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How to Safely Maintain an Outdoor Chiminea Chimineas for outdoor use add warmth and an atmosphere to your patio or garden. They're also more suited to small spaces than traditional fire pits. Chimineas must be placed on a fire-proof surface such as a patio made of bricks, concrete or stones. They should be placed away from eaves and any type of overhead cover that might catch fire. Types A chiminea, also referred to as an outdoor firepit, is a type that features a chimney with a tall chimney that directs smoke upwards rather than out. Chimineas are made from clay or metal and are available in a variety of styles to fit any garden decor. Some chimineas are also designed to accommodate cooking on the fire and help you make delicious homemade meals or have a snack outside while chatting with friends and family. There are many types of wood that can be used in the Chiminea. Oak is a popular choice because it produces heat and burns slowly. However, other hardwoods can also be used. Apple is also a good option because it burns slowly, emits a pleasant scent and is a great choice for a variety of. Other alternatives include cedar wood mesquite, hickory wood and pinon. They are aromatic and give off an enjoyable smoke. Metal chimineas can offer more variety in design than traditional terracotta models and are less prone to damage from rain. However, they can be susceptible to corrosion and are typically heavier than clay models. Certain metal chimineas are coated with rust-resistant paint that can protect them from the weather. Cast iron chimineas offer a rustic look however they are also the most weighty option. It's important to prepare your chiminea prior to lighting an fire. This includes an area of gravel or sand at the bottom. This will stop the ash from spilling over and damaging the base. Then, you can add a few pieces of paper and some kindling. As the paper begins to burn, this will trigger the creation of a draft, which will light the rest of the kindling and start the fire in your chiminea. It's best to keep a chiminea out of reach from structures and plants. It's important to leave enough space around the chiminea to avoid it falls over or becomes too hot. Covering the chimney with a metal mesh will keep sparks and the ash from exploding into flammable materials. Materials Your chiminea, whether it's made of clay or cast iron should be constructed from durable materials that can withstand heat. You'll want to make sure that your chiminea fits your space, and is easily moved and stored. It is also essential to understand how much smoke the chiminea produces in order to create a nuisance for neighbours. The kind of wood you use in your chiminea is crucial and will determine the degree of heat it will get and how long it will last. Hardwoods like apple, cherry and walnut are preferred by serious Chimenea owners over softwoods. Hardwoods burn longer and more efficiently and produce more heat than softwoods. While some people may prefer the look of a traditional clay chiminea, there are also modern and contemporary chimineas made of aluminum with sleek lines and geometric designs. These models are also lighter in weight and can be used for both wood-burning and gas-burning fires making them a versatile choice for all kinds of outdoor spaces. Both clay and cast-iron chimineas must be maintained including cleaning them and reseasoning them at intervals. They should always be placed on a solid, fire-safe base such as a terracotta tile, concrete, or leveled sand. It is also essential to avoid water around your chiminea as it can damage the metal and crack clay or terracotta. The initial seasoning process for the chiminea is to ignite several small fires, allow them to cool and then start another. This will increase the heat resistance and the heat sensitivity of your chiminea. If you skip this step, your chiminea may crack or break during its first use. Covering your chiminea during winter months or when you won't frequently use it is an excellent idea. It will shield it from rain and snow which could cause damage. If you're worried about the safety and performance of your chiminea then think about buying a model with an anti-spark device. This will prevent dangerous sparks. Design Chimineas are a beautiful and versatile outdoor fire feature. But, it is important to remember that, just like any other fire pit made of wood it should be properly maintained to prevent damage and ensure the safety of people enjoying the flames. Protective covers and the right cleaning techniques can make a big difference in the longevity of your decorated chiminea. Chimineas are available in a variety of designs sizes, materials and colors to meet a range of aesthetic preferences as well as functional requirements. Terracotta clay is a classic material that has a classic Mexican look. Metal chimineas are more resistant to damage and provide a sleek, contemporary presence. It is also crucial to think about the location of your chiminea. The chiminea's location in an open space encourages airflow, which improves efficiency and creates a cozy ambience around the fire. Positioning it away from patio roofs and patio covers prevents smoke buildup, which can cause damage to these structures. Consider installing a mesh screen over the chimney of your chiminea to reduce the amount of sparks released into the air. To make a simple fix, simply use a piece of chicken wire or small-holed fencing bent slightly inward to create a barrier. You can also buy a ceramic tile screen designed to catch sparks, and then lower them below the stack. It may be tempting to make use of lighter fluid or gasoline as an accelerant in order to start the chiminea's fire. But, these chemicals could damage your chiminea when they create too much heat it too quickly. This could cause the walls of your chiminea to crack, or shatter. At the very least, this could result in injuries and at the very least the chiminea to be destroyed. Accelerants can cause the chiminea's walls to crack or shatter, resulting in injuries if not dealt with immediately and a ruined chiminea at best. It is recommended to spruce up your chiminea by slowly increasing the size of the fires you put in it over a period of three to four small burns. This will help the chiminea to cure which will lead to less cracks and a lower risk of explosions. Furthermore, it's a good idea to only use well-seasoned, dry hardwood for burning in your chiminea. Safety Chimineas permit you to enjoy a fire outdoors with your family and friends. As with any flame outdoors, they can be dangerous to people and property. There are some safety precautions you need to take to ensure you and your loved ones are able to enjoy the warmth of your chiminea with no worry of an unintentional fire or accident. The first step in ensuring your chiminea is safe is to make sure it is placed on a non-flammable surface, such as pavers, bricks, or cement. This will prevent the chiminea falling over and reducing the chance of it burning anything in its vicinity. It is also important to use only dry, seasoned firewood in your chiminea. The wood that is wet will not burn properly and may cause the chiminea, or its contents, to smoke. A spark arrestor is another essential component for the Chiminea. It could be as simple as the bent piece of chicken wire around the top of the chimney or as complex as a special screen chimney insert. A spark arrestor prevents sparks from exploding into your neighbor's backyard or onto flammable material such as grass and bushes. Not least, keep your chiminea a minimum of 30 feet from anything that could ignite, including buildings, sheds clothinglines, awnings, and even clotheslines. This will prevent an accidental fire that could destroy your home or property. After you have installed your chiminea and followed the precautions listed above, it's time to bask in the radiant heat and warm flames! Remember to build small fires, using only kindling to get the flame moving and then gradually adding larger wood to the fire. Keep an assortment of fireplace tools handy to add logs to the fire and then stoke it so that you don't have to touch it. It is also a good idea to wear long barbecue tongs while dealing with the hot grate and coals, and a pair of gloves for fire. This will allow you to handle the chiminea without burning your hands.