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How to Safely Maintain an Outdoor Chiminea Chimineas for outdoor use add warmth and ambiance to your patio or garden. They are also more suitable for small spaces than traditional fireplaces. Chimineas should be set on a fire-resistant surface like a patio constructed of bricks, concrete or stones. They should be kept 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 kind of firepit that has an elongated chimney and a hood to direct smoke upwards rather than out. Chimineas are made from clay or steel and come in a variety of styles that can be adapted to every garden design. Some chimineas can also be used to cook on the fire. This allows you to cook delicious meals or to enjoy outdoor snacks with your friends and family. There are many types of wood that can be burned in the fire chiminea. Oak is the most popular since it produces heat and burns slowly. However, other hardwoods can also be used. Apple is also a good choice because it burns very slowly, releases an appealing scent and is versatile. Other alternatives include cedar, hickory mesquite, pinon wood and mesquite that smell wonderful and provide a warm smoke. Metal chimineas last longer and less susceptible to rain damage than terra-cotta models. They are heavier and more susceptible to rust than clay models. Certain metal chimineas are coated in an anti-rust paint, which can keep them from weathering. Some are made of cast iron, which offers the classic rustic look but may be the heaviest of all choices. It's important to prepare your chiminea prior lighting a fire. This means laying an area of gravel or sand at the bottom. This will prevent the ash from spilling over and damaging the base. Then add some pieces of paper and some kindling. When the paper starts to burn it makes an air draft that ignites the rest of your kindling and starts the fire. It is recommended to keep a chiminea out of reach from buildings and plants. It is important to leave plenty of space around the chiminea in the event that it falls over or becomes too hot. It's also important to cover the chimney with a metal mesh to stop sparks and ash from falling into flammable materials. Materials If you opt for clay or cast iron, your chiminea needs to be constructed from a sturdy material that can stand up to the heat. You should also make sure your chiminea is specifically designed for your space and can be easily moved and stored. It is also important to understand how much smoke your chiminea emits in order to cause a nuisance to neighbors. The type of wood that you choose to use will determine the temperature and duration of your chiminea. No serious chimenea owner would contemplate burning softwoods like pine or cedar, instead they will choose to use more dense, harder hardwoods such as apple, cherry, walnut, hickory, and oak. Hardwoods produce more heat and burn more efficiently than softwoods. While some people may prefer the appearance of a traditional clay chiminea there are also modern and contemporary cast aluminum chimineas that have sleek lines and geometric designs. These models are lighter and can be used with both gas and wood stoves. They are a flexible option for outdoor spaces. Both clay and cast iron chimineas require careful maintenance that includes cleaning and re-seasoning at times. Always place them on a solid base such as terracotta tile concrete, leveled sand. Avoid water around the chiminea as it can damage metal and cause cracks in clay or terracotta. The first seasoning of the chiminea is to ignite several small fires, then let them cool, and then light another. This will increase the heat resistance and tolerance to heat of your chiminea. If you do not take this step, your chiminea may crack or break during its first use. Covering your chiminea during the winter or when you won't use it often is an excellent idea. It will shield it from rain and snow which can cause damage. If you're worried about the safety and performance of your chiminea then think about buying a model with a spark-resistance device. This will stop dangerous sparks. Design Chimineas are an elegant and versatile outdoor fire feature. It is essential to remember that, as any other fireplace that burns wood it must be maintained in a way that will prevent damage and ensure the safety of people who use the flames. Protective covers and the right cleaning techniques can make a huge difference in the lifespan of your decorated chiminea. Chimineas are available in a variety of sizes shapes, shapes and materials to meet a variety of functional and aesthetic needs. Terracotta clay chimineas are classic and have a classic Mexican-inspired look. Metal chimineas are less prone to damage and offer an elegant, modern appearance. It is also crucial to think about the location of your chiminea. Placing it in an open area encourages airflow, which increases effectiveness and creates a cozy atmosphere around the fire. Furthermore, putting it away from the patio cover and overhangs will prevent the accumulation of smoke, which could damage these structures. If your Chiminea has a chimney, think about protecting it with an insulated mesh screen to cut down on the number of sparks erupting across the space. To create a barrier, try using a piece or small-holed fence bent slightly inward. You can also purchase a screen made from ceramic tiles, which are designed to catch sparks and then drop them below the stack. While it may be tempting to use accelerants like gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire these chemicals can damage your chiminea if they add too much heat too quickly. This could cause the walls of your chiminea's walls to crack or break up. At the very least it could cause injuries and at the very least, a ruined chiminea. In addition, accelerants can also cause your chiminea to explode, which is extremely hazardous for anyone who is near. It is recommended to spruce up your chiminea by gradually increasing the size of the flames you ignite in it over a period of three to four small burns. This will help the chiminea to heal, which will result in less cracks and less chance of explosions. Furthermore, it's recommended to only use dry, well-seasoned hardwood for burning in your chiminea. Safety Chimineas are an excellent way to enjoy an outdoor fire with your family and friends. But, as with any other flame outdoors, they could cause danger to both property and people. You can make sure that you and your family can enjoy the warmth of your chiminea in the absence of an accident or fire by following a few basic precautions. To ensure your chiminea's safety, you should first place it on a non-flammable surface like bricks, pavers, or cement. This prevents the chiminea falling over and reduces the likelihood of it setting anything around on the fire. It is also essential to make sure to use only dry, well-seasoned firewood for your chiminea. Wet wood will not burn as well and can cause the chiminea to smoke or catch fire. A spark arrestor for fireplaces is a must-have. It can be as simple as an ad-hoc piece of chicken wire twisted around the top of the chimney stack or as complex as a special chimney insert with a screen. A spark arrestor can prevent sparks from flying out of the stack and into the neighbor's yard or onto flammable materials such as grass and bushes. Not least, keep your chiminea a minimum of 30 feet from anything that could ignite, including sheds, buildings clothinglines, awnings, and even clotheslines. Fireplaces And Stoves UK will prevent an accidental fire that could damage your property or home. Once your chiminea has been put set and you've followed all the precautions that were mentioned earlier, it's now time to start enjoying the warm glow and radiant heat! Remember to start small fires by using only a little bit of fuel and gradually add larger wood. Keep a couple of fireplace tools at hand to add logs, and stoke the fire so you don't need to touch it with your hands. It's also an excellent idea to wear long barbecue tongs while dealing with the hot grate and coals, as well as a pair of fire gloves. This will help you handle the chiminea with less risk of burning your hands.