Chiminea ? Buy It For The Versatility Of Enjoying Both Fireplace And Grill!
|
I recently visited friends who served me a dinner of grilled salmon and baked potatoes, done to perfection in their chiminea. The sun was setting and it was cooling down but overall a wonderful summer evening. We wanted to converse and eventually, eat our meal outdoors. The bonus: the chiminea offered us warmth and the smoke kept some of the mosquitoes at bay (some still got us). I must say, as well as being a great evening, that was one of the most delicious pieces of salmon I've ever eaten.
Chimineas date back to 17th century Mexico, where they were used as ovens to bake bread, were for cooking and also a source of heat. The chiminea was usually placed near a window or in the center of the hut to allow smoke to escape. They were made of clay since it was the most readily available material in the area. Today cast iron, copper and cast aluminum are the materials of choice for most chimineas although you can still purchase ones made of clay.
What to consider when choosing a chiminea
Chimineas really are for outdoor use only. If you need a fireplace for indoors this is not a good choice. So where to start? Chimineas are tall and narrow and really make sense if you don't have a large space but want an area for a fire. Don't go too small on the fire area though, or you will be chopping your wood into bite-sized chimenea pieces to fit the opening. If don't need portability you can go heavier and larger. You may also want to choose a model that has a grate that can be added or removed for cooking.
Some of the more popular patio and deck chimineas are made of cast iron. Choose from round, leaf, and designer cast iron chimineas designed for year round use. These cast iron fireplaces are designed to be sturdy and provide long lasting heat retention. Deck, patio and outdoor chimineas store easily and should be covered with a chiminea cover during the off season for protection. Copper and cast aluminum are also popular choices with the latter being the heaviest, most ornate and needing the least maintenance. See: http://www.outdoor-fireplaces-and-patio-heaters.com/chiminea.htm
Another consideration is the type of wood you burn. Best choice is pinon wood or other hardwoods. Pinon has the added advantage of helping to repel mosquitoes. Mesquite is also another option. Definitely stay away from pressure treated woods or anything that has been chemically treated ? especially if you are planning to cook on the fire. Once you are ready to use your chiminea, start out with a small fire and build from there. And even if you don't live in the more fire prone regions of the country it is always a good idea to have some water or a fire extinguisher nearby, especially if you are in a small backyard.
Outdoor chiminea fireplaces are great addition for the pool area, garden, deck, or patio where you will be kept warm outside to enjoy the immense pleasures of a fire as well as cooking outdoors with friends or family.
Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.outdoor-fireplaces-and-patio-heaters.com, an online resource that provides you with information, articles of interest and reviews of the best outdoor fireplaces and patio heaters online.
|
|
|
Planning Permission Tips Uk - Trees And How They Can Affect Development When Applying For Planning
Like most folk, I believe that more can be achieved in life by open & transparent negotiation - laying ones cards on the table for a reciprocal arrangement & courtesy. Unfortunately, like most things in life, there will be times when one side will try & gain the advantage at the detriment of the other party using this method. Nothing is more relevant to this fact in Planning issues than TREES on or near a site that you want to develop or extend.I had an historic situation where a prime site ripe for an infill p...(related: Home Improvement)
Patios: The New Trend In Home Remodels
In years past a patio was sort of a throw on to a home. It was typically a concrete slab to keep your feet clean on your way in or out. Then you'd plunk down a couple of chairs and a table and enjoy your patio when the sun went down. More recently, covered patios have become very popular. Adding a patio or "outdoor living area" to your home is both a great inves...(related: Home Improvement)
Feng Shui Your Home, Work And Life For Balance And Harmony
Feng Shui describes the communication that takes place every day between you and your environment, be it your home, garden or work. This discipline investigates the universal feelings and reactions of human beings to all environments, including our world. The teachings explore how connections (TAO), balance (Yin/Yang) and vitality (CHI) impact our lives. An environment affects all aspects of our being in the world..from health, safety, family, friendship, spirituality... to even how we love. Now, more than ever before, it is important to space clear...(related: Home Improvement)
Seven Interior Design Psychology Ideas For Dining Pleasure
A separate dining room adds glamour, elegance, and excitement to a shared meal. Celebratory, sociable space, apart from the confusion of the kitchen, makes every dinner more meaningful.
1. A round dining table is less formal and aides in full conversation, with everyone participating together.
2. For comfortable dining, the seat height feels best when it is nine inches from the table top.
3. White and light colored tablecloths reflect light upwards providing more illumination for large parties.
4. Dark wood absorbs the light for intimate dining, keeping the room moody and romantic.
5. Gold lamae fabric sparkles under lace tablecloths.
6. Stemware gives a buoyant, bubbly, and upbeat feeling.
7. Whi...(related: Home Improvement)
Glass Sinks ? 4 Unbreakable Rules Of Buying A Glass Vessel Sink
1. Know your sinksHow durable are these sinks? These sinks are tempered. Tempered glass is regular glass that has been heated to a very high temperature, and then quickly cooled. This procedure strengthens the glass, making it 5-7 times stronger than regular glass.Sink glass is fairly thick. Typical thicknesses range from ½ inch to ¾ inch. You can go about your normal grooming habits such as brushing your teeth, combing your hair, shaving, applying make-up, etc without worrying about breakage.Like the look of these above the counter glass sinks, but don't want glass? ...(related: Home Improvement)
How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Like A Pro
Jack Frost is nipping at our nose and Santa Clause has just left. The eastern seaboard has just received their third blizzard for a total of over 125 cm (56 inches) of snow in one week. So, who in their right mind would be thinking about window air conditioners at this time of year?Call me crazy, but I am.It is a good time of year to start this project. Firstly, it keeps ones mind sharp for the coming spring. Plus, it allows you to try out those new tools you got for Christmas. Mainly though, it is a good winter project because by the time spring arrives you will be too busy to think about this job.Very little is required to clean a wind...(related: Home Improvement)
Remodeling Online
Remodeling PlansMaking remodeling plans for a house helps you to ensure that your home meets all your needs. It also adds value to your home in the long term. After all, you will spend at least half your working life paying off the first mortgage on your house-by making remodeling plans, you ensure that your home evolves with the changes in your lifestyle and add value to the property.When you want to improve or remodel your home, you cannot afford to proceed in a haphazard manner-you need to make a plan and adhere to it. For instance, you might find it troublesome to get your house painted every few years. Maybe you should get information on and try out Total Remodeling's System 2000 and Elite siding systems, which include energy-saving options. You can consult with our design...(related: Home Improvement)
Heres What A Jacuzzi Will Do For You
Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a home. Having some idea what type and what uses you will have for it, are keys to purchasing the right one for you.There's nothing like going to a hotel and finding out you are in the jacuzzi suites! Of course, many people request this when traveling. Jacuzzis can take away a lot of stress and worry just in a few minutes time. Jacuzzi tubs can be added to your home as well giving you a great place to unwind after a long day. A jacuzzi tub is normally larger then the average bathtub and requires a lot more knowledge to install. Obviously, the wiring and power to the jacuzzi is important and should...(related: Home Improvement)
Heat Up The Hot Tub From 20,000 Feet
Homeowners are getting high-tech when it comes to controlling the appliances in their homes, but they insist the control systems are reliable, convenient and easily understood. Technology isn't fun to use if you feel like you need a master's degree in engineering to make things work. This is true when it comes to controlling the thermostat on your spa, hot tub or swimming pool. Picture yourself arriving home from a long day at work or getting off the airplane from a grueling business trip. You open the door to the patio and the Jacuzzi is steaming with soft music playing so ever...(related: Home Improvement)
Clearing The Air On What To Look For In An Air Purifier
If you are dedicated to improving the indoor air quality of your home, you're aware that there are certain steps you need to take to reduce the amount of allergens and airborne particles. Two of these, source control and ventilation, you may have already addressed. But the third, finding a good air purifier, can be confusing if you aren't...(related: Home Improvement)
The Art Of Power Washing Decks
Since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started banning the use of pressure treated wood due to chromated copper arsenate (CCA), most people have decided to seal their wood decks as the EPA suggests to prevent the arsenic from leaching into the soil. Most homeowners use local companies to pressure wash their decks and s...(related: Home Improvement)
House Plans ? Where To Start
You have found the perfect lot on which to build your new home. Now you have an abundance of decisions to make. Where will the house sit on the lot...(related: Home Improvement)
Tuscan Style Decorating For The Kitchen
A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm into your kitchen and make it a warm homey room to gather in. The Tuscan style incorporates warm earth tones along with natural materials and architectural accents to create a time worn look. Although the look is of a centuries old kitchen you can achieve it without having to buy priceless antiques.ColorThe colors mimic those of the Tuscan landscape ? rich golds, earthtones and even tones from the sea mingl...(related: Home Improvement)
site-map - Copyright © 2007 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved | Free Articles and Information | Home Improvement