10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Mexican Chimineas
Bradley Taormin…
0
5
09.21 02:46
Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit
Originally designed to be bread ovens Chimineas are a symbol of Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.
Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns which remove organic matter from the clay and seals the pores to prevent cracking. They are made to be outdoors all year round but should be protected from long-term exposure to the elements.
Origins
Imagine a summer evening that is warm and sunny, surrounded by friends and family, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, warm by the gentle warmth of your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a scene that is an ode to the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor fire pit.
These traditional terracotta stoves were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the cold desert nights in their home. Their distinctive shape was derived by their utilitarian values that stressed practicality and communal living.
In the beginning, these stoves were created from terracotta clay, which was dried in kilns and then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and do not have the protection of a glazed surface. them. Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas from metals such as brass, cast iron and aluminum. These are more durable and resistant to weather, which is one of the main limitations of the clay design.
The unique design of the blue rooster chiminea was inspired by the concept of a pot-bellied foundation which rises up into an elongated chimney. This shape is ideal for containing a fire while moving smoke upwards. This minimizes the intake of air and increases heat retention.
Chimineas were used for cooking, heating and providing light for the indigenous people of Mexico. We can still enjoy their aesthetics as well as the warmth they provide in the cold autumn evenings, or even in the warm winter sun.
Gardeco provides a variety of styles that will fit your garden. We offer a range of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also carry clay chimineas which have been decorated with either a moulded or engraved design.
Our selection of terracotta and mexican chimineas (Http://Dsmet.net/) is made by artisans in the heart of the country. The colours and shapes can vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. You can always re-paint your chiminea using an emulsion paint that is water-based if it begins to fade. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and tips for care before using your new chiminea the first time.
Design
Chimineas not only add character and warmth to any space they also are useful. They are available in various materials and designs and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point or they can blend in seamlessly with your landscaping.
The clay chimenea was conceived to be practical as well as for cultural reasons. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed the smoke away from the users and its rounded, round body radiates warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, which played an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.
Traditionally, chimineas were made by local artisans using moist clay that was taken directly from the ground. The raw material was molded to its final shape before being dried in a kiln. The process of creating a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, particularly for huge ones. The chiminea's neck as well as the bowl are made by smoothing together long snakes of clay rolled. The clay's rim was often decorated with carvings and patterns.
Modern chimineas are typically constructed of metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas are an important development because they can withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This change allowed chimineas to be used in a wide range of climates.
Although there are still a few companies that make clay and terracotta-based chimineas the majority of chimineas today are constructed from metal. Metal chimineas are more durable and are easier to clean. These features have made metal chimineas more popular than clay counterparts.
No matter what kind of chiminea you pick, it's essential that you put it in the correct place. It should be placed in a level area and away from any fire-prone objects such as trees, grass, or other buildings. The chiminea should be placed on a brick, concrete or stone patio and not on a wooden deck. It's a good idea also to place 50mm of sand, or Gardeco Lava Stones under the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.
Materials
Kiln-fired terracotta and clay chimineas are still being produced by small-scale factories. The temperatures can reach up to 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas are able to be assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas can give an Mexican experience in a garden.
Chimineas can be hand painted in a variety colours and patterns to match different styles. The paint finish will fade as time passes and with the temperature of the fire, so it is recommended to paint again using a water-based emulsion.
In the beginning, they were designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over time have become a symbol of culture, adjusting their functions to accommodate a variety of needs. These distinctive structures were not solely used by indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played a crucial role in repelling bugs and promoting social gatherings.
The unique design of the chiminea with its wide base and narrow chimney spout allow the most air to be drawn into the structure from the bottom, minimizing smoke intake. It also helps keep heat in the belly of the chiminea, making it ideal to cook over.
Presently, chimineas can be found in a wide range of materials such as terracotta, cast iron, and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are by far the most commonly used, and offer the traditional Mexican style. However, they are susceptible to cracking under pressure, and should only be used on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less prone to cracking and damage, but they are stylish and sturdy.
To ensure the chiminea lasts for as long as is possible, it should always be kept in a well-ventilated area and shielded from wind and rain. It should be placed away from structures and walls that could catch fire, as well as the roofs of patios and eaves that may be damaged by a sudden shift in temperatures when the chiminea is extinguished. To prevent the chiminea outdoor fireplace from burning excessively, it is advised to keep the leaves away and only well-seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is also crucial, as it helps keep deposits from accumulating which are likely to ignite and blacken. Shielding the chiminea from wind will also help to reduce the amount of smoke that it emits when it is burned.
Maintenance
Like any other fire apparatus it is important to maintain it properly to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This can prolong its life and ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should be kept outside in a place where they can be properly taken care of. While a clay blue rooster chiminea may seem sturdy enough, it's still vulnerable to cracks and breaking due to various sources. This is why it is essential to check your chiminea regularly for signs of wear and tear and also to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding 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 solution. This will get rid of any dirt or grime that could cause discoloration or corrosion. To get rid of loose rust particles you should employ a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles be worn to protect yourself. After scrubbing the chiminea then rinse it and allow it to dry completely. This will prevent any water from causing corrosion and can significantly prolong the life of your chiminea.
After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and remove any rough areas which could attract embers if you decide to build an open flame. Sanding can also make the surface look more attractive and even. Sanding can be followed by several coats of stove paint or grill paint to improve the appearance and protect your chiminea from corrosion.
It is also recommended to keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind since this can cause the paint to peel and fade. It is possible to fix the problem by using water-based emulsions or paints or masonry sprayed. It is also important to only build small fires and add small amounts of wood at one time to your chiminea to get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.
Originally designed to be bread ovens Chimineas are a symbol of Mexico's rich culture. The simple design, blending practicality and aesthetic simplicity, is timeless.Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns which remove organic matter from the clay and seals the pores to prevent cracking. They are made to be outdoors all year round but should be protected from long-term exposure to the elements.
Origins
Imagine a summer evening that is warm and sunny, surrounded by friends and family, enjoying delicious food in an outdoor space, warm by the gentle warmth of your clay or Mexican chiminea. It's a scene that is an ode to the Mexican origins of this kind of outdoor fire pit.
These traditional terracotta stoves were designed to serve as radiant heaters as well as ovens. They were used to help tribesmen endure the cold desert nights in their home. Their distinctive shape was derived by their utilitarian values that stressed practicality and communal living.
In the beginning, these stoves were created from terracotta clay, which was dried in kilns and then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic and do not have the protection of a glazed surface. them. Modern manufacturers now produce chimineas from metals such as brass, cast iron and aluminum. These are more durable and resistant to weather, which is one of the main limitations of the clay design.
The unique design of the blue rooster chiminea was inspired by the concept of a pot-bellied foundation which rises up into an elongated chimney. This shape is ideal for containing a fire while moving smoke upwards. This minimizes the intake of air and increases heat retention.
Chimineas were used for cooking, heating and providing light for the indigenous people of Mexico. We can still enjoy their aesthetics as well as the warmth they provide in the cold autumn evenings, or even in the warm winter sun.
Gardeco provides a variety of styles that will fit your garden. We offer a range of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. We also carry clay chimineas which have been decorated with either a moulded or engraved design.
Our selection of terracotta and mexican chimineas (Http://Dsmet.net/) is made by artisans in the heart of the country. The colours and shapes can vary slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. You can always re-paint your chiminea using an emulsion paint that is water-based if it begins to fade. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and tips for care before using your new chiminea the first time.
Design
Chimineas not only add character and warmth to any space they also are useful. They are available in various materials and designs and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be used as a focal point or they can blend in seamlessly with your landscaping.
The clay chimenea was conceived to be practical as well as for cultural reasons. Its chimney-like neck was tall and directed the smoke away from the users and its rounded, round body radiates warmth. It was also used to socialize and tell stories, which played an important role in Mexican and Central American cultures.
Traditionally, chimineas were made by local artisans using moist clay that was taken directly from the ground. The raw material was molded to its final shape before being dried in a kiln. The process of creating a clay chimenea was extremely labor-intensive, particularly for huge ones. The chiminea's neck as well as the bowl are made by smoothing together long snakes of clay rolled. The clay's rim was often decorated with carvings and patterns.
Modern chimineas are typically constructed of metals, such as cast-iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas are an important development because they can withstand moisture and high temperatures without cracking. This change allowed chimineas to be used in a wide range of climates.
Although there are still a few companies that make clay and terracotta-based chimineas the majority of chimineas today are constructed from metal. Metal chimineas are more durable and are easier to clean. These features have made metal chimineas more popular than clay counterparts.
No matter what kind of chiminea you pick, it's essential that you put it in the correct place. It should be placed in a level area and away from any fire-prone objects such as trees, grass, or other buildings. The chiminea should be placed on a brick, concrete or stone patio and not on a wooden deck. It's a good idea also to place 50mm of sand, or Gardeco Lava Stones under the chiminea. This will protect it from direct heat.
Materials
Kiln-fired terracotta and clay chimineas are still being produced by small-scale factories. The temperatures can reach up to 1000c. After they have cooled and dried, the chimineas are able to be assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. Chimineas can give an Mexican experience in a garden.
Chimineas can be hand painted in a variety colours and patterns to match different styles. The paint finish will fade as time passes and with the temperature of the fire, so it is recommended to paint again using a water-based emulsion.
In the beginning, they were designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over time have become a symbol of culture, adjusting their functions to accommodate a variety of needs. These distinctive structures were not solely used by indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens as well as played a crucial role in repelling bugs and promoting social gatherings.
The unique design of the chiminea with its wide base and narrow chimney spout allow the most air to be drawn into the structure from the bottom, minimizing smoke intake. It also helps keep heat in the belly of the chiminea, making it ideal to cook over.
Presently, chimineas can be found in a wide range of materials such as terracotta, cast iron, and even aluminum. Terracotta chimineas are by far the most commonly used, and offer the traditional Mexican style. However, they are susceptible to cracking under pressure, and should only be used on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminium chimineas are less prone to cracking and damage, but they are stylish and sturdy.
To ensure the chiminea lasts for as long as is possible, it should always be kept in a well-ventilated area and shielded from wind and rain. It should be placed away from structures and walls that could catch fire, as well as the roofs of patios and eaves that may be damaged by a sudden shift in temperatures when the chiminea is extinguished. To prevent the chiminea outdoor fireplace from burning excessively, it is advised to keep the leaves away and only well-seasoned, kiln-dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is also crucial, as it helps keep deposits from accumulating which are likely to ignite and blacken. Shielding the chiminea from wind will also help to reduce the amount of smoke that it emits when it is burned.
Maintenance
Like any other fire apparatus it is important to maintain it properly to ensure the longevity of your chiminea. This can prolong its life and ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas can be quite fragile and should be kept outside in a place where they can be properly taken care of. While a clay blue rooster chiminea may seem sturdy enough, it's still vulnerable to cracks and breaking due to various sources. This is why it is essential to check your chiminea regularly for signs of wear and tear and also to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding 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 solution. This will get rid of any dirt or grime that could cause discoloration or corrosion. To get rid of loose rust particles you should employ a wire brush. It is recommended that gloves and goggles be worn to protect yourself. After scrubbing the chiminea then rinse it and allow it to dry completely. This will prevent any water from causing corrosion and can significantly prolong the life of your chiminea.After your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, you should lightly sand it using fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and remove any rough areas which could attract embers if you decide to build an open flame. Sanding can also make the surface look more attractive and even. Sanding can be followed by several coats of stove paint or grill paint to improve the appearance and protect your chiminea from corrosion.
It is also recommended to keep your chiminea away from direct sunlight and wind since this can cause the paint to peel and fade. It is possible to fix the problem by using water-based emulsions or paints or masonry sprayed. It is also important to only build small fires and add small amounts of wood at one time to your chiminea to get it "broken in" and to prevent overheating.