, or log grates, and then add the kindling and logs prior to lighting.
This sleek black steel chiminea comes with an oxidized finish for casual elegance. The 360-degree grate maximizes your burning flames and the tall chimney funnels smoke upwards and away from the flames.
Types
A small chiminea is used to provide warmth to the patio or outdoor seating area. They are also a great alternative to a barbecue grill when cooking outdoors. These units come in various materials, that range from terracotta clay to cast iron to steel. They can be made in a more traditional or contemporary style.
Some of these units include a chimney that carries smoke away from the seating area, which can be helpful if live in an area with restrictions regarding the amount of smoke emitted by outdoor fireplaces or other sources of heat. Some models also feature an ash catcher and a spark screen in the chimney. You might want to select an ash catcher with a larger fire capacity or one that can accommodate plenty of wood, depending on the size of the space.
The material used in your chiminea has an impact on its performance and appearance in your outdoor space. Terra cotta models offer the classic look, but it is prone to damage from the elements. A metal chiminea is more durable, but it might require protection from rust. A hybrid chiminea is composed from a mixture of cast iron and stainless steel. It can have the best qualities of both.
The size of your chiminea may also affect how much heat is produced. A larger chiminea is heavier and more expensive but can produce more heat.
Chimineas typically have a beautiful surface which gives them a appeal. Some are embellished with ornaments and carved designs while others are simple lines and a basic finish. Some models have a lid which helps protect the flames and also prevent pets or children from getting too close. Some models have a door that makes it easier to add fuel or to remove the ashes. There are chimineas that have a built-in barbecue, which lets you cook food on an open flame.
Safety
There are some safety precautions to consider when purchasing a small, portable Chiminea. Chimineas aren't a danger to pets or children however they can become very hot. Take a few precautions to ensure you can enjoy your chiminea for years to come.
It is important to understand that a wood stove or fireplace is not a chiminea. Contrary to these appliances, they don't have dampers to control the burning and can easily break if not handled carefully.
Always use a fire-proof cover on your chiminea to prevent rain from entering the stack and causing it to crack. This can also help reduce the smoke nuisance. You may want to purchase a fireproof frame freestanding that can be placed over the smoke stack. This will shield it from weather.
Chimineas can produce many sparks when burning and it is recommended to avoid placing them in proximity to flame-prone materials like fences, clothes lines, and plants. chiminea grill is also important to clear the area around your chiminea prior to lighting it. Make sure there is at least six feet of space between it and anything that could ignite.
Another precaution is to never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other accelerant in your chiminea. These liquids are an hazard to fire and can cause an explosion in the chimney. Water should not be used to light an igniting chiminea because it can cause the chinese clay to crack and even break.
Make sure to use only wood to heat your chiminea. It produces less smoke than other fuels. Start with small pieces of wood, and later add larger pieces to the flames. If you aren't able to ignite the fire quickly, try rolling up newspapers and laying it against the grate within the stack. This will create powerful draft that will quickly light the paper as well as your kindling.
Never burn a Chiminea indoors. It can release toxic carbon monoxide fumes that can be fatal to both humans and animals. Additionally, it's an ablaze hazard and could cause serious damage to your home.
Maintenance
A chiminea can be an exquisite addition to any outdoor area, and it provides warmth and atmosphere when used regularly. Regular maintenance improves its appearance and reduces damage and safety hazards and ensures that it will be enjoyed for a long time to come. Regular maintenance should include cleaning and inspections both inside and outside, as well proper storage in winter weather.
Chimineas should be put in a place that is away from branches and structures with overhangs, and also away from any combustible material like concrete and pavers. It is also hazardous to place a chiminea under a roof or other structure. Sparks can fly from the chimney and ignite anything above. The area must be clean and large enough to accommodate the entire chiminea as well as the flue, with some feet of space from all sides for safety.
Chiminies can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent, using soft brushes to ensure that the surface is not damaged by the clay. After washing, the chiminea must be rinsed thoroughly and dried completely. Before cleaning, it's essential to get rid of any ash that has accumulated in the chimney and chiminea's bowl. During the cleaning process it is crucial to wear gloves to avoid contact with the hot soot and ash. During the process, it's essential to check the interior and exterior for any cracks or chips that may require repair.
Most chiminea retailers offer a clay repair kit that can be used to fix cracks. The kits contain all the necessary sealants and adhesives to repair small cracks and fractures. If a crack is left unattended it can eventually develop into a major problem that compromises the integrity of the chiminea, and renders it unsafe to use.
In order to keep the chiminea in good shape, it should be fueled with natural wood products that have been seasoned and dry. Burning materials such as treated or painted plastics, wood, or garbage emit toxic fumes that are harmful to a chiminea. Proper fuel and regular cleaning keep cracks and damages caused by heat. It is also important to manage the size of fires in Chimineas, and avoid large, roaring fires which can cause thermal stress and shock to the clay.
Cleaning
A chiminea that is properly maintained will offer many warm and social evenings. As with all outdoor furniture and equipment, a chiminea has to be cleaned regularly to ensure its performance is optimal. Safety is the most important factor, with gloves and goggles essential to shield your skin from dirt and dust during cleaning. Before cleaning the chiminea it is crucial to ensure that the chiminea has completely cooled. This not only protects your skin, but also prevents the inhalation of any dangerous particles that might still be hot from earlier fires.
Before you start the cleaning procedure, remove any large clumps of ash that have been accumulating in the chiminea, and dispose of them in a safe way. Utilizing a wire brush, gently scrape off any loose rust, remembering to wear your protective equipment. A light sanding is beneficial, too, as this helps to eliminate any final rust particles that are missed by the wire brush and smooths the chiminea's surface ready to be painted with a suitable high-heat paint designed for grills or fireplaces.
Many home improvement stores offer clay repair kits. It is a good idea to perform this inspection prior to your first use of the chiminea since it can help strengthen the clay and prepare it for regular heating. This is a good method to check the chiminea for damage and cracks that might not be apparent when it's not being used.
It is important to remember that a chiminea should only be used outdoors on a non-flammable foundation like a concrete slab, sand or hearth pad. This is especially crucial when you have children or pets who might be enticed to play with the burning embers, or placed near to flammable objects like wooden fences, lighting for your garden, planters and furniture. It's also a good idea to place a lid on top of your chiminea when not being used, in order to minimize the chance of burning fires spreading.
