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.
Amber Liddell is resource for Net Health Shops, your online stores for indoor and outdoor living. At PremiereFirePits.com you will find a full selection of fire pits, chimineas and patio heaters.
