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.

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

---

Home Furnishings and Shelving

Its spring time and that means we start working on... Read More

Country Home Accessories

Country home décor is the most sought after home interior... Read More

Color Help: Color Imagery for Happy Homes

Color researchers have estimated that up to 70% of our... Read More

Poster, Print or Painting. Where Are You Going To Put It?

If you are redesigning or decorating a room, or house,... Read More

Three Types of Lighting for Room Remodeling

When remodeling a room, choosing the correct lighting is one... Read More

The Four Major Types of Air Filters

Hygienic air is essential to human life, and in this... Read More

A Beginner?s Guide to Buying House Plans

Learn How to Select a House Plan That Will Result... Read More

Allow Me to Introduce You to the Fungus Family

What exactly is mold? There are over 100,000 different kinds... Read More

Eclectic Patio Furniture Shows Your Style

Your home's interior is exquisitely decorated in your favorite style;... Read More

Getting the Power to Control

One of the advantages of using machines to control processes... Read More

The Next Revolution in Home Entertainment - IP Based Multi-Room Distribution

The Holy Grail of distributed audio; unlimited zones and unlimited... Read More

The Simplicity of Gel Fireplaces

Nothing makes your home more welcoming than the warmth and... Read More

Spring Home Projects in Northern New England

As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago... Read More

Operation Closet

When the wife comes to you one fine day and... Read More

Maintaining Your Hot Tub

Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one... Read More

The Different Roofing Materials Used for Flatroofs, Their Advantages and Disadvantages

The roof has had many different innovations in regards to... Read More

Cordless Impact Wrench - Not the Same Tool as Your Cordless Drill

The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among... Read More

New-age Paint Thickening & Rheological Additives : Solvitex & Solvizen

For Paint Manufacturers worldwide, there has come a radical new... Read More

Cleaning House and the 80-20 Rule

Cleaning house is one of those things that needs doing... Read More

Are Showers Harmful to Your Health?

The last thing you would think about when you are... Read More

Where?s the Care Label for my New Bedspread?

I love bedspreads, don't you? A comforter can be used... Read More

The Right Bathroom Light Fixture Will Brighten Up Your Bathroom

A bathroom light fixture may be just what the doctor... Read More

Heated Driveways: Who, What, Where, When, Why, & How

What are heated driveways? The obvious answer is, "a driveway... Read More

Hand Hooked Rugs

Hand hooked rugs are a great way to add splendor... Read More

The Benifits of Home Ventilation

The purpose of a home ventilation system is to maintain... Read More

6 Saving Tips When Moving

Moving households, whether it is due to a job transfer... Read More

Does Your Home Need Concrete Waterproofing?

Many areas of your home can benefit from concrete waterproofing.... Read More

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards

A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is... Read More

How To Choose Wall Mount Outdoor Mailboxes

Sturdy wallmount outdoor mailboxes are no longer available in just... Read More

Asphalt Paving Driveway Maintenance Tips

Asphalt paving or Hot Mix Asphalt is typically what one... Read More

Research Concerning Color in Homes and Workplaces

Over the years, many studies have been done in countries... Read More

Mommy, Mommy, Theres a Caterpillar on my Bed

Chenille has been used for bedspreads since Catherine Evans revived... Read More

Aluminium Window Frames

When double glazing first became a popular window choice in... Read More