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Taking Care of a Clay Chiminea Chimineas made of clay add a beautiful and practical accent to any outdoor space. However, just like any other fire pit or outdoor fireplace, a chiminea should be treated with care to preserve its beauty and functionality. Once they've been glazed, chimneys made of clay are able to withstand snow, rain and sudden temperature fluctuations. They are not without danger and should be protected when not in use. How they're made Chimineas are a stunning and functional way to keep warm by the fire. They are usually constructed from clay, but can also be constructed of metal or Terra-cotta. They have a chimney to direct smoke into the air, and a bulbous shape that allows for a huge fire to be easily set. They retain warmth well and are ideal for keeping you warm outside throughout the year. Chimineas made of clay can be more fragile than metal counterparts and may crack or break due to sudden temperature fluctuations or physical damage. They should be handled with care and regular maintenance to prevent this from happening. Mexican clay chimineas are still an industry that is flourishing with small factories firing up different sizes of kilns to create stunning outdoor fire pits. Kilns can accommodate a hundred or more chimineas at once and are then fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. The clay will become rock-hard after a few days. Once metal chiminea is the case it is ready to use. Before you use your new chiminea make sure it is completely dry. This will prevent any water or moisture from absorption into the clay and causing cracks. It is also recommended to get a cover for your chiminea in order to keep it safe from rain or snow that could potentially damage it. It is also a good idea not to move your chiminea around too much. After you have placed it in its place it is advised to avoid moving it again until it is no longer needed. This can cause the clay to stretch over time and crack. It is recommended to start off your chiminea using small fires at first rather than large ones. This allows clay to become accustomed to the temperature in a sluggish manner and prolong its life. This is referred to as “curing” or “seasoning” your chimenea. You should do this for all chimineas, regardless of whether they're made of clay or metal, or terracotta. Function A clay chiminea can be much more than a pretty garden ornament, it also works as a heating element. It looks like an enormous potbelly, with a wide mouth on the front and a tall chimney at the top to let smoke escape. A chiminea may not be as large as an outdoor fireplace, and it won't heat the entire room. However it can create a cozy atmosphere for people to relax in while the fire is burning. They are often used in gardens or patios as a central spot for friends and families to cook, socialize, and relax. Chimineas are available in different styles and sizes to match the decor and landscape of any yard. They are made from natural materials such as clay, cast iron or Terracotta. Metal components may be coated to stop corrosion. Some models are made from aluminum and other metals which are more heat-sensitive and can be painted in various colors to match your home or landscape. Clay and terracotta are less durable than chimineas made of metal and can crack or even break when placed on a base that isn't solid and keeps them off the ground. Clay and terracotta are hotter than metal so they shouldn't be used in areas where pets, children or other people may be playing or walking. Most chimineas have an empty base where the fuel is placed before lighting. It is essential to put a layer of sand, gravel, or lava rock to the base to keep the bottom of the chiminea clear and protected from the intense heat that wood burning produces. It is also a good idea to build the first fire in the chiminea with paper and small pieces of burning material to avoid cracking the clay. The unique design allows smoke to exit through the chimney at the top while keeping flames and ash away from people sitting nearby. This feature makes chimineas better than traditional firepits during stormy weather because the bowl can control the smoke. Maintenance A chiminea is an excellent addition to any backyard. Not only are they beautiful art pieces by themselves, but the flickering flames are fascinating and create a cozy ambience that is ideal for family meals and entertaining guests or simply sitting by the fire on a summer evening. Chimineas, just like any other outdoor fire pit or fireplace, require a little maintenance to remain safe and functional. It is essential to clean your clay chiminea regularly to avoid cracking. It is first necessary to take out any ash or other debris from the inside of the. To loosen the dust and ash clumps you can use a wire-bristled broom or a scraper. You will then want to wipe the outside of the chimney with a paper towel or cloth and a mild cleaner such as white vinegar distilled. This will get rid of all the soot that has accumulated and will prevent the chiminea from becoming too greasy. Consider lining your chiminea to prevent it from catching fire. After you have cleaned the ashes, it's important to allow the chiminea time to be cured before using it again. This can take between four and eight small fires. It is important to warm your chiminea slowly prior lighting an ignition. This will help prevent cracking in the clay when it is subjected to extreme temperatures. Put a few inches sand at the bottom of the container and start a fire using small pieces of kindling. After the fire has been extinguished, let the sand cool and then build another fire. Continue to build the fire, gradually increasing the size of the fire each time until you have a good hot fire going. If your chiminea does crack, it's best to try and mend it yourself instead of calling an expert. It is essential that the crack in the chiminea made of clay is not large enough to be considered a broken piece. You'll also want to make sure that the crack doesn't have any paint around it because this could be removed when heated. Safety When you own a chiminea made of clay, it needs to be handled with care. They can be fragile if not handled properly and will need to be resealed on occasion. They must be placed on fire-safe surfaces to prevent damage. They should not be placed close to patio roofs, eaves or any other covering that could catch on fire. Set them in a place free of trees or shrubs that hang over. It is essential to check the weather forecast before lighting the chimney. If exposed to extreme temperatures, the clay could crack or even break. Chimineas can be found in different shapes and styles. The classic one is the shape of a potbelly, with a narrow fireplace as well as a large opening in the front. The design permits the flames to burn safely even in the rain and without water igniting them. These are the perfect choice for outdoor heating and outdoor entertainment. Metal chimineas can be more durable than clay ones however they are susceptible to rust and their surfaces get very hot. These models are not as safe to handle as terracotta or clay ones. The LB's store has a range of options for clay Chimineas. Some are traditional in appearance and others sport more modern appearances that work well with any type of landscaping. They are available in sizes that are able to accommodate small or large wood-burning fires. Certain models can also be used for cooking. If you purchase a clay chiminea, choose the location it will be in immediately. It's not something you would want to move around a lot. When not in use it is recommended that you purchase a cover. This will protect it from rain and constant exposure to moisture which can cause cracks or erosion of the clay over time. Be aware that adding water to a chiminea will cause it to crack. Only use sand or other dry materials to put out the flame in the event that it goes out.