A chiminea can be a fantastic focal point of any garden whether it’s helping keep the chill away during an evening with the family or relaxing to the sounds of the gently burning wood logs.

No matter what type of chiminea you have, from a traditional rounded body in either clay or metal with a chimney vent or the more modern sleek design elliptical or steel pyramid, there are several steps to consider for using your chiminea.

Where to position a chiminea

Firstly you must position your chiminea in a suitable place in your garden or patio. Make sure that the chiminea is on a flat and level surface. Ensure that it’s standing on a fireproof surface such as concrete or somewhere paved. Avoid any wooden decking or grass as this will cause a fire hazard. Furthermore, place the chiminea away from any fencing, walls, screening or anything directly overhanging which might catch on fire.

Seasoning or Curing

Before building a large fire in your chiminea, it’s important to cure or season it. This involves starting several smaller fires inside the chiminea. For clay chimineas this process helps to prepare the clay to withstand hot temperatures without cracking the material. For metal chimineas, this will cure the paint protecting the metal from heat.

To begin seasoning your chiminea, layer some gravel, sand or pumice stones at the bottom. This will protect the base from the high temperature. Add a small amount of kindling or firewood on top of this and light it on fire. Once this begins burning add some larger logs and let the fire burn out naturally. Repeat this process for the first five fires, after which you can gradually increase the size. After ten fires, your chiminea should be sufficiently seasoned and can be used regularly.

Starting a fire

Firing up the chiminea is simple and there are many firelogs and fuels available to help you. Before building the fire, ensure that the bottom of the chiminea is lined with a layer of sand or gravel to protect it from the heat.

Wood

The traditional way to light a fire is to place some pieces of newspaper and add wooden kindling on top. Light the newspaper and wait until the wood catches fire. Gradually add more firewood to build the fire.

Firelogs

Firelogs are a smokeless, natural and odourless fire solution. They are made from recycled wooden particles packed together and will burn for two to three hours. Simply light the bag containing the firelog.

Chiminea Logs

Similar to firelogs, chiminea logs are made from recycled sawdust. They burn well and produce little smoke, however unlike firelogs they require a firelighter to get the fire started. Just place the chiminea logs together with a firestarter and set it alight.

Fire Gels

An alternative option to wood or logs is to use a fire gel. You can place some gel in the chiminea and set it alight. You can also simply place the fire gel tin into the chiminea and light it. This makes it easy to put out the fire; just carefully cover the tin with the lid.

Extinguishing fire

Apart from fire gels, it’s important to allow the fuel in your chiminea to burn out and extinguish naturally.

Do not extinguish the fire in your chiminea with water as the sudden changes in temperature can lead to damage and cracking. 

How to clean a chiminea

Keeping your chiminea clean will prolong its life. Always allow sufficient time for your chiminea to cool down after use. Once it has cooled, remove any ash with a shovel or trowel. 

When not in use, if your chiminea has a lid, make sure it is placed on the top. A chiminea cover is also recommended for preventing water getting inside and generally protecting it from the elements.

During colder weather and the winter months it’s advised to store your chiminea indoors in a garage or an outbuilding.

Safety Advice

Be careful not to drop your chiminea when moving it before use as this may cause it to crack.

Ensure your chiminea is out of reach of children and pets when it’s in use. Never attempt to move the chiminea when it’s in use or has not sufficiently cooled down.

Do not burn any waste or chemicals in your chiminea as this can be harmful to your health and the environment.

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