Chimeneas

Chimeneas (or Chimineas)

Perfect for garden parties, barbecues or relaxing, keeping you warm in the garden and creating a wonderful atmosphere

Cast Iron Chimeneas

These are a lot more robust and can withstand more heat than a clay chimenea.

The ability to burn coal also allows the user to be able to cook food on their chimenea. A lot of chimeneas either come with a grill, or you can buy a grill separately for you to cook on. Some even have pizza stones.

The downside with a cast iron chimenea is they are prone to rust, they are not as weatherproof. You can buy covers or place it inside a shed or suchlike when it is not in use. Alternatively, high temperature resistant paint can be purchased if you wish to give your chimenea a new coat over time.

Clay Chimeneas

Originally from Mexico, the clay fires are a very popular choice among many because they look great in any garden, with a massive choice of different colours and designs. The only drawback of a clay chimenea is that they can sometimes crack, particularly in cold weather. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce this risk.

Mexican chimeneas are the best functioning burners of all patio fires. Their structure and design, perfected over centuries in Central America make them the easiest chimeneas to light and the most efficient burners. No need for roaring fires, the clay becomes hot and radiates the heat.

Clay chimeneas are fun and easy to use. No need for roaring fires the clay soaks up the heat and radiates it out into the surrounding atmosphere. It is important you observe the instructions and maintenance recommendations. Not all fuels and lighting fuels can be used in clay chimeneas and they will need protection from rain and frost. You will need to put sand or lava stones in the base of the chimenea and fire it up slowly. Several small fires are recommended before a larger fire is attempted. The clay is fire-resistant but can crack if over-fired. Small cracks can be filled in with fire cement or chim-filler and then the chimenea can continue to be used. Large structural cracks are dangerous and if your chimenea develops one you should stop using it. Clay chimeneas are hand-made and hand-painted so shapes and colours may vary slightly. The paint finish will alter over time. The fire may cause soot deposits and the paint will burn off. The larger the fire the quicker the paint will change. Even if not used and left outside the clay being porous it will attract moss and plant matter and change colour too. Clay chimeneas are easy to re-paint with any water-based paint after rubbing down with sand paper.

It is important you observe the instructions and maintenance recommendations. Not all fuels and lighting fuels can be used in Mexican chimeneas and they will need protection from the weather.

Mexican chimeneas are hand-made and hand-painted, so shapes and colours may vary slightly. The paint finish on this chimenea will discolour when fired or if left outside all the time. Colour changes do not affect use. Mexican chimeneas can be repainted.

Start by curing your chimenea. Resist the temptation to fill it straight up with huge logs and see how high you can make the flames come out of the top! Fill the bottom with two or three inches of sand and then burn some small pieces of wood kindling. Let this burn out naturally - do not tip water on it. Use small pieces two or three times and then gradually build up the sizes of the logs you put inside. Coal and fire briquettes are not advised for clay chimeneas as they burn at higher temperatures and this can also cause the unit to crack.

Covers are recommended for clay chimeneas, particularly during winter, as any water which forms a puddle inside the body can freeze and break the unit.