Making the Most of Your Chiminea

A chiminea, pronounced chi-min-nee-ah, is often used as an outdoor fireplace. Created in Mexico, the chiminea is traditionally a wood burning stove made of clay. It had been used as a means to cook and keep warm on cool desert nights. Over the last few years the chiminea has been continually growing in popularity. They can be found at most department stores, home and garden stores, nursery and home improvement stores.

Although traditionally made of clay, the chiminea now comes in a variety of materials including clay, cast iron, cast aluminum, rock and copper. They vary in size from tiny table top models used for tea lights to larger models that come with grates for cooking. The larger models are similar to a "BBQ" type of fire box. While the old fashion type of chiminea burned wood, some of the newer versions burn natural gas or propane.

The type that burns natural gas can be hooked up outside your home as a permanent fixture, or even if done properly can be used inside as a gas fireplace. The propane and wood versions can both be used for cooking purposes. The chiminea adds ambiance to your yard, with the glow of the fire there is a warm atmosphere perfect for intimate evenings. Set close to a dinning table it brings a warm glow to the table making for a special evening.

A blanket laid out on the grass with wine and cheese makes for a romantic night. During group gatherings it both adds heat for the chill in the night air or fun as a "camp night" for the kids. Friends can roast marshmallows, make s'mores and cook hotdogs. Why not cook bread or meat the old fashion way for a meal or snack the way the Mexicans did in years gone by? Or sit by the fire on a quiet night and enjoy the crackle of the fire and take time to relax and reflect.

The chiminea can be used to clean up the yard by burning up branches and bark. If you're not into fire, the chiminea can be used as a flower pot, plant holder, or for your vines to climb up. Broken chimineas can be used as well in the garden, pushed over as an accent or as a house for your daughter's fairies and pixies. Chimineas can have a very traditional look and can be used inside as well as decorative pieces. With its ethnic look, it brings charming detail to a room and has been used by many interior decorators.

They can be used as towel racks, lined as beds for cats and dogs, used as indoor planters, wired for lamps and even be candle holders. Why not hide an unsightly radio in it and turn it so it can't be seen? Or keep the opening towards the room and sit a framed picture inside the opening. Try placing a dish on the top of the opening to use as a key holder or leave it outside your front door as a mailbox or newspaper holder. Put one in the kitchen with a decorative bowl inside and fill with your favorite fruits or vegetables. You are only limited by your imagination

About the author

Simon Davies writes for http://www.chimineashop.co.uk where you can find a great selection of cast iron chiminea.