9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Mexican Chimineas > 자유게시판

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, originally designed to be a baking oven, reflect Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The timeless design combines practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Chimineas of clay are fired in kilns that remove organic matter and seal the pores to reduce cracking. They are built to live outdoors all year long, but should be protected from long-term exposure to the elements.

Origins

Imagine a warm summer evening, surrounded by family and friends, savoring delicious food in an outdoor space, kept warm by the gentle heat of your clay or Mexican chiminea. This scene is reminiscent to the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor fireplace.

The terracotta stoves of the past were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens. They helped tribesmen to survive the cold desert nights in their homeland. Their distinctive shape stems from their utilitarian characteristics that emphasized practicality and the importance of communal living.

In the beginning, these stoves were created from terracotta clay, which was dried in kilns, then wood-fired. Clay chimineas are more rustic and do not have the protection of a glazed surface. them. modern chiminea manufacturers now produce chimineas using metals like brass, cast iron and aluminum. These materials provide enhanced weather resistance and durability, addressing one of the biggest weaknesses of the clay design.

The distinctive design of the chiminea was created by a pot-bellied bottom that rises up to create an long fireplace. This form is a perfect method of containing a fire whilst directing the smoke upwards, which decreases air inhalation and maximizes heat retention.

Mexican tribes used chimineas for lighting, heating and cooking. Today, we can appreciate them for their beauty as well as the warm comfort they offer on chilly autumn evenings and even in the chilly winter days.

If your chiminea is an authentic Mexican piece or a more modern one, Gardeco has a choice of different styles to match your decor and garden. We offer a range of sizes, from small to extra-large. We also offer clay chimineas with decor which is either moulded or engraved into the body of the item.

Our range of terracotta and Mexican chimineas are handmade by artisans from the center of Mexico. The process of making them can cause slight variations in the shape and colour. If your chiminea begins to fade, you can always repaint it with an emulsion water-based paint. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and care guidelines prior to using your new chiminea for the first time.

Design

Chimineas are not just practical, but they also give an authentic and rustic feel to the space. They are available in various styles and materials and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point, or blend seamlessly with your landscape.

The traditional chimenea made of clay, was created with both practical and cultural significance in mind. The tall, chimney-like neck directed smoke away from its users and its rounded round body radiates warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, giving it an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.

Traditional chimineas are handcrafted by local artisans using wet clay that is gathered directly from the earth. The clay was then formed into its final form prior to being dried by kiln. Clay chimeneas are extremely labor intensive to make particularly large ones. Typically the potters would roll long snakes of clay into a cylindrical shape and then smooth the clay together to form the best chiminea's bowl and neck. The clay's rim was often decorated with patterns or carvings.

Modern chimineas are usually constructed of metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were an important evolution because they can endure high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a broad range of climates.

Metal Chimineas are most commonly used but there are some companies that produce clay and terracotta ones. Metal chimineas are more durable and easier to clean. These features have made chimineas from metal more popular than clay counterparts.

Whatever type of chiminea you choose it is essential to place it in the proper place. It should be placed in a leveled area, away from any flammable items such as trees, grass or other buildings. The chiminea needs to be set on an asphalt patio, brick patio or stone terrace and not on a deck made of wood. It is a good idea to put 50mm of sand or Gardeco Lava Stones under the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.

Materials

Kiln-fired clay chimineas and terracotta chimineas are still being produced by small factories. The temperatures can rise up to 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas may be put together. Some are coated with glazes, while others are unglazed. Chimineas are a very popular choice since they give an authentic Mexican look to a garden.

Chimineas are hand-painted in a variety colours and patterns to fit different styles. The paint finish can fade over time and due to the heat of the fire, so it is recommended to re-paint using a water-based acrylic emulsion.

Although originally designed as essential features for heating and cooking for city-dwelling Mexicans, chimineas have embodied a sense of cultural heritage throughout the ages adapting to various needs. These distinctive structures weren't only used by the indigenous people of Mexico as bread ovens, but also played an important function in repelling insects and promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of the chiminea's chiminea with its broad base and narrow chimney spout allows the most air to be drawn into the structure at the bottom, which reduces smoke inhalation. It also helps keep heat within the belly of the chiminea, making it ideal for cooking over.

Chimineas are found in a variety of materials including terracotta clay, cast iron and even aluminium. Terracotta chimineas are by far the most popular choice, providing the classic Mexican look. However, they are susceptible to cracking under pressure, and should only be used 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 for as long as it can it should be kept in a well-ventilated space and shielded from rain and wind. It should be positioned away from any walls and structures which could catch alight as well as roofs on patios or eaves that may be damaged due to the sudden change in temperature that happens when the chiminea is removed. To prevent the chiminea's ashes from burning excessively, it is recommended that leaves are not burned and only dry, seasoned logs be burned. Regular cleaning with wire brushes is important, as it will keep deposits from accumulating that are liable to burn and turn black. Chimineas can be protected from wind to decrease the amount of smoke it produces.

Maintenance

As with any fire equipment it is important to maintain it properly to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This will extend its lifespan and ensure it works safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should be kept in a protected area in a place where they can be properly maintained. While a clay chiminea may appear to be sturdy enough, it is still vulnerable to cracks and breaking due to various sources. It is important to check your top rated chiminea for signs wear and follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding how often to fire it.

To keep your Mexican chimney looking beautiful, you should clean it thoroughly using mild detergent. This will remove any dirt and grime that could cause discoloration or rust. To get rid of loose rust particles you should employ a wire brush. It is recommended that goggles and gloves are worn to protect yourself. After scrubbing the chiminea, rinse it and let it dry completely. This will stop any moisture causing corrosion and can greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots that might catch sparks when you start an open flame. Sanding can also make the surface more uniform and attractive. The sanding process can be followed by several coats of stove paint or grill paint to improve the appearance and ensure that your chiminea is protected from rust.

Keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind as this could cause the paint to peel and fade. If this occurs it is possible to touch up the areas affected with water-based emulsion paints or masonry spray, and it is generally easy to do. It is also important to only add a small amount of wood at a time and create small fires for your chiminea in order to "break it in" and to avoid overheating.