9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Mexican Chimineas
Chimineas - An Authentic mexican chimineas Fire Pit
Originally designed to be a bread oven, chimineas reflect Mexico's rich heritage of culture. The simple design, which blends practicality and aesthetics is timeless.
Chimineas made of clay can be fired in kilns which remove organic material from the clay and seals the pores to prevent cracking. They can be used all year round however they shouldn't be exposed to the elements for too long.
Origins
Imagine a warm, sunny evening in the summer, with family and friends eating delicious food outdoors, all warmed by your Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a scene that is like the Mexican roots of this type of outdoor firepit.
The traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to serve as radiant heaters and ovens, assisting tribesmen through the cold desert nights of their homeland. Their distinctive shape was influenced by their utilitarian values that emphasised practicality and shared living.
These stoves were initially constructed of natural terra-cotta clay that was dried and then wood-fired in kilns. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and do not have the protection of a glazed surface. them. Modern manufacturers make chimineas out of metals such as cast iron, aluminum and brass. These materials are more robust and resistant to weather which is one of the major limitations of the clay design.
The unique design of the chiminea was inspired by the idea of a potbellied base which rises up into an extended chimney. This form is a perfect method of containing a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which reduces the possibility of air inhalation and enhances heat retention.
Chimineas were a popular method of lighting, heating and cooking. Today, we can savor them for their aesthetic qualities and also for the warm comfort they offer in cold autumn evenings and even in brisk winter days.
Gardeco offers a variety of styles that are suitable for your garden. We have a variety of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also offer clay chimineas with decor which is either moulded or inscribed into the body of the item.
Our range of terracotta Chimineas and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans right in the middle of the country. Colours and shapes may vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. You can always repaint your chiminea with an emulsion paint which is water-based in the event that it begins to discolour. Before using your new chiminea, it is crucial to follow all instructions and tips for care provided by the manufacturer.
Design
Chimineas not just add warmth and character to any space They are also functional. They are available in a variety of materials and designs and can be paired with any furniture for your patio. They can be used as a focal point, or they can blend seamlessly with your landscape.
The clay chimenea was created to be practical as well as for cultural reasons. The tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from users, while its rounded body radiates warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, giving it an important place in Mexican and Central American cultures.
Traditional chimineas are made by local artisans using moist clay that is collected directly from the earth. The clay was then formed into its final shape before being kiln-dried. Clay chimeneas are very labor-intensive to make especially large ones. The chiminea's bowl and neck are made by smoothing together long snakes of rolled clay. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns and carvings.
Modern chimineas are usually made from metals such as cast-iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made of metal was a significant evolutionary step since they can endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This allowed chimineas to be used in a variety of climates.
Metal Chimineas are the most popular but there are certain companies that make clay and terracotta ones. The benefits of using metal chimineas include its capability to withstand higher temperatures and the fact that it is able to be cleaned more easily. These features have made chimineas from metal more popular than clay counterparts.
No matter what type of chiminea that you select it's important to place it in the proper place. It should be positioned in a level area and away from any fire-prone objects like grass, trees, or other buildings. The chiminea should also be placed on a concrete, brick or stone patio and never on a wooden deck. It's also an excellent idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones beneath the chiminea to shield it from direct heat and keep the hottest part of the fire away from the clay.
Materials
Traditional chimineas made of terracotta and Clay Chiminea large, which are still made by small companies today, are fired to temperatures up to 1000c. After cooling and dried, the chimineas are able to be assembled. Some are covered in glaze, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas provide the Mexican feeling in the garden.
Chimineas are generally hand-painted, with a variety of colors and designs to fit an array of styles. The paint finish will fade as time passes and due to the heat of the fire, therefore it is recommended to re-paint using a water-based acrylic emulsion.
Originally designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through time have become an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their functions to meet a variety of needs. These distinctive structures were not solely used by indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played a crucial function in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.
The unique design of the chiminea with its broad base and narrow chimney spout permits maximum air flow into the structure from the bottom, minimizing the intake of smoke. It also helps keep heat in the chiminea's belly, which makes it perfect for cooking.
Currently, chimineas are available in a variety of materials that include terracotta, cast iron, and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are the most popular choice, providing the traditional Mexican look. They are susceptible to cracking when under pressure and should only be placed on flat surfaces that are safe from fire. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas have a lower risk of damage and are elegant and sturdy.
To ensure that the chiminea will last for as long as it can, it should always 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, and also any eaves and patio roofs which could be damaged by a sudden shift in temperatures when the chiminea is extinguished. To stop the chiminea from smoking excessively, it is recommended that leaves are not burned and only seasoned, kiln dried logs be burned. Regular cleaning with a wire brush is also essential, as it will stop the accumulation of deposits that are liable to burn and blacken. The chiminea can be protected from the wind to reduce the amount of smoke it releases.
Maintenance
The proper maintenance is vital to the longevity of any fire apparatus. This will extend its life and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas are quite fragile and should be kept away from the elements in an area that is well tended. Even if a chiminea made of clay appears to be sturdy, it can still crack and break from various sources. This is why it is crucial to examine your chiminea on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear and also to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the frequency at which it should be fired.
The first step to ensure that your mexican-chiminea stays looking its best is to wash it thoroughly using an easy detergent solution. This will eliminate any dirt and grime that may cause discoloration or rust. A wire brush is used to remove loose rust particles, and it is recommended that you wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself. After cleaning, rinse the chiminea and allow it to dry completely. This will stop any moisture from causing corrosion and it can greatly extend the lifespan of your chiminea.
After the chiminea has been cleaned and dried, lightly sand it using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and remove any rough areas that could trap embers should you decide to make an open flame. Sanding will also help make the surface more even and attractive. Finally, the sanding can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint, which will improve the appearance of your chiminea and guard it from corrosion.
It is also recommended that you keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind since this can cause the paint to fade and peel. 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. It is also crucial to only add a few pieces of wood at a time, and create small fires for your chiminea so that you can "break it in" and to avoid overheating.
