The outdoor chiminea (also spelled chimenea) has exploded in popularity in recent years. Originally available in a handful of hearth and fireplace stores, it seems that chimineas have suddenly appeared in every garden center and nursery in the country. They are definitely one of the most popular new backyard accessories in the United States. With a chiminea, you can enjoy the romantic feel of a real wood fire, huddled around a warm focal point with dancing flames.

The chiminea originated in Mexico, and in some forms, dates back thousands of years. People would traditionally use the outdoor chiminea for warmth, while providing a heat source for cooking. These chimineas were traditionally made out of clay, sealed with a glaze. They feature a spherical body with a large opening for feeding the fire, and a tall, cylindrical chimney or vent protruding from the top.

One problem that people experienced when chimineas were first introduced to the United States from Mexico was cracking. Outdoor chimineas were traditionally used in warm, dry climates. In some areas of the United States, chimineas may be subject to sudden spells of cold rain immediately after the fire has heated the clay to a high temperature. This sudden change of temperature in the body of the chiminea can cause it to crack. This can be a problem if extensively using this type of fire pit outdoor in a cool, wet climate.

To some extent, this problem has been remedied by the introduction of aluminum or cast iron chimineas. If you live in an area of the United States that is subject to sudden cold, wet rains, these units are recommended, as they are not subject to themal shock like their clay counterparts.

Some metal chimineas also share some features with outdoor fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. They may have a grated door to enclose the fireplace opening and a mesh spark arrestor on the top. They may also have a large metal grate to rest firewood on, or for cooking. Metal chimineas tend to be more expensive than clay ones, but for some, the extra expense is worth it.

Some special care is recommended for your chiminea, especially if it is the less sturdy clay variety. When handling a chiminea, never lift it directly by the neck. Grab the mouth opening with one hand, and rest the point where the neck meets the base in your opposite arm.

When positioning your chiminea, you will probably be dealing with either a 3- or 4-legged stand. Make sure you rest your chiminea stand on a sturdy, level surface. Look up to make sure there is nothing above the chiminea that is flammable, such as tree branches, umbrellas, overhangs, etc. Never position your chiminea under an enclosed porch, a deck with an overhang, or a gazebo. If you install the chiminea on a deck, follow the manufacturers instructions and place it on a large non-flammable hearth pad, if needed.

Lastly, if using a clay chiminea, you should add gravel or sand to the bottom of the chiminea bowl. This will help insulate the body of the unit from the heat of the burning wood, and help protect it against extremes in temperature. Start your fires small, then work up to larger ones as your chiminea becomes seasoned.