Heat the Patio With a Portable Fireplace
Chimineas are charming, hand-decorated terra-cotta outdoor fireplaces.
The Spruce / Alyssa Vela
What Is a Chiminea?
Chimineaor chimenea is the Spanish word for chimney and is pronounced che-meh-NEH-yah, and the spellings are interchangeable.
The Spruce / Alyssa Vela
It is thought to have originated in Mexico centuries ago as a cooking and heating vessel.
A chiminea is the same concept as an old-fashioned potbelly stove, a cast-iron wood-burning stove.
Large, round cooking pans are placed on the kotao.
The Spruce / Alyssa Vela
Chiminea History
Traditionally, a chiminea is made of clay and designed as a wide-bottom vase.
Unlike a broader, more open firepit, a chiminea is contained.
After igniting, chimineas can thoroughly burn in 15 minutes, giving off a great deal of heat.
The Spruce / Alyssa Vela
The fire can be controlled like any wood-burning outdoor firepit or fireplace.
Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Clay and terracotta have a stunning, traditional look that has been time-tested for centuries.
Cast iron can handle high temperatures, which is useful if you want to burn coal in your chiminea.
These are often larger so they’re useful for cooking.
A chiminea should be located so that the predominant wind patterns carry smoke away from the house.
Set the chiminea straight and vertically so the funnel-like chimney works properly.
This positioning ensures sooting occurs inside the fire chamber.
Place your chiminea on fire-safe surfaces like concrete, brick, or stone patios.
Additionally, never extinguish a chiminea with water unless absolutely necessary.
The abrupt change in temperature can crack clay and terracotta or damage metal.
Always extinguish it with sand when possible.
What Is a Patio Hearth?
A patio hearth is a fire-safe area on a wood patio or deck where you might place a chiminea.
It’s generally created by covering roughly a 3-by-4-foot area with pavers, bricks, or other fireproof materials.
Ideally, the wood should burn down to ashes in your chiminea.
Chiminea vs. Fire Pit
Chimineas are often seen as an alternative to fire pits.
Here are a few of the differences.
This will protect it from water and moisture.
Buy a chiminea cover to keep it from cracking.
you might also rake out the ashes and turn over the sand or gravel for a clean chiminea.
While chimineas may require some maintenance, they can last up to 20 years if properly taken care of.
Woodstove Changeout Initiative.Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.
