GOUTERGALLERY

• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

The first time they were used was as bread ovens Chimineas represent Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, blending practicality with aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.

Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns, which remove organic matter from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They are made to be outdoors all year round, but must be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.

Origins

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

These traditional terra-cotta stoves were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens, aiding tribesmen during the dark winter nights of their home country. Their distinct shape was derived from their utilitarian qualities which emphasized practicality and importance of living in a communal setting.

The stoves were built from natural terracotta clay that was dried in kilns, then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and do not have an exterior that is glazed to protect them. Modern manufacturers produce chimineas from metals such as brass, cast iron, and aluminum. These materials provide better durability and resistance to weather which addresses one of the major weaknesses of the clay design.

The unique design of the chiminea was influenced by a potbellied bottom that rises to an elongated fireplace. This design is ideal for containing a fire while directing smoke upwards. This helps reduce air intake and enhances heat retention.

Chimineas were used by Mexican tribes for heating, cooking and lighting. We still appreciate their aesthetics as well as the warmth they bring in the chilly autumn evenings or even in the cold winter sun.

Whether your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a modernized version, Gardeco has a choice of styles that will suit your garden and decor. We have a variety of sizes; from small and medium to large and large. We also stock clay chimineas that have been decorated with either a moulded or engraved design.

Our range of terracotta and Mexican chimineas are handmade by artisans in the heart of Mexico. Shapes and colours may differ slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. If your chiminea starts to discolour you can always repaint it with an emulsion water-based paint. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and care tips before using your new chiminea the first time.

Design

Chimineas aren't just functional but they also add a rustic and authentic feel to the space. They are available in various styles and materials and can be matched to any furniture for your patio. They can be focal points or blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

The clay chimenea was conceived for both practical and cultural reasons. Its tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users, and its rounded body exuded heat. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, giving it an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditionally, chimineas were crafted by local artisans from wet clay chiminea fire pit, which was gathered directly from the ground. The raw material was transformed into its final form prior to being dried in a kiln. The process of making a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, especially for large sized ones. The chiminea's neck and bowl are created by smoothing long snakes of clay rolled. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns or carvings.

Modern chimineas are typically constructed from metals like cast aluminium chiminea-iron or aluminum. The introduction of chimineas made from metal was an important evolutionary step since they can endure high temperatures and extreme moisture without cracking. This change allowed chimineas be used in a variety of climates.

Metal chimineas are the most common but there are certain companies that make clay and terracotta ones. The benefits of using metal chimineas are its capability to withstand higher temperatures, as well as the fact that it can be cleaned more easily. These advantages have made chimineas clay from metal more popular than their clay counterparts.

No matter what type of chiminea that you select it is essential to put it in the correct place. It should be positioned in a level area and away from any flammable objects such as trees, grass, or other buildings. The chiminea should be placed on a brick, concrete, patio or stone terrace and should not be placed on a wood deck. It's also an excellent idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones under the chiminea to protect it from direct heat and to keep the hottest part of the fire from the clay.

Materials

Traditional clay and terracotta chimineas, which are still made by small factories today, are kiln fired to temperatures of up to 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas are able to be assembled. Some are glazed while others remain unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice as they offer the authentic Mexican look to a garden.

Chimineas can be painted by hand in a variety of colours and patterns to fit different styles. The paint finish will fade as time passes and due to the heat of the fire, so it is recommended to paint again using an acrylic emulsion that is water-based.

Originally designed to provide cooking and heating facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas through the years have evolved into a symbol of culture, adjusting their function to satisfy a variety of requirements. In addition to serving as bread ovens for the indigenous people of Mexico These distinctive structures also played a vital role in repelling insects as well as encouraging social gatherings.

The unique design of a chiminea featuring a wide base and narrow chimney spout, allows for the maximum amount of air to be drawn into the bottom of the structure, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps to keep the heat within the chiminea's belly. This makes it perfect for cooking.

Presently, chimineas can be found in a wide variety of materials that include cast iron, terracotta and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas are the most commonly used, and offer the traditional Mexican appearance. However, they are susceptible to cracking under pressure and should only be used on a flat, fire-safe surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less susceptible to damage, while remaining elegant and sturdy.

To ensure that the chiminea will last as long as possible it should be kept in a well-ventilated space and shielded from wind and rain. It should be placed away from walls and structures that could catch fire, as well as any patio roofs or eaves that may be damaged by a sudden change in temperature after the chiminea has been extinguished. To prevent the chiminea smoking excessively, it is recommended that only dried, seasoned logs are burned. Regular cleaning with wire brushes is crucial, as it helps stop the accumulation of deposits that are liable to burn and turn black. The chiminea can be protected from the wind to reduce the amount smoke that it releases.

Maintenance

As with any fire equipment the proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas can be fragile, and should be kept in a protected area in a place where they can be taken care for. While a chiminea made from clay may appear to be solid enough, it is still vulnerable to cracks and breaking due to various sources. It is important to check your chiminea's condition for signs of wear, and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how often you should start it up.

The first step to ensure that your mexican-chiminea stays looking its best is to wash it thoroughly using an easy detergent solution. This will eliminate any built-up dirt and grime, which can cause discoloration or corrosion. To remove the rusty particles that are loose, use a wire brush. It is recommended that goggles and gloves are worn for safety. After cleaning, rinse the chiminea, and allow it to dry completely. This will prevent any water from causing corrosion and can also extend the lifespan of your chiminea outdoor.

After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it should be lightly sanded with fine grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and remove any rough areas that could catch on to the embers as you build an open flame. Sanding can also make the look more attractive and even. In the end, sanding could be followed by several coats of stove or grill paint, which will enhance the appearance of your chiminea as well as guard it from corrosion.

It is also recommended to keep your chiminea out of direct sunlight and winds, as this can cause the paint to fade and peel. If this happens, you can touch up the affected areas with water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays, and it's usually easy to do. Additionally, it is important to only use small fires and add small amounts of wood at each time to your chiminea to get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.