Chiminea - The Traditional Mexican Outdoor Fireplace

Two types of outdoor fireplace are available to the interested homeowner: portable ones to move around in your garden, and built-in ones. Of the portables ones, the most common ones in the U.S. are chimineas. They are traditional Mexican fireplaces and consist of a bowl-shaped lower part and a much narrower chimney on top.

In Mexico, chimineas were already in use centuries ago to provide heat and a place for cooking to their owners. Their bowl-shaped firebox has an opening to one side and is therefore known as a frontloader. Due to this construction, the heat is radiated to one side only, which is useful for keeping warm during chilly nights. The bowl shape also helps to improve air circulation within the firebox. The long chimney releases the smoke above the heads of the people sitting around the outdoor fireplace, which helps to keep them mostly smoke- and ash-free.

Depending on the material used for construction, chimineas have specific advantages and disadvantages. Typical materials are clay, which is the traditional choice, and metal, mostly cast iron and aluminum. The main advantage of clay chimineas, also known as ceramic or terracotta fireplaces, is their lower price and the fact that they are usually delivered fully assembled and ready-to-use. Clay stores heat very effectively and much longer than metal, while not becoming as hot, especially on the outside. Clay models are, however, mostly very heavy, which somewhat diminishes their use as a portable fireplace.

Also, clay is a very brittle material, which is prone to develop cracks after prolonged use, especially in humid climates. Clay chimineas therefore break more easily than metal ones, particularly at the bottom of the bowl-shaped firebox, where the wear is greatest from the extreme heat. In rare cases, the bottom may even fall out due to widening cracks. As humidity increases the risk of breakage, clay chimineas must never be used while still wet, for example due to rain or watering. Clearly, quality is of major importance under these circumstances and a thorough comparison of models should always include a check for manufacturing quality and durability. Their fragility also requires more maintenance, including protection from humidity and regular cleaning.

In comparison, cast iron and aluminum chimineas are much less maintenance-intensive and more durable than clay models. The main difference between the two variants is the significantly higher weight of iron and its susceptibility to rusting in humid environments. Both usually need some sort of assembly before being ready for use.

Selecting the right material therefore is the most critical step when buying a chiminea to ensure it meets your personal criteria for price, durability and maintenance requirements.

The Outdoor Fireplace Review provides independent information and reviews on chimineas and all other available options for your outdoor fireplace.

The Growing Popularity of Chimeneas

Chimeneas have become one of the most popular garden accessories. Not only are they used for their ornamental value but also for outdoor cooking like grilling or even frying. These originated in Mexico where they served as a medium to cook food and also to keep the family warm. They are now very popular among people who love to enjoy a cold evening besides the fire. They are better than a fire pit because the heat from a chimenea can be contained and controlled. It is easier to put out a fire on a chimenea than on a fire pit because of the design. Also these chimeneas have a tall neck, which means that the smoke that comes from burning wood escapes into the air. Unlike a fire pit, chimeneas enclose a fire and thus guarantee safety for the people around. Also unlike a fire pit they do not leave a mound of unburned ash or charcoal.

These chimeneas were traditionally made of clay, with different finishes like terra cota, glazed or enameled. These come in various shapes and sizes. chimeneas made of metal are more popular today because they do not crack easily like Clay Chimeneas. Among the common metals used for chimeneas are cast iron, metal, cast aluminium, stainless steel and even sheet aluminium. Mass produced chimeneas made of sheet metal are available at a bargain price, but these rust out quickly. Chimeneas made up of copper give a green and tarnished look after a fire or two and have to be kept covered when not in use. If you want your chimenea to be a permanent fixture in your garden or backyard the cast iron material is a great option. These are very bulky and cannot be moved very easily. Another issue with these types is that they rust easily. But that rusted look adds to the attraction. Their prices range from $ 4, for small clay candle chimeneas to even $ 400 for cast iron chimeneas.

If you plan to use your chimenea for cooking, wood is the best fuel. Oak is a hard wood that's popular among most users. Pinion is also recommended by manufacturers as this gives out a natural fragrance and is a natural insect repellant. There are also manufactured fire logs that ignite very fast, but are not suitable for cooking.

Chimeneas are a great addition to your backyard or garden, only if they are maintained properly. It is important to keep them covered at all times when not in use. Clay chimeneas crack up if suddenly exposed to extreme climate. For this reason, they can be treated before burning. They are to be exposed to small amounts of fire on a sand bed. As cast iron chimeneas rust easily they need to be painted with high grade industrial paint which is typically done before you order. It is also important to use these very safely as their design allows for a lot of heat to be generated. These are outdoor fire appliances and should be never used indoors.

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An Outdoor Fireplace Can Make You Enjoy Outdoor Living During Chilly Days!

Having an outdoor fireplace is a great idea whether you put it in your deck, garden, pool and patio or wherever you choose it to be. Just imagine the different fun and entertainment activities you and your family, friends will enjoy. If you plan to be the one to handle the project yourself, it is necessary for you to familiarize yourself with the nitty-gritty details in its construction. There are various models of DIY fireplace kits which are very easy to assemble. They are designs which are equipped with necessary metal rings and materials to convert a wooden or charcoal fueled fireplace into a gas powered one.

There is an assortment of styles, shapes, materials and designs of an outdoor fireplace. There is the portable and movable fireplace or a permanent one with the chimney attached. You can opt for a chiminea which is an attractive style good for heating bonfire. It has accessories like stainless steel grills and doors if you want to do some cooking. Fuel used is charcoal or wood. They come in a variety of portable designs and sizes and shapes.

Fire pit table is another option. It is a rounded dish which handles the fire. There is a wide selection to choose from. You can have patio tables with fire pits in the center. You can use gas or wood as fuel. Another style of outdoor fireplace has gas log set to the fire pit. You can get vented logs to eliminate the need for a chimney. It is made of stainless steel design and includes a grate. Another unique model is a free standing ethanol or gel powered fireplace with a wide array of color, features and designs.

If you want a full-blown outdoor fireplace, you can choose a wood or gas operated model or an electric style with built-in speakers and a CD player with MP3 input. Or you can select a customized stand out model with sleek features to harmonize with your home and lifestyle. It is fueled by a hidden propane tank camouflaged as a side table. There is also a popular fire pit with a large 35 inch porcelain coated steel fire bowl and supported by a stable and fashionable stand. It can use up to four logs. It includes added lifting tools to keep the fire pit safe and easy to operate and clean. It is designed to provide steady heat and controlled fire. With so many styles and designs available, you have to know basic elements and technicalities about the subject to make an intelligent choice.

With regards the materials used to build fireplaces, there are various types. There is the cast iron or cast aluminum type. The beauty of a cast iron is it is quite sturdy and with proper maintenance, it will last a long time. This kind is much heavier than cast aluminum. To prevent it from rusting, hot paint is the answer. Cast aluminum is an excellent choice. It is light in weight and rust resistant. It can last for many years. Another type is the sheet metal fireplace. This is not a popular variety because of its lack of durability. It is also prone to rust.

There is still another option which is the copper fireplace. Although it looks good when it is new, the downside is it rusts very quickly. The last option is a clay or ceramic fireplace. This type is very affordable but is not expected to last long. When canvassing around for the best material, pick the one which is durable and lasts long.

Enjoying the outdoors can be maximized to the fullest even during chilly nights or days with the aid of a stable and beautiful exterior fire pit. You can add your own touch by putting brick, stone or stucco to create the kind of look you desire. Being able to enjoy outdoor living with warmth and coziness during fall, winter and spring should be worth the investment, time and effort you put in to your outdoor fireplace project.

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Buyer's Guide to Backyard Fireplaces

Backyard fireplaces add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor living area. Not only do they add to the decor but they are the place where most of the entertaining and conversations take place.

There are many things that you need to think about when researching backyard fireplaces. What are you going to use it for? Do you want something fancy or plainer? What type of design do you want? How much room is in the backyard or on the patio for a fireplace? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself while you are researching.

The least durable backyard fireplaces will be made of thin metals and clay. They will also be less expensive. The more durable ones would be made of stainless steel, cast iron or aluminum. Copper is also quite durable, but you need to know that it does oxidize and will change color from golden-bronze to a greenish hue. Also, you should be aware of the fact that iron may rust if left out in the rain and snow.

You will find backyard fireplaces that are fueled by wood, natural gas, liquid and gel. The gases burn cleaner and there is less mess than wood. Of course, with wood fireplaces you will have more work to do such as cutting the wood for the fire but many people enjoy the crackle and pop of a real outdoor fire. If you choose natural gas, you will need to install the gas line and the fireplace will be placed in a permanent location rather than being able to move it around.

There are many different styles of backyard fireplaces available. The chiminea, also known as a Mexican fireplace, has an opening into a large belly where you build the fire. It has a tall chimney helping with the ventilation of the smoke up and away from people sitting around it. The chiminea is portable, so a lot of people enjoy it for this reason. Sometimes you will find these backyard fireplaces sometimes have an opening that goes all the way through the construct rather than just in front and sometimes they even have openings that wrap around or near it. You will find chimineas that are made of clay, cast iron, aluminum or copper.

Outdoor fire pits are another form of backyard fireplaces. Some people also call these fire bowls. The fire pit is the most portable of all of the backyard fireplaces and also takes up the least amount of space. They are ventless and do not have chimneys. Fire pits can be bowls, pots and pits that hold the fire within its boundaries. You may find some fire pits that come with wheels for easier portability. Without having a chimney to force the smoke away from your guests, it could be a little smokier than the other backyard fireplaces. Fire rings are also sometime called fire pits.

Fire rings are similar to what you find in a campground. They are simply containment areas for the backyard fire. These are the least expensive of all the backyard fireplaces. You can easily place a grill over the top for cooking.

Finally backyard fireplaces can be just that, fireplaces. This style looks like your regular indoor fireplace but freestanding rather than a part of a wall. The use of spark screens will keep the embers from escaping, protecting the surroundings. These fireplaces may also come with louvers that will help control the heat. These types of fireplaces are the most controlled, although they are definitely not portable. They are also the most expensive types to purchase. You need to hire someone to construct the hearth and surrounds or be able to do it yourself as well as purchasing the fire unit. The good news is this allows you to choose the type of material that you want. You can also find fireplace kits, although they will still need to be built and put together in some way depending on the fireplace kit purchased.

Pricing varies with the many types of backyard fireplaces to choose from. Chimineas can cost anywhere from 0 to 0. Smaller, plainer outdoor fire pits can be found for around 0. Larger and fancier ones, such as fire tables, sell for 00 to 00. Fire rings, being the least expensive, can be found for 0 or less. The fire units for the true outdoor fireplaces are anywhere from 0 to 00 but you also need to purchase the materials as well as maybe having to hire someone.

Now that you know the choices that are out there for backyard fireplaces, as well as the pros and cons, its time to start choosing what you would like and imagine how it will fit in your outdoor living space. Make sure that it fits well into the space available as well as into the scheme of the landscaping. One last thing you might want to think about is if you want to cook on it or just enjoy the fire. Once you have decided all of this, as well as what you want it to look like, you are ready to go shopping and start enjoying your evenings in your backyard even more.

JK Bell writes for http://www.PatioHeatersPro.com an online store dedicated to patio heaters including electric and propane patio heaters, backyard fireplaces, outdoor fire pits and infrared patio heaters. For great prices including free shipping, visit our store today.

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Spend Summer Enjoying Your Southwest Room

We all look forward to summertime when we spend a lot of time outside. Enjoying longer daylight hours and warmers evenings are wonderful benefits of summer. Watermelon and corn on the cob are summer delights to be enjoyed. Flowers and trees bring beauty to our lives and world.

Summer is sure to inspire us. It gives our creative energies a chance to work on home decorating projects.

Surround yourself with southwest touches. Since so much time is spent outside, its only natural to create a special area to relax and enjoy all that the season has to offer. A unique southwestern environment may be created on your deck, porch or patio. Decorate your outdoor area with a southwest theme. It will become a favorite place of your home where family and friends gather.

Sunflowers are a wonderful way to introduce the southwest theme into your decor. Start with a wreath for your deck, porch or patio that is adorned with lovely sunflowers to welcome family and friends. Hang colorful ceramic birds from ceiling rafters as well as ristras of dried chili peppers for a real southwest theme. Furniture made of wrought iron gives your outdoor space a southwestern feeling. Add brightly colored cushions to complete the look.

Excellent color choices for your southwest decor are plump pillows in the colors of red, gold, orange, yellow, green, or blue. Placing a large area rug in front of the seating area will help pull the area together. Plants in colorful pottery can also be placed around the area to define space. Want to create pleasurable summer memories? Use a fire ring in your outdoor area to cook marshmallows and hot dogs.

Be careful, however, to never leave the fire unattended and to keep the flame small. Create a real southwestern feel by hanging a few strings of chili pepper lights around the area.

As you enter inside your home, go throughout the rooms and look for any areas that seems a little drab and try placing a Native American woven basket filled with magnificent silk sunflowers in that space. Color can do amazing things. Silk sunflowers can be used year round to give your home a sunny and happy feeling.

Talavera, a unique southwestern pottery crafted in southern Mexico, makes beautiful accent pieces in designated spaces. There are all kinds of accent pieces for your home. Each piece is beautifully hand made and painted. There are a lot of items available with hand painted sunflowers. Pottery of this kind will definitely turn your southwestern space into an area of beauty. Stunning colors such as blue and gold can be included in your area.

Organization becomes easier with the use of Native American baskets in various sizes. They work great for holding dried flowers. There are so many uses for incorporating Indian baskets into your home. Try them in your entryway for mail, kitchen for utensils and bathroom to hold towels. As baskets are added to the organizational needs of your home, you'll find so many creative ways in which to use them. Your home will become so organized as you put various sizes of baskets to use.

You can certainly find many treasures at flea markets or second hand stores. For a crafty idea, paint your find and incorporate it into your southwest decor. Any piece of wooden furniture may be turned into a southwest masterpiece. Consider your table, chairs and book cases as a potential piece of art. You'll have a true work of art if you choose a bright color that complements the room. For a unique one of a kind design, once your paint is dry, stencil on designs such as sunflowers of chili peppers.

Candles placed in table top clay chimineas will add sparkle and sizzle to your southwestern room. With this, an authentic "south of the border" theme is created. Wall sconces are also a nice touch. The atmosphere will look calming and peaceful. A nice and needed addition would be the use of big pillows placed in richly woven wool pillow covers. This creates nice areas for floor lounging. For special southwestern touches, play soft Native American flute music and light incense with the scent of sage.

Put a smile on your face this summer by surrounding yourself with beautiful things you love. A southwest summer is such a pleasure to experience. Build lasting memories that will be fresh in your mind throughout the next three seasons.

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey Southwest, offering unique hand crafted southwest decor and money saving rustic decorating tips. Find out more on his website and get his popular free ebook. The Rustic Southwest Decorating Guide