How do I protect my chiminea from the rain?
A cover can be purchased to protect your chiminea from rain, ice, snow, and the blistering sun. Also, be sure to cover the bottom of the chiminea with at least 3 inches of sand to protect it from cracking.
Why do I need a cover for my chiminea?
A cover can be purchased to protect your chiminea from rain, ice, snow and the blistering sun. Find out how a chiminea cover could extend the life of your chiminea and prevent unwanted cracks.
What do you need to know about owning a chiminea?
Chiminea Care. A chiminea can be fragile and no matter how careful you are it may break or crack. To help insure the chiminea will give you years of warmth and satisfaction, it's important to properly maintain it. A cover can be purchased to protect your chiminea from rain, ice, snow and the blistering sun.
How much does it cost to cover a chiminea?
Chiminea Covers To protect your chiminea from snow, ice, rain, and other harsh conditions, buy and use a cover. There are lots of custom covers on the market, so you can find one in the color and thickness of your preference for approximately $30 to $50.
Can you leave a chiminea out in the rain?
Cast iron chimineas are painted but they will still rust over time. What is this? Wind, hail, rain and ice will all wear away the protective coating causing rust to quickly form. A cover can help delay this process and extend the life of your backyard buddy.
What do you do with a chiminea when it rains?
If it unexpectedly rains (cold rain could cause a very hot chiminea to crack) one suggestion is to put a large piece of sheet metal over the top of the chiminea and hold it in place with a heavy stone. Another suggestion is use a thin piece of slate for the same purpose…
How do I protect my chiminea?
Use Sealers. The outside of a clay chiminea must be protected from moisture, and the best way to do this is by sealing it. Sealants protect the clay so that it becomes waterproof. Sealants last approximately three to six months, depending on how much you use your outdoor fireplace.
What do you do with a chiminea in the winter?
Your chiminea should always be raised from the ground. Make sure it is raised during winter too so as to avoid water-related damage, on a wooden base or brick platform. Clean the chiminea thoroughly of ash and soot before storing it for winter, whether you leave it outside or bring it in.
Why do you put sand in the bottom of a chiminea?
Clay chimineas need sand or another insulating material to protect the clay from the heat of the fire in a chiminea.
How long does a chiminea last?
Technically, chimineas can last anywhere from a few months to fifteen to twenty years if well looked after. Several significant variants will determine the life expectancy of your chiminea. The material of your chiminea – cast iron chimineas are the longest lasting.
Can a chiminea explode?
Chimineas are not designed for large fires. If the fire is too big, the chiminea can crack, shatter, or even explode, which will injure those around it.
Is a chiminea safer than a fire pit?
Chimineas are safer When it comes to safety, a chiminea is always a better choice than a traditional fire pit. Flames are directed up and out of the well-designed stack of the chiminea, giving a much more controlled burn than a fire pit can offer.
Do you have to put sand in chiminea?
The fire in a clay chiminea needs to be built on a bed of sand so the fire doesn't actually come into contact with the clay. Check your instructions carefully to make sure you set the fire properly. Not doing so may cause cracks in a clay chiminea. Children's play sand will work well.
How do you put out a chiminea fire?
To put a chiminea out, stop adding fuel, let the remaining fuel burn naturally then spread out any ashes and embers and allow them to die down or smother them with sand. ... You should never use water to extinguish a chiminea unless it is an emergency and there is no other way to put out the fire.More items...
How do you store a chiminea in the winter?
What do you do with a Chiminea in the Winter?Thoroughly clean your chiminea and make sure it is completely dry.Consider sealing your chiminea with paint (metal chimineas) or sealant (clay chimineas)If possible, move it indoors – a garden shed is perfect.If you can't move it, wrap it up.
How do you stop a chiminea from rusting?
Prevent Cast Iron Chiminea Rust Keeping it covered whenever it's not in use will really help slow the progression of any rust. After you use your chiminea, obviously let it cool down and then place the lid on and place your cover over the top.
How do you extinguish a chiminea fire?
To put a chiminea out, stop adding fuel, let the remaining fuel burn naturally then spread out any ashes and embers and allow them to die down or smother them with sand. ... You should never use water to extinguish a chiminea unless it is an emergency and there is no other way to put out the fire.More items...
Can you use a chiminea on a covered porch?
Never use wood-burning fire pits on a covered patio or deck. Wood fires release highly combustible creosote, embers, and sparks which can cause damage to all kinds of flooring and house structures.
What's the point of a chiminea?
Traditionally, a chiminea is made of clay and designed in a wide-bottom vase form, with a narrow, vertical chimney through which to direct smoke and a wide mouth on its side for the fire pit. The chiminea's design allows it to be used in the rain without the water extinguishing its flame.
How do you keep a clay chiminea from cracking?
Curing a clay chiminea hardens the clay, helping prevent cracks forming when it is being exposed to high temperatures. Put a few inches of sand in the bottom of your chiminea and build up a small fire slowly using balls of paper. Allow this fire to got out naturally and the chiminea to cool down.
Why do you need a chiminea cover?
A good cover can serve two purposes. First, the cover will protect your chiminea from inclement weather conditions like rain, snow, ice and damaging sun. Second, a cover will keep your chiminea clean ...
What does a cover do for chimineas?
Second, a cover will keep your chiminea clean and looking like new.
What is a chiminea grill?
A chiminea isn't any different. A chiminea is more than just a portable fireplace. It's also a focal point, a decorative item or a conversation piece in your lawn.
How much does a chiminea cover cost?
It's almost like your own personal campsite right outside your back door. However, with some chiminea's costing $400-$500 or even more, investing in a good chiminea cover is a great idea right from the start.
How long should I let a chiminea rest after a fire?
Attempting to cover a hot chiminea after a recent fire is dangerous, so like moisture, I like to let the chiminea rest for a couple days after a fire to make sure it's cool and won't melt or damage the cover. Improperly Winterized Chiminea.
How often should I re-seal a clay chiminea?
Just like a deck surface, that sealer will wear off over time so I always like to re-seal a clay chiminea every year. The manufacturer will typically recommend a specific sealer to use, but an acrylic floor finish or deck sealer like Thompson's Water Seal will usually do the trick.
How to dry out a chiminea?
You can dry out a chiminea slowly by lighting a small fire inside of it, then slowly adding wood and building the fire bigger. Take your time with this process though, because if you dry out a clay chiminea too fast, it could crack. Also, only cover your chiminea after it has completely cooled.
How to cure a chiminea?
To cure your chiminea, follow these steps: Fix the grate inside your chiminea. Light a modest fire inside using kindling. After the kindling burns for an hour, light a larger fire using logs or wood. Allow the roaring fire to burn for another hour. Let it cool down.
What to do with chimineas in freezing weather?
In freezing weather, warm up your chiminea before building a roaring fire.
How to burn a fire without getting burned?
Purchase a pair of stove gloves that have long sleeves. Purchase fireplace tools so you can add logs, stoke the fire, and put it out without getting burned. Build small fires in a clay chiminea until it’s fully cured. Do not use gasoline or alcohol to ignite your flames, especially with cast iron.
How to make a chiminea out of clay?
Clay: For the clay chiminea, remove the pea gravel or small rocks you should have lining the bottom of your structure, and shovel the ashes out into a bucket. Rinse the gravel with water. Let the rocks dry, and then put them back into your chiminea.
What paint do you use on chimineas?
If you have a metal chiminea, you will need to paint it with heatproof paint.
Can a chiminea burn charcoal?
Chiminea Safety. Chimineas are designed to burn small amounts of charcoal and wood, so don’t ignite an entire bonfire in your structure. In order to keep your outdoor fireplace from becoming a hazard, follow some safety rules, such as: Purchase a pair of stove gloves that have long sleeves.
Can you disassemble a chiminea?
If you buy a metal chiminea, there will be some assembly involved. Disassembled cast-iron chimineas usually come with instructions when you purchase them. It’s important to not only thoroughly read these instructions, but to save them in case you have to move or repair your outdoor fireplace at some point. To set up either your clay or metal fire pit, choose a spot that is:
How to protect chimineas from rain?
A cover can be purchased to protect your chiminea from rain, ice, snow, and the blistering sun. Also, be sure to cover the bottom of the chiminea with at least 3 inches of sand to protect it from cracking. Find out how a chiminea cover could extend the life of your chiminea and prevent unwanted cracks, as well as the steps for properly maintaining ...
How to use a chiminea?
For example, only start small, manageable fires, keep them covered, and make sure to keep them indoors during harsh weather conditions. As long as you take good care of your chiminea, it can last a long time.
Why install a spark arrester on a chiminea stack?
You can install a spark arrester on the chiminea stack to ensure the sparks do not become flammable or dangerous.
What is a chiminea fireplace?
Chimineas are hand-decorated fireplaces mainly used for cooking and heating. They are not only unique, but they also have a beautiful appeal when you build or light fires in them. They can add a lot of character and beauty to your backyard. You’ll mostly find them sold at marketplaces and in patio stores.
What are chimineas made of?
Although the traditional chimineas are constructed from clay, cast iron and cast aluminum models are now available. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to you to decide which one is most suitable. Cast iron chimineas can last longer than those made from clay.
Where did chimineas originate?
Chimineas create a warm, interesting focal point for outdoor activities. The chimineas originated centuries ago in Mexico from tribesmen, where they were used for baking bread and generating heat.
Can you pick up a chiminea by holding it?
The joint between the base and the neck can be weak or fragile and could break. So, never pick up a chiminea by holding on to the neck and the base, for that can put too much strain on the joint between the two pieces. Although the traditional chimineas are constructed from clay, cast iron and cast aluminum models are now available.
How to protect chimineas from frost?
Protect your chiminea from frost and rain during the winter with a chiminea cover.
How to season a chiminea?
Start with a small fire with a few pieces of wood (on top of the sand) to season your chiminea. Do this several times before trying a larger fire. Never use firelighters or other accelerants to get your fire going because it may damage your chiminea permanently.
How to control fire after it's lit?
In which case, don't add any more fuel. If you want to regulate the fire after it's been lit, you can use the lid to control the amount of air going up the chimney.
What to use to paint chimineas?
Repaint any spots that peel off due to the heat. Use a suitable metal paint for cast iron chimineas.
Can you lift a chiminea by the neck?
Never lift your chiminea by the neck. It's best to pick it up round the bowl
Can you put a fire in a clay chiminea?
The fire in a clay chiminea needs to be built on a bed of sand so the fire doesn't actually come into contact with the clay. Check your instructions carefully to make sure you set the fire properly. Not doing so may cause cracks in a clay chiminea. Children's play sand will work well. Don't move your chiminea with the sand in place in the bowl. You may damage the chiminea (or yourself).
Can you lay bricks in the bottom of a house?
Yes. Also, a good idea is to lay a couple of bricks in the bottom.
How to protect chimineas from fire?
Use a spark arrestor. As stated, the draft created by your chiminea will take smoke and sparks upwards through the stack. By installing a simple spark arrestor , you will protect your neighbors and family from burns and your vegetation from catching fire.
How to avoid chimineas?
One way to avoid trouble is to make sure you are using properly sized pieces of wood to begin with. Larger pieces of wood are going to create high flames, so make sure the wood fits well into your chiminea with plenty of room to be shifted about if needed. 6. Use proper tinder for your chiminea.
What is a chiminea fireplace?
Chimineas are lovely outdoor fireplaces that have a wide variety of uses . The most common use of a chiminea is its purpose as the focal point for outdoor patios and gardens. While using your chiminea, there are some important safety issues to keep in mind, because you certainly don’t want an emergency situation during a gathering of family and friends.
What to do if you put a chiminea on a deck?
3. Use a spark arrestor.
Why do chimineas crack?
The simple reason behind this is the risk of explosion. Whether your chiminea is made of clay or metal, too much heat too quickly can cause the walls to crack and shatter, resulting in injuries at worst, and a ruined chiminea at best. 7. Avoid burning during very dry weather.
Why do you put a wall around chimineas?
Some owners place a low wall around their chimineas as a reminder to others that getting close is dangerous. This practice is very useful and could save someone unnecessary pain. 5.
What to do if a fire is too big?
If there are sparks or flames coming out of the front of the bowl, or top of the stack, the fire is too big and you’ll want to quickly grab a pair of fireplace tongs and remove larger pieces of wood, placing them on a non-flammable surface to cool. Do this until the fire has reached a safe level again.
