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If you have a clay or cast iron chiminea, you'll want to be sure it lasts for a good long time.
Taking good care of it will help. So here are some top tips for taking care of your chiminea.
Steps
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1The fire in a clay chiminea needs to be built on a bed of sand so the fire doesn't actually come into contact with the clay. Check your instructions carefully to make sure you set the fire properly. Not doing so may cause cracks in a clay chiminea. Children's play sand will work well. Don't move your chiminea with the sand in place in the bowl. You may damage the chiminea (or yourself).
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2Start with a small fire with a few pieces of wood (on top of the sand) to season your chiminea. Do this several times before trying a larger fire. Never use firelighters or other accelerants to get your fire going because it may damage your chiminea permanently.Advertisement
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3Use small logs for your fires. If the flame comes out of the chimney, it is probably too big. In which case, don't add any more fuel. If you want to regulate the fire after it's been lit, you can use the lid to control the amount of air going up the chimney. Do be very careful not to touch the exterior of the chiminea as they get very hot and can burn you. It's best to use long heat proof gloves.
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4It's best not to move a chiminea once it's been placed. Even cast iron chimineas can crack if you drop them.
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5Always let the fire die out in your chiminea. Never use water or any other coolant.
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6Protect your chiminea from frost and rain during the winter with a chiminea cover.
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7Repaint any spots that peel off due to the heat. Use a suitable metal paint for cast iron chimineas.
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8Never lift your chiminea by the neck. It's best to pick it up round the bowl
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I use a clay chiminea in the winter?
Community AnswerYes. -
QuestionHow much sand or gravel do I need to use?Community AnswerTwelve gallons.
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QuestionHow do I fix a crack in a clay chiminia?
Community AnswerI have read that you should use fire cement, which is available from most DIY or large online stores. An answer above also said to use clay, but if you do, you'd need to fire and cure the clay, so I don't think that's practical. It also depends how large the crack is -- I've read a couple of times that it's only safe to fix small cracks. If it's structural, it cannot safely be repaired.
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Warnings
- Never use your chiminea indoors, under an awning or trees. Even though there is a picture above that shows one lit inside the house....NEVER DO THIS!!!!⧼thumbs_response⧽
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