“I’ve always loved open fires and one of the first things I tend to do in the evening is light a fire and enjoy the glow and warmth of the flames.

I love the wood burning stove in my house but when it gets a little warmer I can’t wait to light my chiminea. Even this summer I’ve still had plenty of opportunities to light my chiminea and enjoy it with friends and family. I’ve always been one to say that you shouldn’t let the weather spoil your fun. We’re British, you have to make the most of the weather!

Gill's Azteca Chiminea

I’ve got to say I love the design of the Azteca chiminea, it’s much nicer than the ones I have had in the past from the big garden centres as they tend to be quite plain. This one is gorgeous, I’m so glad I waited for it to become available again.

They are really great for impromptu gatherings; I’ve never been one for big parties, but with friends and family just relaxing with a glass of wine, sitting around chatting till midnight. Great. We even got the settee out the other day and all sat around it; all snuggled up, all toasty.

Everyone who comes around comments on it. I’ve become somewhat well known for my chiminea! I honestly don’t know why more people don’t have one as they are such a good conversation starter and really get people together. People naturally gravitate towards it, it’s just wonderful.

“I honestly don’t know why more people don’t have one as they are such a good conversation starter and really get people together.“

I did a lot of research when looking at chimineas before I chose the one I did from ChimineaShop.co.uk. I looked at lots of different online shops and found my experience with ChimineaShop.co.uk to be really hassle free. They’ve got a great selection, not too many that its overwhelming, but a nice range of designs and sizes. They responded to my emails very quickly and informed me of my order’s progress. Customer service is very important to me and they never let me down, always keeping me informed.  I cannot rate them highly enough for their customer service and because of this and the great selection I have recommended them to my friends and family.

“I cannot rate them highly enough for their customer service“

I remember when it arrived, I was so excited. I have to say that I am delighted with it. It has more than lived up to my expectations. The fact that it arrived just in time for my daughter’s birthday was even better, that’s when we took the photo. It was such a wonderful night and the chiminea played it’s part.

The chiminea played its part in the birthday celebrations

I look forward to many, many more nights sat around all snuggled up, enjoying the fire with my family and friends.”

Gill spoke the Lewis, the owner of Chiminea Shop, about her experience. Do you have a question for Gill? If so just use the comments box below and she’ll get back to you as soon as she can drag herself away from the chiminea.

Regards,

Lewis and the Chiminea Shop Team

For quick reference, Gill mentioned a few items in her chiminea experience story that I have added below:

• Large Azteca Chiminea: http://www.chimineashop.co.uk/mexican-chiminea/azteca-mexican-chiminea-large.html
• Insulated Chiminea Covers: http://www.chimineashop.co.uk/chiminea-accessories-essentials/insulated-chiminea-covers.html
• Lava stones (also known as Pumice stones): http://www.chimineashop.co.uk/chiminea-accessories-essentials/pumice-stones-4l-bag.html
• Chimburner: http://www.chimineashop.co.uk/bio-ethanol-fireplaces/bio-ethanol-burner/chim-burner.html
• Bioethanol Fuel: http://www.chimineashop.co.uk/bio-ethanol-fireplaces/bio-ethanol-fuel/bio-ethanol-fuel-1-litre.html

Choosing a Chiminea

When you choose a chiminea, you’re likely to want to take two things into account: how much you’re likely to be using the chiminea, and how it will look in your garden or on your patio. You might want to use your chiminea for cooking, as a patio heater, or even just as a garden feature. Clay chimineas – particularly the smaller and more elaborate or traditional designs – are popular as ornaments.

The Opera Cast Iron Chiminea, showing the swivel grill

If you’re looking for a more traditional clay chiminea, you might want to go for a traditional Mexican design, or, if you’re looking for a contemporary design to match your garden, there are more more modern designs avaliable. If you want a more sturdy metal one, you might choose from cast iron or the lighter steel, since both come in a variety of sizes, designs and finishes.

It’s worth thinking at this point about where in your garden or on your patio a chiminea will be most at home. If you’re planning on using it for cooking or heating, there are a few safety issues you should be aware of.

Where should I put my Chiminea?

Choose a flat surface for your chiminea where pets or children are unlikely to run into it. Don’t forget that since all chimineas are heavy, this surface will need to be able to cope with the weight. The surface should be protected from any sparks which may escape from the mouth of the chiminea when in use, which is why we recommend a patio or a stone surface.

(A quick word of caution: since chimineas can be very heavy, do not attempt to lift any but the smallest models by yourself. Do not attempt to lift a clay chiminea by the neck since this puts unncesary strain on the lower part of the neck and may damage the chiminea.)

Make sure the chiminea stands well away from any overhanging foliage or awnings. Chimineas are not designed for roaring fires, but you want to be sure that even if the occasional spark does escape from the neck, it won’t do any damage. Also try to put your chiminea in a more or less sheltered place. It’s extremely unlikely even a strong wind will topple a larger chiminea, but it’s possible, and your chiminea may suffer cracks or dents from such an event.

Aesthestics

If you have a clay chiminea, you might want to think about purchasing a cradle. This will raise the bowl of the chiminea, making it more of a feature but also making the flames more visible. A cradle will also make it easier to use your chiminea as a barbecue. A cradle is also an option with some clay fire pits.

Roasting chestnuts in a chiminea

In short, if you’re careful with positioning your chiminea, it will be a safe and charming addition to your garden, and if it is looked after, will provide you and your family with years of enjoyment. You’ll find more advice about choosing and living with your chiminea on our site and elsewhere on this blog. If you have any questions we have not yet answered, feel free to contact us, as always, at the shop.