History
A Chimenea (chim-ih-nee-ah) (also spelled chiminea) is a free standing front-loading fireplace or oven with a bulbous body and usually a vertical smoke vent or chimney.
Originally, all clay open fire garden heaters imported from Mexico were known as chimeneas.
As the story goes, chimeneas originated hundreds if not thousands of years ago by Mexican tribesmen who developed the chimeneas as a means of heating for their family as well as a vessel for cooking and baking.
The original Chimenea was designed to keep the rain off the fire and the family warm using merely a couple of sticks.
Basic Care
It's been many years now since Chimeneas have made their way into the home and garden marketplace.
At first you may have noticed them in specialized garden centers or import stores.
Now, Chimeneas are found in hardware stores as well.
The popularity is still growing, so it is more important than ever to make our customers aware of the proper use and care of their new purchase.
Before you purchase your Chimenea be sure to consult your local fire Marshall or town/subdivision regulations on outdoor fires.
1) Chimeneas are for OUTDOOR USE ONLY and should NEVER be burned indoors!
2) All chimeneas require care and maintenance to maintain their usefulness and integrity for several years.
3) As with any fire CAUTION and good JUDGMENT are key to successful and enjoyable use.
4) Clay chimeneas need some extra wet and winter care that metal chimeneas may not need.
5) Without proper care and usage your Chimenea will not last as long and may even become a HAZARD!
Before you begin using your new Chimenea there are several things you must be aware of:
1) Handling - Most clay Chimeneas are manufactured in two parts, the base or "bowl" and the neck. When handling a chimeneas it is important to never lift from the neck! The proper way to carry a Chimenea is to hold the mouth (bottom opening) with one hand and cradle the neck near the bowl with your other arm.
2) Transporting - You do not need a truck to bring your Chimenea from the store to their home. It is easiest to put the chimeneas in your car and fasten a seat belt around it. Just make sure it is held firmly in place.
3) Positioning - Some Chimeneas come with a stand or one can usually be purchased separately. Make sure to find a level surface that will not move or shift to place the stand. There should nothing above or around your chimeneas that could catch fire from heat. DO NOT place it directly under branches, awnings, umbrellas, in a gazebo or enclosed porch.
4) Insulating - Next you will want to insulate the bowl of the Chimenea so the fire is not directly against the clay! Sand, pea stone or small rocks should be added to the bowl until it is 3"-4" below the mouth. A mixture will work well with rocks on top of the sand. Once you have filled your chimeneas with sand/rock you must remove the sand to move it or risk the bottom falling out.
5) Grating - Next place 2 bricks on their side about 6 inches apart. If you used a sand/rock mix some medium sized rocks could also be used to keep your wood elevated and out of the sand.
Your first fire
Start with small fires!
The first few fires should be small to "season" your chimenea. Make a small fire with a couple pieces of kindling, do this for the first 3 to 5 fires; and let the fire burn out naturally.
NEVER use lighter fluid or any other type of flame enhancing material as the clay can absorb the liquid.
Once the Chimenea has been seasoned you are ready to burn a larger fire. Start by burning a few logs making sure to keep them in the center of the "bowl". If flames begin to come out of the neck then your fire is getting too big, this will not damage the Chimenea usually; however, it may catch something or someone on fire.
What type of wood should I burn?
An average Chimenea can accomidate wood from 9-14 inches in length and 4 inches in diameter.
This size may vary, just ensure it will easily fit into the Chimenea mouth.
Do Not Burn
Pressure treated wood it emits toxic gasses when burned.
Pellets, the ones for wood stove fuel or smokers, are not recommended for use in a Chimenea.
It is recommended NOT to burn charcoal, these burn too hot and will likely cause cracking.
If you are not sure DON'T burn it!
Types of wood to burn
There are several types of wood that you may burn; however, sometimes extra caution is needed!
Scrap lumber pieces of pine and spruce 2"x4"s, 2"x6"s etc burn fast and hot and can be split into small kindling for SMALL fires.
Green or wet wood causes a lot of smoke, which may annoy neighbors.
Red Cedar - nice aroma and keeps the mosquito's away; however, it does "pop" so be sure to have a spark arrestor in place and a screen over the mouth.
Mesquite - is excellent for cooking with grill chimeneas but it burns very hot, use only a few pieces for a small fire.
Pinion Pine - Both smells great and wards off mosquitos, making it one of the most widely used woods.
Apple - Has a wonderful aroma and is an excellent choice.
Alligator Juniper - This traditional firewood will provide a unique aroma in your chimeneas.
Hickory - Wonderful aroma and in a Chimenea grill will make for some great tasting burgers.
Weatherproofing
Although not necessary with some styles it is important to seal most of the Chimineas on the market today.
Future floor wax or Butchers wax are two brands which work well.
Simply take a rag and rub it around using a clean rag, towel or cloth.
You need not due this more than once, to seal some of the pores and hairline cracks that are not visible.
Storing your Chiminea
When you are not using your Chiminea you should protect it from the weather.
An old grill cover works well, but storm covers are made for Chimeneas - ask your dealer.
If you live where temperatures dip below freezing during the winter it is a good idea to store your chiminea inside.
The combination of freezing temperatures and moisture could potentially cause your chiminea to crack.
In a non-heated environment set your chiminea on a couple of pieces of wood so air can circulate underneath.
Do not store your chiminea on its stand which may cause lower temperatures at the ring.
General safety tips
A few "common sense" tips just to be on the safe side.
1) Always have a fire extinguisher handy when burning in your Chiminea.
2) Be aware of children and pets.
3) Never leave your fire unattended.
4) Do not touch the outside of your Chiminea while it is in use.
5) Do not extinguish your Chiminea fire with water.
We hope that you will enjoy your Chiminea to it's fullest!
BORDER IMPORTS, LLC
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