Chimineas - What are they?

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If you are looking to add warmth and mosquito protection to your outdoor patio area, consider  investing in a chiminea. This multi-purpose chimney can also serve as an outdoor cooking appliance.

Chimineas originate from 17th century Mexico. In that time, they were used primarily as ovens to bake bread. They also provided extra heat when needed. They were normally placed near a window or the center of a dwelling to allow smoke to escape. Original chimineas were made of clay.

Modern day chimineas are made from cast iron, copper, cast aluminum, or clay. Chimineas are only appropriate for outdoor use, and provide a lot of warmth for their size. They feature a pear shape, with a large rounded bottom and tall, narrow chimney rising above. Chimineas come in many sizes, and can fit any patio space. Your choice is only limited by your space options. You can also choose a portable chiminea that can be moved to different parts of your patio.

Cast iron chimineas are very popular, and can be purchased in several different styles. A cast iron chiminea is very durable and provides long lasting heat retention. Copper and cast aluminum chimineas are also popular. A cast aluminum chiminea will need the least maintenance of all the options.

When you purchase a chiminea you ll also need to consider what type of wood you will use. Hardwoods, like pinon wood, generally work the best. Pinon wood will also repel mosquitoes, making it a popular choice for chiminea owners. Pressure treated and chemically treated woods should be avoided at all costs, especially if you are cooking with the chiminea.

For safety s sake, it is a good idea to have a small bucket of water near the chiminea, or a fire extinguisher within easy reach. Always start with a small fire and then build from there, especially if you are using the chiminea for the first time.