Image : http://www.flickr.com
If you've just begun your research on outdoor fireplaces you may not yet know what a chiminea is. A chiminea is a free-standing outdoor fireplace, but unlike a raised fire pit it is generally enclosed. Although you can find some that have a 360 degree view of the fire most of them are enclosed with a door on one side where you load the wood and start the fire. Since they are free-standing you can move them if you need, whether you move to a new home or just redecorate your outdoor area.
Chiminea Basics
Traditional chimineas have a long slender neck and a bulbous body. The neck is designed to provide greater airflow so you have a more efficient and cleaner burning fire, it also helps to direct the smoke into the air instead of into the faces of those sitting around it. The body holds the fire and for the traditional models with an enclosed body it contains the fire so you don't have popping wood or sparks jumping out. You also don't have the problem of a gust of wind blowing embers into the grass, bushes or any other potentially dangerous area. The enclosed design also makes it easier to start the fire.
Types Of Chimineas
There are two basic types of chimineas, metal and clay. Clay chimineas were the first ones that were developed. They provide a great Southwestern feel and many of them have decorative designs or colors to add a little more character. They provide a good amount of heat and they are an attractive style but unfortunately they don't last as long. Clay is prone to chip or crack so they aren't the most durable choice.
Metal chimineas are usually made out of cast iron or cast aluminum. These are much more durable than the clay version especially when you buy a good quality one. If you buy a quality one and follow maintenance guidelines you should have it for a very long time. Metal chimineas may require repainting in places every few years so they don't rust, but if you do this it should really last you. These types also have decorative designs and they come in different tones so it's easy to find one that fits the feel of your outdoor area.
My Links : - Cheap Fireplace Store Fireplace Insert Electrics Products Children's Lamps Good Design
