The chiminea is a popular form of outdoor fireplace. Traditionally it has a bulbous shape, the larger body of it is where the wood is burned which leads to the thinner neck that directs the smoke up and out of the top. The specific design of a traditional outdoor chiminea is nice in that it helps keep smoke from blowing around and in the faces of those enjoying the outdoor fireplace.
The two main types are metal chimineas and clay chimineas. Clay chimineas provide more of a rustic Southwestern look but metal chimineas are more durable and will last longer in a larger variety of climates. Metal chimineas come in a variety of styles and designs from decorative to simple so they can fit pretty well into the design and feel of most outdoor areas.
If you want a metal chiminea that will be durable, long-lasting and pretty low maintenance you probably want to look at
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If you’re looking for a patio fireplace that has an earthy feel you might want to consider a clay chiminea. Clay chimineas are a specific type of clay outdoor fireplace that, traditionally, have a bulbous shape with a round belly to contain the fire and a long slim neck to vent the smoke and keep it from blowing in the faces of those enjoying this outdoor fireplace.
Clay chimineas have a distinct look and feel that make them unique, even though they now come in a few different styles. They were originally used in warm, dry climates and because of the nature of clay they are better suited to these climates. But if you live in an area with bouts of rain and freezing temperatures you can still use clay chimineas, you just need to take a few extra precautions to help protect it.
Before buying a clay chiminea ask questions so you know how to use it properly. Many
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Once you have your outdoor fireplace or chiminea all set up you’ll probably want to know a little bit about the different types of wood you can burn in it. One of the types of wood that many people prefer for their outdoor fire pits and fireplaces is pinion wood. Pinion wood is popular for a few very good reasons.
Among the other benefits, pinion wood is easy to light, it puts out a good amount of heat, it burns for a long time and once the fire is no longer burning you’ll find very little ash left to clean so it makes a great chiminea-style outdoor fireplaces.
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Buying an outdoor patio fireplace is probably one of the most fun upgrades you can make to your patio area. They have become so popular that you can find a wide variety of them from the portable outdoor fireplace to one that is fixed for a sturdy look that feels like an indoor fireplace, only under the stars. A patio fireplace along with some landscaping can truly transform the look and feel of your own back yard.
The type of outdoor fireplace you choose will depend on a few things, what is allowed in your city and county, the size of your patio and yard, and the look and feel you want to achieve. If you don’t have a very big patio or if you don’t want to commit to a fixed fireplace you should consider a portable outdoor fireplace.
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A portable outdoor fireplace is a perfect choice if you’ve decided you want an outdoor fireplace, but you don’t want to commit to a fixed structure. For some it is a good place to start when planning out the design of your outdoor living area as these units can be relatively inexpensive and because they are movable you can test them in a few different areas until you find just the look and feel you want.
Portable outdoor fireplace can mean few different things. It can refer to above ground outdoor fire pits that are portable, many of them are. It can refer to freestanding outdoor fireplaces that aren’t attached to the ground. Or it can refer to a non-traditional style of chimineas.
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Once you have your beautiful new outdoor fireplace installed you will need just a few outdoor fireplace accessories to help you start and maintain fires and to protect your investment. There are a few key accessories you’ll want to get and a few other optional items.
One of the key outdoor fireplace accessories you should get in order to protect your investment is an outdoor fireplace cover. Outdoor fireplace covers protect your fireplace or chiminea from a variety of things, but mostly from the outdoor elements. Anything that is constantly exposed to the outdoor elements will degrade much more quickly.
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Outdoor fireplace covers are an important fireplace accessory. Once you’ve spent the time, energy and money to install your outdoor patio fireplace or outdoor fire pit you want to protect it to make sure it lasts for a long time. While you can buy fireplace covers for both indoor and outdoor fireplaces they are more important for outdoor fireplaces because fireplaces outside are constantly exposed to the elements from the sun, wind and rain to constantly changing high and low temperatures. This can easily damage your outdoor fireplace, and shorten it’s life dramatically. But with a little care and an outdoor fireplace cover you can extend the life and keep it looking nice.
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Before you get too excited about getting an outdoor fireplace or outdoor fire pit you need to make sure they are allowed in your area. Many condos and townhouses don’t allow them. If you have a neighborhood association be sure to check the covenants to make sure they are allowed first. Also check with your city’s rules and regulations.
Once you’ve verified outdoor fireplaces are allowed in your area there are a few things you want to consider before making your purchase. Do you want an outdoor fireplace that’s mostly enclosed, or do you want more of an open outdoor fire pit? The proximity of your neighbors may be one thing to think about when deciding this. An open fire pit may create more drifting smoke for those sitting around it and your neighbors. A chiminea is enclosed and has a shape that directs the smoke up into the air, keeping it away from guests.
Another important decision is whether or not it will be a permanent fixture. Are you more interested in outdoor brick fireplaces or would you prefer one of the many available portable outdoor fireplaces? You may want something that is sturdy and anchored into the outdoor patio as part of the patio layout and design. Or you may want something that you can move around the patio depending on your needs.
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