Chimineas - Fire Pits And Fireplaces Aren't The Only Outdoor Heating Pieces

So you love to hang out on the patio or in the backyard in the evenings, but find that the cooling weather has forced you to go indoors earlier. There is a supremely easy fix for this problem--heating lamp. When it comes to outdoor heating you may immediately think of fire pits, heat lamps, or outdoor fireplaces, but another really great option is the chiminea.

While fire pits and other outdoor heating pieces are great options, they are certainly not your only choice. Chimineas offer many perks to homeowners and should definitely be considered when people are researching outdoor heating options.

Chimineas offer just as much diversity as fire pits when it comes to looks. They come in many different sizes and designs, and are made of many different types of materials. They can be composed of clay or any variety of metal including aluminum, sheet metal, cast iron, copper, stainless steel, and more.

Air Drafting Process One great perk to having a chiminea is that they have effective air drafting systems. They are single-mouthed fireplaces with chimneys that. They are designed to bring air in and send smoke away from guests. They are also enclosed which makes them extremely safe structures to have on patios and in backyards.

Clay Chimineas When dealing with chimineas that are made of clay, there are a few things that you must remember. First, the clay will "cure" and turn to a different color after being used a few times. This is part of the aging process and the color change is something that many people find desirable.

Second, clay is prone to cracking. You must remember that while clay is a durable material it is sensitive to extreme temperature changes and to extreme cold or hot temperatures period. It must also be kept in a dry place. It is highly recommended that you invest in a waterproof cover of some kind if you decide to buy a clay chiminea.

Third, you should make sure to fill your chiminea with gravel, sand, or rocks to keep the fire from directly touching the clay. Also, the first time you use your chiminea you must only start a small fire.

Metal Chimineas These need much less babying but there are certain types of metals that are better than others. This is also represented in the way these pieces are priced. Some people consider metal chimineas to be a better choice than clay, but depending on the metal you can still get damage like warping, rusting, and cracking. Two of the top choices are copper and cast aluminum (not sheet aluminum!). Sheet metal should be avoided even if you are looking for a chiminea that will last for a while. Cast iron is a popular choice as well but is can leave stains on the surface of your patio so be careful where you place it.

Final Note I wouldn't agree that the phrase "the bigger the better" is true with everything. However, with chimineas it tends to hold true. Bigger and thicker chimineas are known to be more durable.