9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Mexican Chimineas > 커뮤니티 카카오소프트 홈페이지 방문을 환영합니다.

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, which were originally used as an oven for baking, represent Mexico's rich culture. The timeless design is a blend of practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Chimineas made of clay can be fired in kilns, which remove organic matter from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They can be utilized outdoors all year however they shouldn't be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a warm evening in the summer, with friends and family eating delicious food outside and being warm by your Mexican or clay chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins for this type of outdoor fireplace.

The terracotta stoves of the past were made to be both radiant heaters and ovens. They helped tribesmen survive the harsh winter nights in their homes. Their distinctive design was derived from their utilitarian characteristics, emphasising practicality and the importance of living in a communal setting.

Originally, these stoves were created from natural terracotta clay that was dried in kilns, then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay have a more rustic look and were not glazed to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers make chimineas using metals like brass, cast iron and aluminum. These are more durable and resistant to weathering which is one of the major limitations in the clay design.

The distinctive design of the chiminea was created by a potbellied bottom that rises to an long fireplace. This design is a great way to contain a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which reduces the possibility of air inhalation and enhances heat retention.

Chimineas were used for cooking as well as heating and lighting for the tribes of Mexico. We can still enjoy their design and the warmth they provide in the cold autumn evenings or even in the cold winter sun.

Gardeco provides a variety of styles that will fit your garden. We have a variety of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also stock clay chimineas that have been decorated with either engraving or a moulded design.

Our range of terracotta-based Chimineas and Mexican Chimineas are made by artisans in the middle of Mexico. Colours and shapes may vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea starts to discolour you can always repaint it with an water-based emulsion. It is essential to read the instructions of the manufacturer and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea the first time.

Design

Chimineas not only add character and warmth to any space they also are functional. They come in different materials and designs, and they can be paired with any furniture for your patio. They can be focal points or blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

The traditional chimenea made of clay, was created with both practical and historical significance in mind. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed smoke away from the users, while its rounded body radiates warmth. It was also used as a gathering place for socializing and storytelling and played a significant part in Mexican and Central American culture.

Traditionally, chimineas were crafted by local artisans from wet clay that was taken directly from the ground. The raw material was then transformed into the shape of the final chimenea before being kiln dried. Clay chimeneas are extremely labor-intensive to create particularly the larger ones. Typically the potters would roll long snakes of big clay chiminea into a circular shape, and then smooth the clay together to form the chiminea's bowl and neck. The clay's rim was often decorated with carvings and patterns.

A modern chiminea is typically made of metal such as cast iron or aluminum. The introduction of metal chiminea chimineas was a significant step forward since they can stand up to extreme temperatures and humidity without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a vast range of climates.

Although there are still several companies that produce clay and terracotta chimineas most chimineas now are made of metal. The advantages of using metal chimineas include its ability to withstand higher temperatures as well as the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These factors have made chimineas from metal more popular than their clay counterparts.

Whatever kind of chiminea you pick it is essential to place it in the right spot. It should be placed in a level area and away from any flammable items like trees, grass or other structures. The chiminea should be placed on a brick, concrete or stone patio, and never on a wooden deck. It's a good idea also to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco Lava Stones under the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.

Materials

Traditional chimineas of terracotta and clay that are still produced by small factories today, are kiln fired to temperatures of up to 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas may be assembled. Some are glazed while others are left unglazed. Chimineas can give a Mexican experience in a garden.

Chimineas are usually hand painted and come in a variety of colors and designs to fit the various styles. The paint finish does discolour due to time and heat of the fire so it's best to re-paint with an emulsion based on water.

Originally designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over the years have transformed into a cultural symbol, adapting their functions to meet a variety of needs. These distinctive structures were not only used by the indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played a crucial function in repelling insects and encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea with a broad base and a narrow chimney spout, allows for the maximum amount of air to be drawn in from the bottom of the structure, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps retain the heat within the chiminea's belly. This makes it ideal for cooking.

Currently, chimineas are available in a variety of materials, including cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are by far the most popular choice, providing the classic Mexican appearance. However, they are prone to cracking under pressure and should only be placed on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas carry less risk of damage and are still elegant and robust.

To ensure that the chiminea lasts as long as you can, place it in a location that is well-ventilated and protected from wind and rain. It should be placed away from walls and structures that could catch fire, as well as any eaves and patio roofs that may be damaged by a sudden change in temperature once the chiminea is extinguished. To avoid the chiminea burning excessively, it is recommended that only seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning with a wire brush is important, as it will stop the accumulation of deposits that could cause the chiminea to burn and blacken. Chimineas can be protected from the wind to reduce the amount of smoke it releases.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial to the longevity of any fire equipment. This can help prolong its life and ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should always be kept in a protected area where they can be properly maintained. Although a chiminea made of clay may seem sturdy enough, it's still vulnerable to cracks and breaking from a variety of sources. This is why it is crucial to examine your chiminea frequently for signs of wear and tear and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how often it should be fired.

The first step to ensure that your mexican chiminea is looking the best is to scrub it thoroughly with a mild detergent. This will remove any dirt or grime that may cause discoloration or corrosion. A wire brush is used to scrub away dust and rust particles. it is recommended you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself. After you have scrubbed the chiminea, rinse it and let it dry completely. This will keep any moisture from which causes corrosion, and can prolong the life of your chiminea.

Once your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it should be lightly sanded with fine grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that could catch embers if you decide to build a fire. Sanding can also help to make the surface more even and attractive. Finally, the sanding can be followed by a series of coats of stove or grill paint, which will enhance the appearance of your chiminea as well as keep it from corrosion.

Keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind as it can cause the paint to peel off and fade. You can solve the issue by using water-based emulsions or paints or masonry spray. It is also important to only add a few pieces of wood at a given time and create small fires for your chiminea to "break it into" and prevent overheating.