How to Take Care of a Chiminea

Contain a small fire in a backyard chiminea.

A chiminea is an affordable addition to a patio or backyard that adds a bit of southwestern flair. Originally from Mexico, Central and South America, chimineas have become commonplace in the United States. They provide an excellent way for both country and city dwellers to enjoy small contained fires in their outdoor living space. Most chimineas are made of clay, and must be cared for properly if they are to have a long life.

Things You'll Need

• Sand or gravel
• Chiminea lid
• Tarp
• Wood

Instructions

1. Lift the chiminea by its base, rather than its neck. As the neck and base were separate pieces before being attached for firing, the place where they connect is a chiminea’s most vulnerable part. When transporting a chiminea, place it inside the vehicle on a cushioned seat.

2. Place sand or gravel in the base of the chiminea before lighting a fire in it. This provides a protective environment for the bottom of the chiminea, which can crack if heat is applied directly to it. Sand or gravel should come up to within 3 inches of the mouth of the chiminea.

3. Purchase a lid for your chiminea. Excessive rain can cause your chiminea to crack. The lid keeps rain out of the inside of the chiminea, which also helps with cleanup, as ashes do not get wet and stick to the interior. You can also put a tarp or rain cover on your chiminea when it is not in use if you live in a wet climate.

4. Start off slowly. Light small fires after first purchasing your chiminea, as these will “season” the chiminea and keep it from cracking later on when you light larger fires.

5. Burn only natural wood in your chiminea. Pressure-treated wood and pellets burn too hot, which can damage the chiminea. Allow fires to burn out naturally; if you extinguish the fire with water, the temperature differential may cause the chiminea to crack.

6. Store your chimina inside a storage shed or garage if you live in an area that gets freezing temperatures. Water can get into small cracks in the chiminea and freeze, resulting in large cracks or breakage.

Tips & Warnings

• If flames are coming out of the top of the chiminea, the fire is too hot. Do not add more fuel until the fire is contained solely within the body of the chiminea.

References

• ChimineasChapala.com.au: Any Questions? A Comparison of "El Barro" Pottery and Cast Iron Chimineas
• ChimineasInc.com: Chiminea Use and Care Instructions