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https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk/products/castmaster-pasadena-cast-iron-chiminea-wood-stove

The Basics of a Ceramic Chiminea The most common type of chiminea is made out of clay Think of terracotta pots or red pottery Clay is tough and durable however it is susceptible to cracking if handled improperly chiminea for the garden is very absorbent so it needs to be protected with sand and gravel at the bottom of a chiminea along with logs or kindling This stops the clay from burning too hot and seals hairline cracks Materials The traditional clay chimineas also called potbellied ovens include a chimney that directs smoke upwards These chimineas are usually glazed to shield them from weathering and cracking due to sudden temperature changes However they are still vulnerable to rain and sun It is therefore important to cover them when not in use and to stop water puddles from growing inside the clay The majority of chimineas are created from terracotta however other materials like cast iron and steel are also readily available Terracotta is an authentic Mexicaninspired design as well as cast iron and aluminum are durable alternatives that require less care than terracotta Some manufacturers also offer modern designs that blend the beauty of a clay chiminea with the strength of metal Many people opt to pair their chiminea with evergreens or flowering plants This creates a natural look to add a natural feel to their backyard It is crucial to be careful when you choose the right plant combinations but as a Chiminea must be placed in a spot free of structures that could catch fire It is also important to make sure that the chiminea is located on a firesafe surface like brick concrete or stone patios A chiminea is typically built by hand using highfired clay which could be glazed The potter is the one who shapes the clay They can use the mold of a plaster or wheel for the potter In either case clay is kneaded prior to being allowed to dry Some of the newer clay chimineas have been pregrogged This is an additive that helps them resist thermal stress that can cause cracking in earthenware Other chimineas are made using metal moulds that give them a variety of styles and shapes to suit any backyard Cast iron chimineas weigh more than clay versions but they stand up better to the elements and arent as susceptible to cracking or breaking due to sudden temperature changes like clay Cast iron chimineas are also more affordable than other types and are available with gasburning options to give you more versatility Styles Chimineas are fireplaces that can be decorated with a variety styles and materials Terracotta chimineas provide the classic look that dates back to the past while metal options are more durable and endure high temperatures Many chimineas have designs and patterns that are a perfect match for the surrounding patio furniture A rustic finish for example can give your chiminea a vintage feel particularly if you pair it with wood or iron patio furniture Chimineas are typically designed to be freestanding however they may also be mounted on a stone brick or concrete patio Whatever you decide to use to place your chiminea make sure it is protected from the wind and away from any plants or structures that are flammable It is crucial to keep in mind that chimineas can emit soot and smoke that could affect the air quality in the surrounding area Certain chimineas feature chimneys that open at the bottom of the structure while others are pointed upwards and squat Both models come with or without an opening big enough to hold firewood The chimneys on squat models are also able to be formed to create an even more striking appearance and enhance the visual appeal You can also add decorative elements to the outside of your Chiminea like wrought iron marble or granite You can also consider a ceramic or copper top to add a touch of style The shiny sheen of these finishes helps to reflect the light from your chiminea and improves the overall appearance of your chiminea Chiminea polishing on a regular basis is a great option to beautify your fire pit outside and safeguard it from harm Use a natural polishing product like beeswax or olive oil to smooth the surface and create an intense glow Apply a thin layer and gently rub it in before rinsing and drying the chiminea for a radiant result Chimineas require a lot of maintenance but with proper care and attention your unique outdoor chiminea can remain stylish for a long time By implementing efficient decorating and maintenance strategies you can enjoy your chiminea in the backyard throughout the winter months Safety Despite their popularity chimineas can be risky if theyre not used properly Chimineas made of clay are susceptible to cracking especially those that arent coated with They can also pose a fire risk when they are placed too close to flammable materials like your home furniture outdoors and in the garden It is best to use your chiminea outdoors and in a space that is surrounded by firesafe material or fenced You should always keep a fire extinguisher close by and use it when needed to put out any small flames or hot coals that may occur while you are tending the flame It is also an excellent idea to use a long lighter to light your fire and move the coals around with tongs instead of using your hands A bucket of water is useful to have near by in case the chiminea has to be put out It is crucial to never use water to extinguish a chiminea that has been chilled down and to only add water after the fire has gone out naturally or if a large fire is at risk of bursting the chimney The draft created by a chiminea could bring sparks up the stack which is why it is important to protect your home and neighbors from burns that could happen accidentally by using an easy spark arrestor made out of chicken wire positioned around the top of the stack Chimineas can also be very hot and the area around them You should install an unassuming wall to warn people not to step too close to It is not recommended to burn your chiminea in rainy or windy weather as sparks could set surrounding plants on fire and could create a chimney fire that could easily damage your house Check with your local fire department if there burning restrictions in place prior to using a chiminea Before adding firewood to the chiminea make sure you clear the area surrounding it This will ensure that there arent any materials that could ignite in the area Also you should clean the inside of your fireplace after every use This will prevent the accumulation of ash that could lead to smoke inhalation or a sooty outside Maintenance Clay chimineas require a bit of maintenance even though they can be used to make outdoor fires To ensure their longevity they should be treated exactly the same way as all clay products This means not allowing them to become too hot too quickly and taking the time to let them cool between each use In addition they should be regularly sanded and sealed to keep the paint from being damaged by moisture The first step to keep your chiminea in good condition is to clear the ashes from it after each use but only after it has completely cooled down It will remain warm even though it appears to be cooling so make use of an ice breaker and a brush to clear away the ash After you have carefully swept out the ash and cleared away the debris the next step would be to fill the inside of the chimineas bottom with either sand or gravel This is crucial as if you dont do this the chiminea could crack The clay absorbs moisture and can crack when it becomes too dried Some sources recommend treating the exterior of a chiminea using an acrylic waterproofing product similar to those used to seal tile This will prevent moisture from damaging the chiminea When you are using the chiminea for a long period of time it is recommended that you sand and reseal the chiminea every 68 weeks Chimineas should only be used on surfaces free of wood or other coverings Only using hardwood that is wellseasoned will reduce the number of sparks and stop the clay from cracking A chiminea made from clay will not last for long However it is extremely difficult to break unless you hit it with a heavy hammer Cracks can occur due to a variety of reasons including poor combustion or lack of maintenance They are also prone to rust which is why they should be covered when not in use This will keep snow and rain from corroding the metal components