Creative ways to re-use an old chiminea whole
- Paint it cream or white, maybe add a crackle glaze, stand it in the corner of your bedroom and fill it to bursting with silk flowers, dried grasses, peacock feathers. Add cream silk ribbons to the handles and neck. ...
- No fire? ...
- A chimenia has a mouth, right? ...
- Plant shade-loving houseplants in the belly, popping a planted specimen in a suitably-sized pot into the neck
What is the best wood to use on a chiminea?
The best wood to use on a chiminea is a hardwood such as oak, apple or maple, that burns slowly without smoking. Woods that burn well on a fire pit include branches, logs, and hardwoods. A pile of softwoods such as pine will give off too much smoke, while a pile of hardwood will give off very little. Try to avoid burning wet and large wood.
How do you plant a chiminea in a pot?
Plant tall plants in the center of the pot, such as sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) or gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.). These can grow up and through the chimney, coming out the top. Plant cascading plants, such as petunias (Petunia x hybrida) or clematis (Clematis spp.), in the soil near the front of the chiminea mouth.
Why are chiminea plants so popular?
Recently they have become very popular in both urban and rural settings where they're placed on a patio or lawn creating a warm, interesting focal point for outdoor activities. The chiminea originated centuries ago in Mexico by tribesman where they were first used for baking bread and generating heat.
Can you use a chiminea indoors?
Most people use their chimineas indoors as decoration, and for good reason. Lighting a chiminea with wood in your house will inevitably make everyone choke on smoke and set fire to the furniture. Chimineas weren’t designed to be inside modern-day houses as they are because there are no holes in our rooftops to release the smoke.
How do you plant in an old chiminea?
Turning your former fire vessel into a natural-looking planter is easy to do.Lay the chiminea down on its back, as best you can. ... Place a layer of small stones inside the large opening. ... Install vegetation of your choice into the soil. ... Pour water on the soil whenever it looks dry.
What can I do with an old chiminea?
Your dead chimenea might be broken in two....Exciting ways to re-use a chiminea bodyA plump chimenea belly makes a wonderful planter. ... Paint it with masonry paint or house paint to give it a facelift. ... Fill it with potpourri or scented wooden balls and put it in the conservatory, either with or without its stand.More items...•
What can you not do with a chiminea?
Do not create large fires in your chiminea. 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.
What is the best thing to put in the bottom of a chiminea?
1:524:51What should you put in the bottom of your Chiminea ? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay it's as simple as that an ordinary play sand that's all you need and to me that's the bestMoreOkay it's as simple as that an ordinary play sand that's all you need and to me that's the best thing to put at the bottom of a chimney.
What do you paint a chiminea with?
To paint a cast iron chiminea use a heat resistant spray paint such as Rust-Oleum stove and BBQ paint. Rust-Oleum comes in several colours although black is the most popular. It retains its colour and finish up to 650°C and is perfect for all types of metal chimineas.
Can you use a rusty chiminea?
Can you Use a Rusty Chiminea? Yes, of course, you can use a rusty chiminea. Rust is a reaction from moisture and air that all cast iron items will endure at some point. It's also part of their charm so don't get too worried when you first see rust on your chiminea.
Is a chiminea better than a fire pit?
Should I use a chiminea or a fire pit? Chimineas are better for small spaces, fire pits are better for larger spaces. Because chimineas are narrower, they take up less room, and because they only radiate heat from their opening, they heat a small area very intensely.
What is the point of a chiminea?
The chimenea of the past was used indoors for heating and cooking, usually by an open window or in the center of the hut or home with an opening in the roof to allow smoke to escape. With the advent of the modern home, chimeneas are now used outdoors mainly for entertainment in a backyard setting.
Do chimineas give off a lot of heat?
After igniting, chimineas can reach full burn in 15 minutes, giving off a great deal of heat. The fire can be controlled like any wood-burning outdoor fire pit or fireplace.
Why do you put sand in a chiminea?
Clay chimineas need sand or another insulating material to protect the clay from the heat of the fire in a chiminea.
How do you extinguish a chiminea fire?
Have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel nearby to quickly put out an unwanted fire outside your chiminea. Remember, never use water to extinguish a fire inside the chiminea. Doing so could cause severe damage. If you need to put out a fire inside your chiminea, use sand.
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.
How far away from the house should a chiminea be?
Safety Tips A chiminea isn't designed to hold the roaring blaze that a fire pit would, so it tends to be easier to control. But don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. The exterior of a chiminea is very hot, so pets and children should be kept a safe distance away, about 3 feet.
Can you burn any wood in a chiminea?
No, you can choose just about any typical firewood you want. However, sometimes it's nice to burn a wood that not only looks nice, but smells nice too. What is this? No matter what species of chiminea wood you choose, just make sure the wood is seasoned to ensure a good quality fire.
Can a chiminea be used a covered porch?
Fire pits should never be used in an enclosed space. If not properly ventilated, a fire pit will cause a buildup of toxic smoke and harmful gases, like carbon monoxide.
How much clearance does a chiminea need?
Whether it's a fire pit or a chiminea I like to use the 30 foot rule. Keeping a chiminea 30 feet from any trees, buildings or flammable material is recommended. 30 feet allows plenty of room to gather around your fire and enjoy it, while ensuring your home remains safe in the process.
Why is a chiminea needed?
A chiminea should be located so that the predominant wind patterns carry smoke away from the house. For its funnel-like chimney to work properly, the chiminea needs to be set up straight and vertical. This positioning ensures sooting occurs inside the fire chamber.
What is the best way to put a chiminea on a patio?
Consider the surface upon which your chiminea will be placed. Concrete, brick, or stone patios are fire-safe paving choices. If your outdoor space is a wood deck or terrace, place fire-safe pavers across a small area to serve as a platform, or patio hearth. Place the chiminea on the hearth, and make sure there aren't eaves, a patio roof, or some type of overhead cover that could catch on fire.
What is a Chiminea stove?
Basically, a chiminea is the same concept as an old-fashioned potbelly stove, which is a cast-iron wood-burning stove. In Eastern European countries, a similar type of stove, called a kotao, is fed with wood and used for cooking many popular dishes. Large, round cooking pans are placed on the kotao. Unlike a wider, more open fire pit, ...
How to clean a chiminea fire pit?
Put sand, lava rock, fire glass, or pea gravel at the bottom of the chiminea fire pit to help clean out ashes. The sand-ash mixture can be put into a bucket, hosed off, set out to dry, and returned to the pit. You can also rake out the ashes and turn over the sand or gravel for a clean chiminea.
What is the best finish for an outdoor fireplace?
An acrylic finish will protect your outdoor fireplace from water and moisture, which will soften the clay. For that reason, it's a good idea to buy a chiminea cover to keep it from cracking and eventually falling apart.
How to burn down a chiminea?
Ideally, the wood should burn down to ashes in your chiminea. If necessary, the flames can be doused with buckets of water, or low embers can be doused by using a shovel (not a garden trowel) and turning the sand/gravel mixture at the bottom of the pit.
What woods are used in a Kotao?
Unlike a wider, more open fire pit, a chiminea is contained. Aromatic woods like cedar, hickory, mesquite, or pinon wood are popular choices, which will blow smoke up and out. After igniting, chimineas can reach full burn in 15 minutes, giving off a great deal of heat.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 the name of the organism that produces fire?
The flames and sparks are usually directed out of the chiminea , resulting in a cleaner and more controlled fire or burn.
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.
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.
Why Use a Chiminea?
If your primary goal is to heat your patio, you might have come across fire bowls when searching for options. These don’t offer the same effects as chimineas do.
How to Choose a Chiminea
The first step in using your chiminea is picking the right one for your needs. Do you plan to cook in it? Look for one that accommodates cooking accessories. Plan on using it in cooler weather? Choose a material that won’t crack, such as steel. Want to gather around it as a family on cool nights? Find one that is open all the way around.
Best Options for Buying a Chiminea
Before you make an investment and buy a chiminea, it helps to do a bit of preparation.
Cooking with Chimineas
As well as being practical and useful for keeping you hot during cold evenings, chimineas have other wonderful benefits that will enhance your life.
Using a Chiminea in Winter
While chimineas are made to be used in warm, dry weather, don’t let that put you off of using them in the winter. If you live in a temperate area, buy a waterproof cover and keep your chiminea covered whenever it is raining or snowing.
What is a chiminea made of?
Chimineas are usually made of terra cotta or ceramic, similar to the materials used in planters.
How to make a chiminea X?
Turn the chiminea on its side carefully, having a friend help you steady it. Make an "X" with masking tape in three or four places on the bottom of the chiminea.
How to reattach chiminea neck?
Turn the chiminea right-side up and move it to its final spot. Reattach the neck.
What to plant in a pot in the center of a pot?
Plant tall plants in the center of the pot, such as sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) or gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.). These can grow up and through the chimney, coming out the top. Plant cascading plants, such as petunias (Petunia x hybrida) or clematis (Clematis spp.), in the soil near the front of the chiminea mouth.
How to fill a chiminea with gravel?
This will help with drainage, and it reduces the amount of soil you need to fill the basin to the mouth opening. Leave about 12 inches of space above the rocks.
Can chimineas leak water?
Chimineas made of terra cotta or ceramic can leach water out of the soil. Check the soil moisture frequently in hot weather, as you might have to water more frequently. Consider bringing the chiminea inside during the winter because the water trapped in the walls can expand and cause the sides to chip or crack.
What is the best chimenea?
There are still plenty of traditional clay chimeneas out there, and one of the best options is the World Menagerie Midgard Azteca Chiminea. The large fireplace is both beautiful and functional, featuring a classic form made from clay with traditional Mexican patterns all around its chimney.
What is a chiminea fireplace made of?
While these fireplaces are traditionally made of clay, today chimineas come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, including sleek modern forms made from steel, cast iron, and more. Some are even powered by propane or natural gas in lieu of classic wood-burning, making them more versatile and convenient.
What is a Chiminea fire poker?
The chiminea comes with a metal grate to support wooden logs , as well as a fire poker, and it’s recommended that you buy a cover for it (sold separately) to protect the metal from the elements when not in use. The 8 Best Patio Heaters of 2021.
What is a copper chiminea?
True copper chimineas are hard to come by—many products are simply made from steel with a copper finish—and can be expensive, but if you love the look of these metallic fireplaces, one of your best options is the Fortunoff Solid Copper Chiminea. This mid-sized model features a solid copper frame that’s supported by a wrought iron stand, and it does an unbeatable job radiating heat on cold summer nights.
How tall is a prism chimney?
The Prism Chiminea stands 44 inches tall with a 24-inch diameter, and it’s handmade in the USA. It’s supported by three sturdy metal legs and features a simple round chimney out the top, and its eye-catching form doubles as decor when the fireplace isn’t in use. The 7 Best Outdoor Fireplaces of 2021.
How big is a clay chiminea?
This clay chiminea is just over 49 inches tall and almost 22 inches in diameter , and it includes a matching metal stand that holds it up off the ground. It features a wide opening to accommodate bigger loads, and it comes with a matching clay lid to cover the chimney when it’s not in use.
How tall is a chiminea?
This oversized chiminea stands 70 inches tall, and its wide opening makes it easy to put wood on the fire. Read Review. Best Budget: Better Homes and Gardens Cast Iron Chiminea at Amazon. Despite its low price, this chiminea has a sturdy cast iron construction and all-around wire grates that let you see the fire.
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 protect chimineas from frost?
Protect your chiminea from frost and rain during the winter with a chiminea cover.
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 use water to cool a chiminea?
Always let the fire die out in your chiminea. Never use water or any other coolant.
Can you move a chiminea?
It's best not to move a chiminea once it's been placed. Even cast iron chimineas can crack if you drop them.