9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Mexican Chimineas > 자유게시판

Chimineas - An Authentic Mexican Fire Pit

Chimineas, which were originally used as an oven for baking, represent Mexico's rich tradition of culture. The timeless design combines practicality and aesthetic simplicity.

Chimineas of clay can be fired in kilns which remove organic matter from the clay and seals the pores to stop cracking. They can be used all year round however they shouldn't be exposed to the elements for too long.

Origins

Imagine a balmy evening in the summer with your loved ones and family enjoying delicious food outdoors, all warmed by your Mexican or clay chiminea. It's a scene that is reminiscent of the Mexican origins of this type of outdoor fire pit.

These stoves, which were terra-cotta in origin, were designed to function as radiant heaters as well as ovens, helping tribesmen through the winter nights in their home. Their distinctive design was derived from their utilitarian values, emphasising practicality and the importance of communal living.

Originally, these stoves were created from natural terracotta clay that was dried in kilns and then wood-fired. Chimineas made of clay are more rustic in appearance and were not coated to protect the surface. Modern manufacturers create chimineas made of metals such as aluminum, cast iron and brass. These materials offer enhanced durability and weather resistance which addresses 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 design is ideal for containing a fire while sending smoke upwards. This reduces the intake of air and increases heat retention.

Chimineas were a popular method of lighting, heating and cooking. We still appreciate their beauty and the warmth they provide in the cold autumn evenings or even in the brisk winter sun.

Gardeco has a range of styles that are suitable for your garden. We stock a wide range of sizes, from small chiminea and medium, to extra-large and large. We also have clay chimineas with decor which can be moulded or engraved into the body of the product.

Our range of terracotta and Mexican Chimineas is made by artisans in the heart of the country. Shapes and colours may differ slightly due to the nature of the manufacturing process. It is possible to repaint your chiminea using an emulsion paint which is water-based in the event that it begins to discolour. Before using your new chiminea, it's crucial to follow all instructions and tips for care provided by the manufacturer.

Design

Chimineas are not just practical, but they also give an authentic and rustic look to the space. They are available in a variety of materials and designs and can be matched to any patio furniture. They can be a focal point or blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

The traditional chimenea, constructed of clay, was created with both practical and historical significance in mind. The tall chimney-like neck directed smoke away from the users, and its rounded body radiated warmth. It also served as a place for socializing and storytelling, giving it an important part in Mexican and Central American culture.

Traditionally, chimineas were made by local artisans using moist clay, which was gathered directly from the ground. The raw material was molded to its final shape before being dried in a kiln. Clay chimeneas can be extremely labor-intensive to create particularly the larger ones. Typically the potters would roll long snakes of clay into a cylindrical shape and then smooth the clay and create the chiminea's bowl and neck. The rim of the clay was usually decorated with patterns or carvings.

A modern chiminea is generally made of metal such as cast iron or aluminum. Metal chimineas were an important improvement because they could endure high temperatures and moisture without cracking. This allowed chimineas be used in a vast range of climates.

Metal Chimineas are the most popular however there are some companies that manufacture clay and terracotta chimineas. Metal chimineas are more durable and easier to clean. These advantages have made chimineas made of metal more popular than clay counterparts.

No matter which kind of chiminea you pick it's important to place it in the proper location. It should be placed in a leveled area and away from anything that could ignite like grass, trees or other buildings. The chiminea should also be placed on a brick, concrete or stone patio and never on a wooden deck. It's also recommended to place 50mm of sand or Gardeco lava stones under the chiminea in order to shield it from direct heat and keep the most hot part of the fire away from the clay.

Materials

Traditional clay and terracotta chimineas that are still produced by small chiminea-scale factories today, are kiln fired to temperatures of up to 1000c. After cooling and dried the chimineas are then assembled. Some are glazed, while others remain unglazed. These chimineas are a popular choice because they provide that authentic Mexican feel to a garden.

Chimineas can be painted by hand in a variety of colours and patterns to suit different styles. The paint finish does discolour due to time and temperature of the fire, so it is recommended to paint again using an emulsion based on water.

Originally designed to provide heating and cooking facilities for Mexicans living in towns, chimineas over the years have evolved into an iconic symbol of Mexican culture, changing their functionality to accommodate a variety of needs. These distinctive structures were not only used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico as bread ovens and ovens, but also played an important function in repelling insects and promoting social gatherings.

The unique design of the chiminea, with its broad base and narrow chimney spout allows maximum air flow into the chiminea's bottom, reducing smoke inhalation. It also helps to retain the heat inside the chiminea, which makes it ideal for cooking over.

Chimineas are currently available in a wide range of materials that include terracotta, cast iron, and even aluminum. Terracotta Chimineas have the classic Mexican style. However, they are prone to cracking under pressure, and should only be placed on a flat, safe for fire surface. Cast iron and aluminum chimineas aren't as susceptible to damage, while remaining elegant and durable.

To make sure the largest chiminea lasts as long as possible, you should keep it in an area which is well ventilated and protected from wind and rain. It should be kept away from walls and structures that could catch fire, as well as any patio roofs or eaves which could be damaged by a sudden change in temperatures when the chiminea has been put out. In order to prevent the top rated chiminea from smoking too much, it's advised to keep the leaves away and only seasoned, kiln dried logs are burned. Regular cleaning using a wire brush is essential, as it will prevent build up of deposits that are liable to burn and blacken. The chiminea can be protected from the wind to reduce the amount smoke that it releases.

Maintenance

The proper maintenance is vital to the longevity of any fire equipment. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure it is operating safely. Chimineas can be fragile and should be kept outdoors where they can be properly cared for. While a clay blue rooster chiminea might appear solid enough, it is still susceptible to cracks and breakage from various sources. It is crucial to examine your chiminea for signs wear and follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how often to fire it.

To keep your mexican chimney looking beautiful, you should clean it thoroughly with a mild detergent. This will get rid of any dirt or grime that can cause discoloration or rust. A wire brush should be used to remove loose rust particles, and it is recommended you wear gloves and safety glasses for safety purposes. After cleaning, rinse the chiminea and allow it to dry completely. This will prevent any moisture that causes corrosion and will greatly prolong the life of your chiminea.

Once your chiminea has been cleaned and dried, it can be lightly sanded using fine grit the sandpaper. This will smooth the surface and eliminate any rough spots which could be caught on the embers as you build an open flame. Sanding can also make the surface more even and attractive. Finally, the sanding can be followed by several coats of stove or grill paint that will enhance the appearance of your chiminea and guard it from rust.

Keep your chiminea from direct sunlight and wind, as this can cause the paint to peel off and fade. If this occurs, you can touch up the affected areas using water-based emulsion paints or masonry sprays, and it's usually easy to do. Also, it is essential to only use small fires and to add only a few logs at each time to your chiminea in order to make sure it is "broken in" and to prevent overheating.