10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Mexican Chimineas

From Yuri Project

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, which were originally used as an oven for baking, represent Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The timeless design is a blend of practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Clay chimineas can be fired in kilns which remove organic material from the clay and seals the pores to prevent cracking. They can be used outdoors all year long, but should not be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a warm evening in the summer, with your loved ones and family eating delicious food outside, all warmed by your Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a scene reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor chiminea firepit.

These stoves, which were terra-cotta in origin, were designed to serve as both radiant heaters and ovens, assisting tribesmen through the winter nights in their homeland. Their distinctive design was derived from their utilitarian qualities which emphasized practicality and importance of communal living.

In the beginning, these stoves were made from terracotta clay, which was dried in kilns before being then wood-fired. Clay chimineas are more rustic and don't have a a glazed surface to protect them. Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas from metals such as brass, cast iron and aluminum. These materials are more robust and resistant to weathering, which is one of the major limitations of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by the concept of a pot-bellied foundation which rises up into an long chimney. This form is a perfect way to contain a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which decreases air inhalation and maximizes heat retention.

Chimineas were used for cooking as well as heating and lighting for the tribes of Mexico. Today, we can appreciate them for their beauty and the warmth they provide on cold autumn evenings, and even in chilly winter days.

Whether your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern version, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to match your garden and décor. We have a variety of sizes, ranging from small and medium to extra-large and large. We also sell clay chimineas decorated with decorations that can be moulded or engraving into the body of the item.

Our selection of terracotta Chimineas as well as Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans in the heart of the country. Shapes and colours may differ slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. You can always re-paint your chiminea with an emulsion paint that's water-based if it starts to turn discoloured. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

Chimineas are not just practical, but they also give an authentic and rustic look to the space. They are available in a variety of materials and designs, and they can be combined to any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point, or blend seamlessly with your landscape.

The clay chimenea was created for both practical and cultural reasons. Its tall, chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users, and its rounded, rounded body radiated warmth. It also served as a place for gathering and storytelling which played a crucial function in Mexican and Central American culture.

Traditionally, chimineas were handcrafted by local artisans using wet clay, which was gathered directly from the ground. The clay was then molded into its final form prior to being kiln-dried. The process of making the clay chimenea was labor-intensive, especially for huge ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are created by smoothing long snakes of clay that have been rolled. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns and carvings.

A modern chiminea (on front page) is generally composed of metals like cast iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were an important development because they can stand up to high temperatures and humidity without cracking. This change allowed chimineas be used in a variety of climates.

Metal Chimineas are most commonly used but there are some companies that manufacture clay and terracotta chimineas. Metal chimineas last longer and are easier to clean. These advantages have made chimineas made of metal more popular than their clay counterparts.

No matter what type of chiminea is chosen It is crucial that it is placed in the right place. It should be placed in a level area and away from any flammable objects like trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea must be placed on an asphalt patio, brick patio or stone terrace and not on a deck made of wood. It's also a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones under the ceramic chiminea in order to shield it from direct heat and keep the hot part of the fire from the clay.

Materials

Traditional clay and terracotta chimineas that are still produced by small-scale factories today, are fired to temperatures of up to 1000c. Once they are cooled and dried they are then assemble. Some are glazed while others are left unglazed. These chimineas offer the Mexican feeling in the garden.

Chimineas are hand-painted in a variety of colours and patterns to suit different styles. The paint finish will discolour over time and because of the heat generated by the flame, so it is recommended to paint again using an acrylic emulsion based on water.

Although originally designed as essential elements of heating and cooking for urban Mexicans, chimineas have embodied the sense of heritage throughout the ages and have adapted to a variety of functional requirements. These distinctive structures were not only used by the indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played an important function in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.

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

Presently, chimineas can be found in a wide variety of materials, including terracotta, cast iron, and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are the most common choice, offering the traditional Mexican appearance. However, they are prone to cracking under pressure, and should only be used on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to cracking, and are elegant and robust.

To ensure that the indoor chiminea lasts as long as possible it should be kept in a well-ventilated space and shielded from wind and rain. It should be placed away from structures and walls that could catch fire, and also the roofs of patios and eaves that may be damaged by a sudden shift in temperatures when the chiminea has been extinguished. To prevent the chiminea from smoking excessively, it is recommended that leaves be avoided and only seasoned, kiln dried logs be burned. It is crucial to clean the chiminea frequently using a wirebrush, since this will prevent deposits that may cause blackening and burning. The chiminea can be protected from wind to decrease the amount of smoke it releases.

Maintenance

Like all fire equipment, proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This can help extend its lifespan and also ensure that it functions safely. Chimineas are relatively fragile and should always be kept away from the elements where they can be properly maintained. Although a chiminea made of clay might appear solid enough, it is still susceptible to cracks and breaking due to various sources. It is important to check your chiminea's condition for signs of wear, and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on how often you should use it.

To keep your mexican chimney looking beautiful, you should clean it thoroughly with mild detergent. This will remove any built-up dirt and grime that can cause discoloration or corrosion. A wire brush is used to scrub away the rusty particles that are floating around, and it is recommended you wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself. After you have scrubbed the chiminea wash it off and let it dry completely. This will stop any water from causing corrosion and can significantly prolong the life of your chiminea.

After the chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you can lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that could catch on to sparks when you start an fire. Sanding can also make the surface look more attractive and even. The sanding process can be followed by a series of coats of grill or stove paint, which will improve the appearance of your chiminea and keep it from rust.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind as it can cause the paint to peel off and fade. If this occurs it is possible to touch up the areas affected with water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays, and it's generally simple to do. It is also crucial to only add a small amount of wood at a time and build small fires to your chiminea in order to "break it into" and to avoid overheating.