Chiminea - Buy it for the versatility of enjoying both fireplace and grill!

 I recently visited friends who served me a dinner of grilled salmon and baked potatoes, done to perfection in their chiminea. The sun was setting and it was cooling down but overall a wonderful summer evening. We wanted to converse and eventually, eat our meal outdoors. The bonus: the chiminea offered us warmth and the smoke kept some of the mosquitoes at bay (some still got us). I must say, as well as being a great evening, that was one of the most delicious pieces of salmon I've ever eaten.

Chimineas date back to 17th century Mexico, where they were used as ovens to bake bread, were for cooking and also a source of heat. The chiminea was usually placed near a window or in the center of the hut to allow smoke to escape. They were made of clay since it was the most readily available material in the area. Today cast iron, copper and cast aluminum are the materials of choice for most chimineas although you can still purchase ones made of clay.

What to consider when choosing a chiminea

Chimineas really are for outdoor use only. If you need a fireplace for indoors this is not a good choice. So where to start? Chimineas are tall and narrow and really make sense if you don't have a large space but want an area for a fire. Don't go too small on the fire area though, or you will be chopping your wood into bite-sized chimenea pieces to fit the opening. If don't need portability you can go heavier and larger. You may also want to choose a model that has a grate that can be added or removed for cooking.

Some of the more popular patio and deck chimineas are made of cast iron. Choose from round, leaf, and designer cast iron chimineas designed for year round use. These cast iron fireplaces are designed to be sturdy and provide long lasting heat retention. Deck, patio and outdoor chimineas store easily and should be covered with a chiminea cover during the off season for protection. Copper and cast aluminum are also popular choices with the latter being the heaviest, most ornate and needing the least maintenance. See: http://www.outdoor-fireplaces-and-patio-heaters.com/chiminea.htm

Another consideration is the type of wood you burn. Best choice is pinon wood or other hardwoods. Pinon has the added advantage of helping to repel mosquitoes. Mesquite is also another option. Definitely stay away from pressure treated woods or anything that has been chemically treated - especially if you are planning to cook on the fire. Once you are ready to use your chiminea, start out with a small fire and build from there. And even if you don't live in the more fire prone regions of the country it is always a good idea to have some water or a fire extinguisher nearby, especially if you are in a small backyard.

Outdoor chiminea fireplaces are great addition for the pool area, garden, deck, or patio where you will be kept warm outside to enjoy the immense pleasures of a fire as well as cooking outdoors with friends or family.
About the Author

Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.outdoor-fireplaces-and-patio-heaters.com an online resource that provides you with information, articles of interest and reviews of the best outdoor fireplaces and patio heaters online.

 Nicole Martins

More Articles 

Origin of Lawn Furniture - Johann Erickson
Did you ever wonder where “lawn” furniture originated? In the 1800s as people began to enjoy their gardens and patios, furniture was set outside, but had to be brought in during inclement weather. The answer of course, would be furniture made for...

What You Need To Know About Glassware And Fire Pit Glass? - Gert Gambell
One of my friends asked me about fire pit glass and I found I had absolutely no idea about what he was talking about. I am a person who relies a lot on the internet and hence, I immediately went to check out what definition the web gives for...

Outdoor Patio Furniture - Cat Greenbriar
Deciding what to buy: Cost, Quantity, and Location It’s time again to spruce up the outdoors. When purchasing patio furniture there are several important factors to consider that will determine the type and the cost of patio furniture you...

Patio Design – Expanding Your Home Outdoors - Nicholas Webb
A patio can be just like another room in your house. Effective patio design can mean that your increase the floor space of your home, by adding an outside room that allows you to entertain like never before. A patio can just be a rectangular...

Got Attic Mold? Lets Talk Energy Conservation! - Mark D Tyrol P E
It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year – you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the bottom of the roof sheathing. Worse yet – it turns...

Wrought Iron Bed Romance - Mario Chompass
It seems that wrought iron will never go out of style, the quality that wrought iron has, and the sheer professionalism that is required to master the art of shaping iron onto different patterns and shapes will always be appreciated by almost...

3 Great Reasons to Shop for Home Lighting Online - Nicole Martins
If you are a consumer who knows just what brand or style of lighting fixtures you are looking to buy, the internet can save you money. Conversely, if you are just learning about what lighting fixtures, interior and exterior, are available for your...

Enjoying holiday poinsettias year-round, indoors and out - NC
(NC)—The poinsettia has become a mainstay of holiday decorating and offers gorgeous colour during the colder winter months. The good news is that with proper care and attention, a poinsettia can be moved outdoors to enjoy in the summer garden...

Wow! Outdoor Tiles ~ Any Image, Any Size - Alicia Tapp
Something amazing is happening in the world of ceramic tiles—Outdoor tile murals-------A new and exciting way to have a dramatic focal point outdoors on the floor or walls. Imagine a dining room far from the kitchen heat, a reading nook with...

How to Care for Laminate Flooring - E Timothy Uy
It's hard to damage and easy to care for laminate floors. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain them: 1. Carefully read the warranty and care instructions provided for your flooring. Follow them as much as you can and refer to them if a...

Embellish Your Garden Trees with Movement, Music, and Light - Johann Erickson
If you'd like to bring some whimsy and fun to your garden, consider adding wind chimes, birdhouses, or other ornaments to your trees. Items should be hung from sturdy branches with soft but durable cord or coated wire. Your trees will thank...

Relax in a Hammock - Angela Oliver
Hammocks have been a standard for backyards for decades. Although they traditionally come from South American and Caribbean cultures, they have easily become a part of modern life. They are the ultimate way to just kick back and relax, and even...