chimineas

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–outdoor heating. 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.

Weber 2726 Wood Burning Fireplace
List Price: $159.99
Sale Price: $116.46
See details»
Landmann 82433 8-Foot Firewood Log Rack Only
List Price: $59.99
Sale Price: $42.85
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UniFlame WAD820SP 34-Inch Slate & Marble Firepit with Copper Accents
List Price: $220.00
Sale Price: $169.54
See details»
Fire Sense Rectangle Pagoda Patio Fireplace
List Price: $169.99
Sale Price: $154.49
See details»
Sangria Luster Red Fireplace Glass Fire Pit Glass -10lbs
List Price:
Sale Price: $75.00
See details»
Corona Outdoor Fireplace Model 30075
List Price: $90.00
Sale Price: $90.00
See details»
Blue Rhino GAD860SP LP Gas Outdoor Firebowl with Slate/Marble Mantel
List Price: $599.95
Sale Price: $508.97
See details»
Southern Enterprises Loft Portable Indoor / Outdoor Fireplace
List Price: $329.99
Sale Price: Too low to display
See details»
Landmann 28335 Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit, Georgia Clay, 12.5-inches deep
List Price: $180.00
Sale Price: $98.99
See details»
Strathwood St. Thomas Cast-Aluminum Fire Pit with Table
List Price: $450.00
Sale Price: $299.99
See details»

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.

Depending on your style, an outdoor fire pit might be preferable, but it is important to keep your options open and know what is available to you when it comes to outdoor heating. Fire pits and fireplaces aren’t the only kids on the block.

Author: Lexe Charleston
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Fire Pits Are Robust Outdoor Fireplaces

When you look for charming outdoor fireplace options fire pits and chimineas seem to be favorites. They not only make interesting showpieces, but also work efficiently in terms of utility. In fact, you can even use your fire pit as a neat little campfire that doubles up as a patio heater. Fire pits can be fueled by wood as well as gas if you want. Easy to install, these can be portable or fixed.

You choose!

There are patio heaters that can be comfortably set on your patio even if it is a wooden deck so that you have the pleasure of enjoying the outdoors while staying warm. One of our friends has a neat little rock fire pit in their backyard, which they cover with a screen. These patio fireplaces as they are called can be found in all kinds of shapes and sizes depending how creative one can get, safely since this involves fire if you are burning wood.

As far as outdoor fireplaces go, many people face a dilemma about whether to go in for a fire pit or a chiminea. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I prefer chimineas, but lets look at how one scores over the others so that I do not sound too biased about chimineas!

Chimineas or firepits?

Weber 2726 Wood Burning Fireplace
List Price: $159.99
Sale Price: $116.46
See details»
Landmann 82433 8-Foot Firewood Log Rack Only
List Price: $59.99
Sale Price: $42.85
See details»
UniFlame WAD820SP 34-Inch Slate & Marble Firepit with Copper Accents
List Price: $220.00
Sale Price: $169.54
See details»
Fire Sense Rectangle Pagoda Patio Fireplace
List Price: $169.99
Sale Price: $154.49
See details»
Sangria Luster Red Fireplace Glass Fire Pit Glass -10lbs
List Price:
Sale Price: $75.00
See details»
Corona Outdoor Fireplace Model 30075
List Price: $90.00
Sale Price: $90.00
See details»
Blue Rhino GAD860SP LP Gas Outdoor Firebowl with Slate/Marble Mantel
List Price: $599.95
Sale Price: $508.97
See details»
Southern Enterprises Loft Portable Indoor / Outdoor Fireplace
List Price: $329.99
Sale Price: Too low to display
See details»
Landmann 28335 Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit, Georgia Clay, 12.5-inches deep
List Price: $180.00
Sale Price: $98.99
See details»
Strathwood St. Thomas Cast-Aluminum Fire Pit with Table
List Price: $450.00
Sale Price: $299.99
See details»

Chimineas have the fire inside their bowl, so it is kind of contained. If you have seen chimineas you will know that they have two parts the bowl where the wood goes and the chimney, which extends like a funnel on the bowl. Of course, because of the way they are made, you ca not have roaring fires inside them. The smoke rises up the chimney, so your patio does not get all that smoky, as the chiminea retains the heat better.

With fire pits, the fire is open since there is no chimney. Fire pits can be a lot bigger in size than chimineas so you can have a robust fire going as they let you stack as much wood as the pit will take and light it. Being open the heat reaches out to a wider area and you can burn regular logs.

I guess you would need to decide whether to choose a chiminea or a firepit based on where you want to locate them. If your backyard is very breezy most of the time, then a chiminea might be a good choice. Fire pits can get quite smoky. Personally I think chimineas add a lot of style and character to the ambience and seems cozier. If your backyard is not so breezy then a fire pit is a nice choice. It is just that after you have doused out the fire in a fire pit and wake up in the morning, you face the task of cleaning it. Of course you could just add an attractive screen to it. Chimineas cannot be doused out with water, and because they are insulated with sand, the clean up is a lot less.

Whatever you decide, the happy part is you have a lot of choice in how the firepit or chiminea is constructed. You can even build your own backyard pit or have one of those masonry hearths. If you are looking for attractive hearths and stoves, Vermont Castings makes a good-looking variety. They have bbq grills, outdoor fireplaces, smokers and a whole lot of accessories that you might opt for. And the next thing you know, you will be looking at a grilling recipe cookbook and planning a cook out. I smell the beefsteak, sauce, and spice and smoke flavor on the grills! Now you know what you should plan for the next summer weekend holidays barbecues and some great outdoor cooking!

About The Author: Jonathan Goodman is the owner of Market Merchants an online retailer specializing in home and garden products. My passion for bbq grilling and fireplaces is the core focus of Market Merchants. I am a member of the Hearth Patio Barbecue Association (HPBA), the National BBQ group (NBBQ), and the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS). We sell these products because we love them and are passionate about consumer living needs. So whether its furniture and decor, home improvement, kitchen and dining, or outdoor living Market Merchants brings a dedicated commitment to the customer and a passion for high quality products. Visit Market Merchants for a wide selection of fire pits from our outdoor living department.

Author: Jonathan Goodman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A Guide to Outdoor Fireplaces – Types, Features, Function and Benefits

Backyard fireplaces are very popular in outdoor accessories and for a good reason. Not only are they attractive, adding a touch of charm to the backyard, but they are useful as well. There are several things you must take into consideration, including style and safety, so it is important to understand and take time while choosing this type of fireplace.

Types:
Chimineas are one of the several types of backyard fireplaces which originated in Mexico, and if you want an authentic one, it would be made from clay. But you might also find several types made out of metals as well, mostly from cast iron. Both have their won advantages and disadvantages. Metal fireplaces have the advantage of lasting longer, but many people still want the traditional style for added charm. These types of fireplaces are round on the bottom, and have a tall chimney on top. Backyard fireplaces come in so many styles and sizes that you could find one that fits the size of your backyard and its decor. They could be free-standing or dug into the ground. Fireplaces should never be placed on a wood deck. They should be placed out in the yard, and should be lined with paving stones around it.

Features:
Gas-burning outdoor fireplaces are like the indoor fireplaces. They do not create much smoke and are easy to operate. These types of units also do not create any sparks. The only one thing that you need to consider is that the gas lines must be brought out to the installed location. This would mean that you will have to dig up your backyard and install gas lines. Wood-burning backyard fireplaces are for those who want an authentic look and the old fashioned charm. One way to build this yourself for little cost is to simply dig a small pit in your backyard and line it with bricks allowing a fire to burn safely and with little potential for flame spread.

Function:
A backyard fireplace can be a perfect place to enjoy an evening with friends after work, or a place to just sit and unwind. You can also get backyard fireplaces that come equipped with a grill and BBQ for cooking a meal outdoors. Outdoor fireplaces come in all sizes, to suit your requirements.

Weber 2726 Wood Burning Fireplace
List Price: $159.99
Sale Price: $116.46
See details»
Landmann 82433 8-Foot Firewood Log Rack Only
List Price: $59.99
Sale Price: $42.85
See details»
UniFlame WAD820SP 34-Inch Slate & Marble Firepit with Copper Accents
List Price: $220.00
Sale Price: $169.54
See details»
Fire Sense Rectangle Pagoda Patio Fireplace
List Price: $169.99
Sale Price: $154.49
See details»
Sangria Luster Red Fireplace Glass Fire Pit Glass -10lbs
List Price:
Sale Price: $75.00
See details»
Corona Outdoor Fireplace Model 30075
List Price: $90.00
Sale Price: $90.00
See details»
Blue Rhino GAD860SP LP Gas Outdoor Firebowl with Slate/Marble Mantel
List Price: $599.95
Sale Price: $508.97
See details»
Southern Enterprises Loft Portable Indoor / Outdoor Fireplace
List Price: $329.99
Sale Price: Too low to display
See details»
Landmann 28335 Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit, Georgia Clay, 12.5-inches deep
List Price: $180.00
Sale Price: $98.99
See details»
Strathwood St. Thomas Cast-Aluminum Fire Pit with Table
List Price: $450.00
Sale Price: $299.99
See details»

This particular type of fireplace is not permitted in all locations. Before you purchase one you should check with the local laws. There also might be limitations on size, style, and fuel type that are used for backyard fireplaces. They may need to be located at a certain distance from other houses and from the neighboring properties. Outdoor fireplaces may also be needed to be installed on fireproof surfaces.

Benefits:
Outdoor fireplaces can be useful anywhere. Even in places with warmer climates, the evenings could be cool, and a comforting backyard fireplace can make it possible to sit out in the evenings comfortably. In the colder climates, a backyard fireplace can allow you to enjoy the outdoors even in freezing winters without you having to feel uncomfortable. A backyard fireplace not only lets you entertain family and friends in style but it also makes the backyard look more visually appealing and charming giving it an inviting look which could make anyone want to just sit outside and enjoy the outdoors.

Ernie Brewer writes about fireplaces at http://www.fireplacehub.com.

Author: Ernest Brewer
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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