Chimineas
Chimineas, also spelled “chiminea”, is a cooking and heating device that originated in Mexico. It is typically characterized by a free-standing feature that has a front loading oven or fireplace with bulb-like structure and vertical pipe to accommodate smoke exhaust. The earliest forms of this device were made of clay and were used as open fire heaters for gardens. The first of this Mexican invention were used thousands of years ago. It was also a way of protecting their family during the harsh coldness of the rainy season. It was their only means of cooking and baking.
The use of a special type of wood fuel provided the early Mexican homes a fragrant scent that was also used to drive away bugs and mosquitoes. When these devices were discovered and brought northwards, the Chimineas were found to be weak since it were not able to withstand the temperature on its clay structure. The Mexican clay chiminea was designed only to endure the climate of Mexico. Clay is soft and brittle and when Chimineas broke, Mexicans would pulverize it and added river clay to form another Chiminea.
Today’s chiminea however has come a long way. Some dealers sell cast iron models and some offer cast aluminum chiminea. One of the modern key features is the spark arrestor that catches sparks and escaping fire to prevent fire in the house. While other heat sources like fire pits and radiators are preferred at home, the chiminea is best used indoors or outdoors. The finest wood used to fuel is the Pinion wood that gives off that aromatic fragrance that will circulate the house.
In buying a chimenea, several things are to be considered. As some manufacturers may claim that theirs is the best, one may not be guaranteed of sure and time tested efficiency until he uses it. The most common problem of households in using the Chimineas is using itself. To guide users in choosing the best chiminea, the following are to be checked.
Choose a good size for a chiminea. Width or span of the chiminea must be closely examined and considered than the height of it. It must fit well with the area you intend to place in your house. It must also coincide with the area of the room. Small chiminea may not work very well with a large room. The size of chiminea will also mean big for your wood logs. Small Chimineas will mean small and complex cut logs.
Go for cast iron or cast aluminum. Other manufacturers use copper or clay in making Chimineas. Remember that clay is brittle though you may find it relatively cheaper than the others. Copper is also good but it does not provide long lasting safety than cast iron or cast aluminum.
Experts say the best chiminea is made of cast aluminum. It is so because chiminea made of cast aluminum does not corrode and therefore will not discolor or stain your floor. It is also easy to clean and maintain Chiminea that is made of aluminum. Aluminum is significantly lighter in weight than iron so it is easy to transfer Chiminea especially those that are used outdoors during wind change. Factory tests and home tests show no important difference in heat efficiency between cast iron and cast aluminum Chimineas. An aluminum-made chiminea does not sacrifice design.
Recent chiminea reviews revealed that a good Chiminea only has one fire load or opening. This prevents the ashes and the burning logs to be thrown away in accidental tips. Few Chimineas though in the market offer a 360-degree view of the fire which makes it very dangerous. Aside from flying ashes and sparks and relentless smoking, a 360-degree view of a Chiminea will never equal that natural look of a real bonfire.
A Chiminea is not meant as a substitute for fire pits. Remember that when buying Chimineas, look for cast iron or cast aluminum for better built and safety. Use only the best wood and have it cut in a size that will fit its opening. And finally, enjoy your Chiminea as much as possible.