Chimineas
Chiminea Guide and Resources
What is a chiminea?
A chiminea is an oven for use outdoors, that is fuelled using dried out wood or specialist chiminea fuel (eg wood burning briquettes). They are typically used as an alternative to a barbecue on an outdoor patio. They also fall under the general category of patio heater.
What are chimineas made from?
Traditionally, chimineas were made from clay. However, chimineas made from clay alone tend to be lacking in strength and durability. Most chimineas these days are either made from cast iron or from reinforced clay - this is clay that is reinforced with an inbuilt wire mesh. Reinforced clay chimineas are also called "Bushman Burners".
Those made from cast iron will rust. Rusting will not affect their performance, but if you find the rust offensive you can remove the rust with a wire brush and repaint them using purpose designed high temperature paint, eg StoveBright.
From where did chimineas originate?
Chimineas originated over one thousand of years ago in Mexico, where they were used by the Mayan Indians as ovens for heating and cooking.
The Mayans were a nomadic tribe that inhabited the mountains in Mexico. They shaped clay into simple chiminea shapes and then fired them in wood fuelled kilns. The people who lived in the towns in Mexico copied the Mayans and made their own chimineas - they are still doing this today. The word "chiminea" comes from the Spanish word for chimney.
Why would I want a chiminea?
Chimineas have two uses. The first is as an oven to cook food outdoors. The second, and to me the more important use, is as an outdoor heater. It will really help you to make the most of late August, September evenings, April, May and June evenings outdoors.
My family has a cast iron chiminea that we fuel with garden rubbish (leaves, logs etc) that we light up on chilly evening. We sit outside on the decking, sipping a glass of wine and staring at the stars, snug and warm as toast. It's so cosy I've even fallen asleep in front of it, and woken up at two o'clock in the morning with a stiff back from falling asleep on a plastic sun lounger.
Note that it should be sited on a base that will not burn, such as a concrete paving slab, and kept a safe distance from anything combustible - including plants, trees, windows and sheds!
Questions and Answers
Now that we know about how chimineas got here and the many varieties available, let's explore a very important subject: Safety! The right steps must be taken to protect your chiminea, your property, and of course, your family. There are a few factors to consider before you decide which chiminea is right for you, and once you've chosen the right one, there are other factors involved after you have your chiminea.
As the days become far too cool for staying long outside, it's with much unwillingness that home owners return indoors for the long winter. Luckily, the season for enjoying the outdoors can be extended significantly with the use of an outdoor fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces come in a variety of types, including traditional outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, fire pits, and fire bowls. Choosing the best option can sometimes feel daunting, but knowing more about each one can help in your decision.
Learn how to determine which outdoor patio products are right for your lifestyle, budget and individual taste. This blog explores the pros and cons of outdoor patio heaters, electric patio heaters, propane patio heaters, natural gas patio heaters, fire pits & chimineas.
Chimineas are great patio heaters, and, due to their design, make excellent outdoor cookers, too. The all-round indirect heat inside the chiminea means it performs like a mini oven, cooking food very quickly, and imparting a little of that wonderful smoky flavour we always associate with outdoor cookery. This artilce will look at cooking with your chiminea.
Are you looking for some outdoor heating now that the weather is beginning to cool off? While you might first look to fire pits, fireplaces, and other backyard accessories, you should also make sure to check out chimineas. They are another attractive option for homeowners.
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