Best Patio Furniture Choices

A cast iron chiminea (or chimenea) is a modern version of the traditional Mexican outdoor fireplace. For hundreds of years, these firepits have been used by many cultures as a source of heat for both warmth and cooking.

Now, they are gaining popularity on patios and gardens as both sources of heat and accent pieces. Originally made of clay, you can now find clay, aluminum and cast iron chimineas both in stores and online. In this article, we highlight cast iron and aluminum versions.

In general, an aluminum or cast iron chiminea is very durable and long lasting. Both types can be used as outdoor fireplaces in any climate throughout the entire year. Although they tend to be heavier than clay versions, they won’t crack or break as easily. However, they will need occasional maintenance.

For example, a cast iron chiminea will eventually rust when left outside. Rust is a normal occurrence and is simply a byproduct of exposing iron to air. If you paint the bowl and neck and also sand out the rust spots as they appear, your fireplace will last many years.

On the other hand, cast aluminum models are relatively low maintenance. Cast aluminum is lighter in weight than cast iron, and also resistant to rust, so painting and sanding is not necessary. Many people end up choosing a cast aluminum chiminea because of the lower level of required maintenance.

As you shop for a cast iron chiminea, pay close attention to the size of the fire bowl or firebox area. This is where you will be placing the wood you will be burning, so be sure it is large enough to accommodate the wood you will be burning. The height of the neck is not as important as the size of the firebox.

Consider buying a spark arrestor for the chimney portion when choosing a cast iron chiminea. A spark arrestor is a fine screen mesh that you place over the chimney outlet of your outdoor fireplace to stop sparks from spewing out and causing fires or burns. For safety, you might also consider getting a spark arrestor for the front of the firebox of your cast iron chiminea, too.

(Note: There are several accepted spellings for a mexican fireplace. The common spellings are: chiminea, chimenea, chiminia, chimenia.)

About The Author:

David Caban is a successful author and publisher of http://www.best-in-patio-furniture.com. A one-stop source of free information on patio furniture and outdoor décor for patios, decks and porches.