subject: Chimineas - Move Over Fire Pits, There's A New Kid On The Block [print this page] Chimineas - Move Over Fire Pits, There's A New Kid On The Block
Now that the weather is cooling down many homeowners are beginning to go inside earlier. However, if you love spending time on your patio or in your backyard in the evenings you don't have to cut your time outdoors short. Instead, you can easily invest in outdoor heating for relatively little money.
There are a number of different outdoor heating pieces including fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, electric heaters, and heating lamps. Chimineas are another great option and they are often overlooked. When selecting which outdoor heating equipment is best for you, you should definitely look into chimineas.
Here are the key things you must know about selecting and caring for these unique outdoor heating accessories.
Clay Chimineas
Clay is a heat-resistant and durable material but it can still be prone to cracking if you do not properly tend to it. Clay chimineas should not be exposed to extreme temperature changes. They should also not be exposed to extreme freezing weather. In addition to this, clay must be kept dry so it is highly advised that you buy a waterproof cover if you invest in a clay chiminea.
If you are not familiar with clay chimineas then it is good to know that they change color after you use them a few times. This is called curing and it is a desirable and beautiful aspect about clay that many homeowners enjoy.
If your saleman does not tell you, then it is highly important to know that you must only start a small fire when you use your chiminea for the first time. You must also fill your chiminea with gravel, rocks, or sand to keep the fire from too directly touching the clay.
Less Exposure To Smoke
In addition to their beautiful quaint and rustic look, another thing that homeowners love about chimineas is their effective air flow systems. Some homeowners buy propane fire pits, fire tables, and other clean burning outdoor heating accessories to avoid problems with smoke and fumes. However, chimineas are specifically designed to send smoke away from you and your guests. They are open on one side and have chimney structures on the top.
Metal Chimineas
Some people consider metal chimineas to be an overall better choice than clay chimineas, but metal is also prone to crack, rust, or warp depending on the kind you choose. Some top choices include cast aluminum (not sheet aluminum) and copper. Another popular choice is cast iron--you just have to beware that cast iron stains surfaces. And of all the metals you can choose from, it is best to avoid sheet metal--it is considered a disposable metal and does not last very long.
Much like fire pits, chimineas are prized for being great patio and backyard accessories. They add a design element to landscapes and function as a great source of heat. As a last note, keep in mind that the larger and thicker the chiminea structure, the more durable it will be.
