Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

The first time they were used was as a bread oven Chimineas represent Mexico's rich culture. The timeless design combines practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Chimineas made of clay are fired in kilns to eliminate organic material and seal the pores to reduce cracking. They are made to be outdoors all year round but must be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a warm summer evening with family and friends, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, surrounded by the gentle heat from your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a scene that is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor fire pit.

These stoves, which were terra-cotta in origin, were designed to serve as both radiant heaters and ovens, assisting tribesmen through the dark winter nights of their home country. Their distinctive shape was derived by their utilitarian values that focused on practicality and social living.

The stoves were originally made from natural terra-cotta clay, which was dried and wood-fired in kilns. Chimineas made from big clay chiminea have a more rustic look and were not glazed to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas made of metals like cast iron, brass and aluminum. These materials provide better durability and resistance to weather, addressing one of the biggest weaknesses of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by a pot-bellied bottom that rises to an extended fireplace. This shape is ideal for containing fires while sending smoke upwards. This minimizes the intake of air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were used for cooking for heating, cooking and also to provide light for the tribes of Mexico. Today we can enjoy them for their beauty and the warm comfort they offer on cold autumn evenings, and even in chilly winter days.

No matter if your chiminea's an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to suit your decor and garden. We offer a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large. We also have clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded or engraving into the body of the product.

Our range of terracotta chimineas and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans in the heart of the country. The colours and shapes can vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. You can always repaint your chiminea with an emulsion paint that is water-based if it starts to turn discoloured. It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

Chimineas not only add warmth and character to any space, but they are also functional. They are available in various styles and materials and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be focal points or blend in seamlessly with the surroundings.

The clay chimenea was created to serve both practical and historical reasons. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed smoke away from the users, while its rounded body radiated warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, giving it an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditionally, chimineas were handcrafted by local artisans using wet clay, which was gathered directly from the ground. The raw material was then formed into its final form before being kiln dried. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor-intensive to create particularly large ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are made by smoothing together long snakes of clay that have been rolled. The clay's rim was often decorated with carvings or patterns.

A modern chiminea is usually made of metal such as cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made of metal was an important evolutionary step because they are able to stand up to extreme temperatures and humidity without cracking. This change allowed chimineas to be used in a wide range of climates.

Although there are still a few companies that produce clay and terracotta-based chimineas most chimineas now are made from metal. The advantages of metal chimineas include its capability to withstand higher temperatures as well as the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. Metal chimineas are more popular than clay chimineas because they can endure higher temperatures and be cleaned easier.

No matter what type of chiminea you choose it's important to place it in the proper location. It should be set in a level area and away from any fire pits & chimineas-prone objects such as trees, grass or other buildings. The chiminea should be placed on a brick, concrete, patio or stone terrace, and never on a deck made of wood. It's a good idea also to put 50mm of sand, or Gardeco Lava Stones, under the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.

Materials

Kiln-fired clay chimineas and terracotta chimineas are still being manufactured by small factories. The temperatures can rise up to 1000 degrees Celsius. Once they are cooled and dried the chimineas are then assembled. Some are glazed while others are left unglazed. These chimineas provide a Mexican feeling in a garden.

Chimineas are generally hand-painted, with many colours and designs to suit the various styles. The paint finish will fade over time and with the heat from the fire, therefore it is recommended to re-paint using an acrylic emulsion based on water.

Although originally designed as essential features for heating and cooking for city-dwelling Mexicans Chimineas have also embodied an appreciation for cultural heritage through time and have adapted to a variety of functional requirements. These distinctive structures were not only used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played an important role in repelling bugs and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of the chiminea, with its wide base and narrow chimney spout allow maximum air to be drawn into the chiminea's bottom, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps keep heat in the belly of the chiminea, which makes it ideal for cooking over.

Chimineas today can be found in a variety of materials including cast iron, terracotta clay chiminea fire pit and even aluminium. Terracotta Chimineas have an elegant Mexican look. However, they are susceptible to cracking under pressure and should only be used on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have a lower risk of damage and are still elegant and durable.

To ensure that the chiminea will last as long as possible, you should keep it in an area which is well ventilated and shielded from wind and rain. It should be kept away from walls and structures that could catch fire, and also the roofs of patios and eaves that may be damaged by a sudden shift in temperature after the chiminea has been put out. To prevent the chiminea's ashes from burning too much, it's advised to keep the leaves away and only seasoned, kiln dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is essential, as it will keep deposits from accumulating that could cause the chiminea to burn and blacken. Sheltering the chiminea from the wind will also help to reduce the amount of smoke that it emits as it burns.

Maintenance

Maintaining the equipment properly is essential to the longevity of any fire apparatus. This will help prolong its lifespan and ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas are fragile and should be kept outdoors where they can be cared for. Even though a clay chiminea appears sturdy however, it could still crack and break due to various causes. It is important to check your chiminea's condition for signs of wear, and to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding how often to start it up.

The first step to ensure that your mexican chiminea is looking its best is to wash it thoroughly with a mild detergent. This will get rid of any dirt or grime that can cause discoloration or rust. A wire brush should be used to scrub away loose rust particles, and it is recommended that you wear gloves and goggles for safety reasons. After scrubbing, rinse the chiminea and let it dry completely. This will stop 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 with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough areas which could trap embers should you decide to build an open flame. Sanding can also make the appear more attractive and even. The sanding process can be followed by a series of coats of stove or grill paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea as well as protect it from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind as this can cause the paint to peel and fade. If this happens it is possible to touch up the affected areas with water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays and it's usually easy to do. Also, it is essential to only use small fires and to add small amounts of wood at each time to your chiminea in order to get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.