9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Mexican Chimineas

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Originally designed to be a bread oven Chimineas represent Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, which blends practicality with aesthetic simplicity is timeless.

Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns, which remove organic matter from the clay and seals the pores to prevent cracking. They are made to be outdoors all year round, but should be protected from long-term exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a warm summer evening, surrounded by family and friends, savoring delicious food in a beautiful outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle warmth of your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins for this type of outdoor fireplace.

The traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to serve as both radiant heaters and ovens, assisting tribesmen through the winter nights in their home. Their distinctive shape was influenced by their utilitarian values that emphasised practicality and shared living.

Originally, these stoves were created from terracotta clay, which was dried in kilns before being then wood-fired. Chimineas made from clay have a more rustic look and were not coated to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers create chimineas made of metals like cast iron, aluminum and brass. These materials provide enhanced durability and resistance to weather and address one of the major weaknesses of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was created by a pot-bellied bottom that rises to an elongated fireplace. This shape is ideal for containing fires while moving smoke upwards. This helps reduce the intake of air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were used for cooking, heating and providing light for the indigenous people of Mexico. Today, we can appreciate them for their beauty and the warm comfort they offer on cold autumn evenings, and even in the chilly winter days.

Gardeco has a range of styles that will suit your garden. We have a variety of sizes, ranging from small and medium, to extra-large and large. We also stock clay chimineas that have been decorated with either engraving or a moulded design.

Our selection of terracotta Chimineas as well as Mexican chimineas is handmade by artisans in the middle of Mexico. The process of making them can cause slight variations in colour and shape. You can always re-paint your chiminea with an emulsion paint that's water-based if it starts to discolour. Before you use your new chiminea it is essential to read all instructions and care tips provided by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas are not only functional but they also add an authentic and rustic look to the space. They come in different materials and designs and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be focal points or blend seamlessly into the surroundings.

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

Traditional chimineas are handcrafted by local artisans using wet clay that is collected directly from the earth. The raw material was molded into its final shape before being dried in a kiln. The process of creating the clay chimenea was very labor-intensive, particularly for large sized ones. Typically the potters would roll long snakes of clay into a circular shape, and then smooth the clay together to form the chiminea's neck and bowl. The rim of the clay was usually decorated with patterns or carvings.

A modern chiminea is generally constructed from metal, such as cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made of metal was an important evolutionary step since they can withstand high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This modification allowed chimineas be used in a wide range of climates.

Although there are a number of companies that manufacture clay and terracotta-based chimineas most chimineas now are made from metal. Metal chimineas are more durable and easier to clean. Metal chimineas are more sought-after than clay chimineas due to the fact that they can withstand higher temperatures and can be cleaned more easily.

No matter what type of chiminea you choose it is essential to put it in the correct location. It should be placed in a leveled space and away from any flammable items such as trees, grass or other buildings. The chiminea needs to be set on an asphalt patio, brick patio or stone terrace, and should not be placed 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

Traditional chimineas made of terracotta and clay, which are still made by small-scale factories in the present, are fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. Once they are cooled and cured the chimineas are then assembled. Some are coated with glazes, while others are unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice since they give an authentic Mexican style to your garden.

Chimineas can be painted by hand in a variety colours and patterns to fit different styles. The paint finish does discolour with time and the heat of the fire, so it is recommended to paint again using a water-based emulsion.

The original purpose was to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over the years have evolved into an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their functions to meet a variety of needs. In addition to serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico They also played a vital function in repelling insects and in promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea, with a broad base and narrow chimney spout allows for the most air to be drawn in from the bottom of the structure, which reduces smoke inhalation. It also helps keep heat within the belly of the chiminea. This makes it ideal to cook over.

Chimineas today can be found in a variety of materials including terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminium. Terracotta Chimineas are an elegant Mexican style. They are susceptible to cracking when under pressure, and should only be put on flat surfaces that are safe from fire. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to cracking, and are stylish and sturdy.

To ensure that the chiminea will last for as long as is possible it should be kept in a well-ventilated area and protected from rain and wind. It should be kept away from structures and walls that could catch fire, as well as the roofs of patios and eaves that may be damaged by a sudden change in temperature after the chiminea is extinguished. To prevent the chiminea smoking excessively, it is recommended that only seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning with a wire brush is crucial, as it helps stop the accumulation of deposits which are likely to ignite and blacken. The chiminea being protected from winds will also help reduce the amount of smoke it produces as it burns.

Maintenance

The proper maintenance is vital to the longevity of any fire equipment. This can prolong its lifespan and ensure that it functions safely. Chimineas can be fragile and should be kept outside where they can be cared for. Even though a clay chiminea appears to be strong but it is still susceptible to cracks and break from various sources. This is why it's important to inspect your chiminea regularly for signs of wear and tear, as well as to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the frequency at which it should be fired.

To keep your mexican chimney looking great it is essential to clean it thoroughly with a mild detergent. This will get rid of any build-up dirt and grime, which could cause discoloration and corrosion. To remove the rusty particles that are loose, make use of a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles be worn for safety. After scrubbing, rinse the chiminea and allow it to dry completely. This will stop any moisture causing corrosion and can greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

After your biggest chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it can be lightly sanded using fine-grit Sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough areas that might catch embers when you build a fire. Sanding can also make the surface appear more appealing and even. Finally, the sanding can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint, which will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and keep it from rust.

It is also recommended that you keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and wind, as this can cause the paint to peel and fade. You can easily solve the issue by using water-based emulsions or paints or masonry spray. Also, it is essential to only build small fires, and to add only a few logs at a time to your chiminea so that you make sure it is "broken in" and to avoid overheating.