Chiminea

An outdoor cooking and dining experience is one of the most cherished pleasures for most people around the world. Chimineas are developed and designed for such enthusiasts. These are stand-alone fireplaces made from clay, having an ethnic look. The body of a chiminea appears like a huge ancient scent bottle having a bulging bottom and narrow neck. The neck of the chiminea acts like a chimney offering space for the smoke to escape. The bulging bottom is a front loading fireplace with a circular door at the front. The device is elevated from ground level with a stand generally made from iron with three or four legs.

Most chimineas are composed of two parts: the bowl (or the base), and the neck which enables easy handling. Each piece of the chiminea is dried separately while manufactured. However, it is advisable never to lift the chiminea from the neck as the base can get separated and the product may be damaged. Before lighting the fire in a chiminea, it is insulated with pea stone or sand so that the fire does not directly affect the clay. On the sand or the pea stone, either of which are around 3" to 4" below the lower lip of the mouth of the chiminea, two bricks are placed with a 6" space in between. Various types of woods are used for combustion. However, it is advisable that the first fire that is lit in the chiminea is a small one. Gradually, as the chiminea becomes older it adapts to be compatible with a bigger fire.