9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Mexican Chimineas
Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Chimineas, which were originally used as ovens for baking, are a reflection of Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The timeless design combines practicality and aesthetic simplicity.
Chimineas made of clay are fired in kilns to eliminate organic material and close the pores to prevent cracking. They are built to live outdoors all year round, but should be protected from long-term exposure to the elements.
Origins
Imagine a balmy summer evening, surrounded by friends and family, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle warmth of your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fireplace.
These traditional terracotta stoves were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the cold winter nights in their home. Their distinctive shape was derived by their utilitarian values that stressed practicality and communal living.
These stoves were initially made from natural terra-cotta clay that was dried and then wood-fired in kilns. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and don't have a a glazed surface to protect them. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas made of metals like brass, cast iron, and aluminum. These materials are more durable and resistant to weather which is one of the major limitations in the clay design.
The distinctive design of the chiminea was inspired by a potbellied bottom that rises to an extended fireplace. This design is ideal for containing a fire while directing smoke upwards. This minimizes the intake of air and increases heat retention.
Chimineas were used to cook as well as heating and lighting for the indigenous people of Mexico. We still appreciate their design and the warmth they provide in the chilly autumn evenings, or even in the brisk winter sun.
Gardeco has a range of styles that are suitable for your garden. We carry a wide selection of sizes; from small and medium, to extra-large and Jumbo. We also offer clay chimineas with decor which is either moulded or inscribed into the body of the product.
Our range of terracotta and mexican chimineas - click this link, are handmade by artisans in the middle of Mexico. The process of making them can cause small variations in the shape and colour. If your chiminea begins to discolour you can always repaint it with an emulsion water-based paint. Before you begin using your new chiminea, it's crucial to follow all instructions and tips on care given by the manufacturer.
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 can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be focal points or blend seamlessly into the landscape.
The clay chimenea was conceived for both practical and cultural reasons. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed smoke away from users and its rounded body radiated warmth. It was also used for socializing and telling stories, playing an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.
Traditionally, chimineas were handcrafted by local artisans from wet clay, which was collected directly from the ground. The raw material was transformed into its final shape before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas are extremely labor-intensive to create, especially large clay chimineas for sale ones. Typically the potters would roll long snakes of clay into a cylindrical shape, and then smooth the clay, creating the biggest chiminea's neck and bowl. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns and carvings.
Modern chimineas are generally constructed from metals like cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were a significant evolution because they can endure high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a wide range of climates.
Although there are several companies that make clay and terracotta chimineas, most chimineas now are made of metal. Metal chimineas last longer and easier to clean. Metal chimineas are more popular than clay chimineas because they can withstand higher temperatures and can be cleaned with ease.
No matter what type of chiminea that you select, it's essential that you place it in the proper location. It should be placed in a leveled area, away from anything that could ignite like trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea needs to be set on a concrete patio, brick patio or stone terrace, and not on a wood deck. It's also a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones under the chiminea to shield it from direct heat and keep the most hot part of the fire from the clay.
Materials
Traditional chimineas of terracotta and clay, which are still made by small factories today, are kiln fired to temperatures as high as 1000c. After they have been cooled and dried the chimineas are then assembled. Some are glazed, while others are left unglazed. Chimineas like these are a popular choice as they offer the authentic Mexican style to your garden.
Chimineas are hand-painted in a variety colours and patterns to match different styles. The paint finish will discolour as time passes and due to the heat of the fire, so it is recommended to paint again using an acrylic emulsion based on water.
The original purpose was to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through the years have transformed into an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their functions to satisfy a variety of requirements. These distinctive structures were not only used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens and ovens, but also played a crucial role in repelling bugs and promoting social gatherings.
The unique design of the chiminea's chiminea with its broad base and narrow chimney spout permits the most air to be drawn into the structure at the bottom, which reduces smoke intake. It also helps keep the heat inside the chiminea. This makes it ideal to cook over.
Today, chimineas can be found in many different materials like terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are by far the most popular choice, providing the traditional Mexican appearance. They are susceptible to cracking when under pressure and should only be placed on flat surfaces that are fire-safe. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas for sale near me are less prone to cracking and damage, but they are stylish and durable.
To ensure that the chiminea lasts for as long as it can it should be kept in a well-ventilated space and shielded from rain and wind. It should be placed away from structures and walls that could catch fire, and also the roofs of patios and eaves which could be damaged by a sudden change in temperature once the chiminea is extinguished. To prevent the chiminea smoking excessively, it is recommended that only dried, seasoned logs are burned. Regular cleaning with wire brushes is crucial, as it helps stop the accumulation of deposits which are likely to ignite and blacken. The chiminea can be protected from wind to decrease the amount smoke that it produces.
Maintenance
Like all fire equipment, proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your Chiminea. This can prolong its lifespan and ensure that it operates safely. Chimineas are relatively fragile and should always be kept outside in a place where they can be properly maintained. Although a chiminea made of clay may appear to be solid enough, it is still vulnerable to cracks and breakage from various sources. It is crucial to examine your chiminea for signs of wear, and to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on how often you should fire it.
To keep your Mexican chimney looking beautiful, you should clean it thoroughly using a mild detergent. This will eliminate any built-up dirt and grime, which can cause discoloration or corrosion. To get rid of loose rust particles, make use of a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles are worn to protect yourself. After scrubbing the chiminea, rinse it and let it dry completely. This will prevent any moisture from causing corrosion and it can greatly extend the lifespan of your chiminea.
After your chiminea is cleaned and dried, you can lightly sand it down using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and remove any rough areas that could attract embers if you decide to build a fire. Sanding can also make the surface more even and attractive. The sanding process can be followed by several coats of grill or stove paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and keep it from rust.
It is also recommended to keep your chiminea outdoor out of direct sunlight and wind since this can cause the paint to peel and fade. You can fix the problem by using water-based emulsions and paints or masonry sprayed. Additionally, it is important to only build small fires and to add only a few logs at one time to your chiminea to get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.