All About Chimineas

Add elegance to any backyard or patio setting

Chimeneas, also spelled chimineas, stem from the Spanish word for fireplace. A chiminea is just that - a fireplace. Think of it as a portable, miniature fireplace. The only difference is that chimineas are designed for outdoor use only.

How does a chiminea work?

Chimineas function quite simply. The body of a chiminea is constructed with a single opening where the fire is contained. The stack (or chimney) draws the air down into the fire and shoves the smoke back out the top.

Choosing a chiminea

Although chiminea styles can vary dramatically, there are a few more things to consider when choosing which chiminea is right for you. Obviously if you're buying a chiminea, you're looking for something unique and bold. But it's also important to select one that is well-built, efficient and safe.

Durability

Chimeneas are constructed from a variety of materials including clay, cast iron and cast aluminum, but some materials are tougher than others. While a clay chiminea may be attractive, clay - by its nature - is not very durable. Also, a clay chiminea requires a lot of continual care. Instead, consider buying a cast-aluminum or cast-iron chiminea. With minor maintenance, these durable chimineas will last much longer.

Efficiency

One way to spot a chimenea that's efficient is to look at the size of the fire area. Not only is a chiminea with a small fire area not nearly as efficient, but it can be painstakingly difficult to work with, and it requires smaller pieces of wood that you may have to chop yourself.

Safety tips

Although chimineas are generally safe, a lack of durability or safety features in some models may cause unnecessary accidents. Regardless of what type of chiminea you purchase it's important to always put safety first. Here are a few reminders:

Always have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water on hand.

Consider what additional chiminea features might help ensure proper safety. Simply purchasing a better-fitting mouth screen may drastically improve the safety of the chiminea.

Make sure the adult operating the chimenea fully understands how it works and how to safely use it.

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