Chimineas: An Evolution

In recent years, chimineas, sometimes referred to as an outdoor fireplace, have become popular as an outdoor accessory for parties, cookouts, and as an attractive addition to garden and outdoor decor. But where did they come from? How were they made? How did they become what they are today? Answering these questions will help you better understand how chimineas are used, and how you can get the most potential out of your chiminea.

Plato (Greek author and philosopher) once said, “Necessity is the mother of all invention”, and there was a need for families to keep warm in the chilly night air of the Mexican desert. Chimineas can be traced back to Mexican tribesmen thousands of years ago, who made them out of clay and hardened them, or cured them, in the sun.

Chimineas were first made from the materials that were most readily available to the ancient Mexican tribes: Clay. They were constructed with a large pot belly with an opening in the front for burning wood, topped with a flue, or chimney for directing the smoke up and away from the family. The chiminea was then allowed to cure in the sun to harden the material. This ensured a sturdy, free standing fireplace and stove for meals and warmth.

Today, chimineas are constructed of a variety of materials. Clay is still used, but clay material is not as durable as some of the other materials available. Although there have been significant advances to make construction materials more durable, over time, clay chimineas tend to succumb to heat and moisture, causing cracks that will eventually result in structural damage. Using a cover to protect chimineas from rain and overexposure to direct sunlight will prolong the life of clay chimineas. Some popular materials used today are cast iron, cast aluminum, and even copper. Chimineas have not only served as a functional outdoor fireplace and cooker, but also adds a distinctive flare to a patio or garden. Which material you should choose for your chiminea is totally dependent on your personal needs and tastes, however, you should also consider the climate for the area you live in as a major factor.

So, it is clear that the chiminea you may have seen standing next to your neighbor's patio furniture is not just something nice to look at. It's also a completely functional outdoor fireplace and cooker that has been around for many years, evolving in material and appearance, but still serving the same basic purpose for which it was originally intended thousands of years ago.