Chiminea Pricing and Weight

Chimineas are indeed becoming the rage for many home owners looking to add a distinct elegance to their home. Others use them for functionality, as they provide warmth without the danger of losing the fire to wind and without all that excess smoke blowing out 360 degrees. Chimineas come basically four different types, with each one being priced differently. Cast iron chimineas are prices as low as $160-240, with some of the better and heavier ones cashing in on $350. Cast Aluminum chimineas are similarily priced, with the lower end around $200 and the higher end near $390. Clay chimineas can be cheaper around $140, but the more elegant and designed ones can be around $300. Click here to go check out some fairly priced chimineas. It is also important to know that weight is very important when selecting a chiminea. Compare the same type of chiminea to another vendors chiminea. For example, cast iron to cast iron. A well built cast iron chiminea should be 150 to 200 lbs.

Clay Chimineas

You may be considering purchasing a clay chiminea. Before you do, you may want to consider the following information. First of all, caly chimineas tend to be a tad more expensive that cast iron or cast aluminum chimineas, though their life span is often shorter than other metal chiminies. You can of course get cheap clay chimineas, but I would definitely not recommend it, unless you are buying it for decorative reasons. Though they tend to have a more authentic Mexican air to them, the clay is not as resistant to high heat as metal. Therefore, clay chimineas may literally burn themselves up with in a matter of years, depending on how much you use them. After a while, they will fall apart, which can be dangerous if you're not ready for it. If you have saltillo tile and a Mexican style home, then clay chimineas are perfect. You may also want to consider purchasing one as purely a decorative piece, as clay chimineas are often more unique then the normal cast iron ones.

What is a Chiminea?

When you think of a chiminea, you may be thinking of a chimney. You'll notice that these are spelt differently. So, what's the difference? Most people know what a chimney is. In short, it's what you see protruding out of the roof of a house. Now, a chiminea is a decorative or usable outdoor piece that is much small than a chimney stack. They are portable, usually about 3-6 feet high, and are considered Mexican in origin. These outdoor portable chimineas are becoming the rage in many households. Some people even place one inside their home (like next to the bath tub) as a purely decorative piece. A chiminea is meant to provide your backyard with safe and reusable fire that combines functionality with elegance. If you want to spice up your home and yard, purchasing a chiminea is a worthy investment.

Different Types of Chimineas

There are many manufactures of chimineas, therefore there is more than one material used in the construction of chimineas. Most stores will sell chimineas made out of cast iron, clay, cast aluminum, and copper. While each of these of their advantages, it is important to know that if you want a long lasting, quality chiminea, then your going to have to know what each of construction materials are.

• Clay Chimineas- While these may give an authentic, Mexican feel, they do not have the tolerance and heat resistance of cast iron and aluminum. However, they can have a "cute" design to them and provide your backyard with Mexican elegance. Clay chimineas are great if you want that kind of look. Just remember that the life spand of these are not as long as metal chimineas.
• Copper Chimineas- These bright looking chimineas look extremely sharp and eye-catching when you first purchase it. However, when you begin to use it, the copper may begin to discolor, turn green, and become rusty. Make sure your chiminea also has rain holes at the bottom, or else you could start making yourself a mess inside the chiminea and it will be hard to clean.
• Cast Aluminum Chimineas- These are great if you want a low maintenance solution. These will also last the longest out of all your chimineas, and it has a high resistance to heat, becuase it has a melting point just below cast iron. This chiminea will also be the lightest of the four, making it easier to take with you on trips and to various neighbor backyards.
• Cast Iron Chimineas- These are the heaviest, but also the toughest. Iron has the highest melting point out of all the other types of chimineas. These will rust though if not taken care of and will leave rust spots on your cement, so you may want to consider placing it on dirt or on the grass.
  

Chiminea vs. Firepit

When you are considering purchasing a chiminea, it is important to know the difference between a chiminea and a firepit. These two things are not the same. Chimineas are basically enclosed fireplaces that have a tube or chimney that enhances airflow while drawing smoke away from the fire. A firepit is usually a 360 degree ring made of rocks or metal that is exposed to the air on all sides. Firepits sometimes will not keep their fire as well and smolder becuase of erratic air flow. A chiminea by design is a very efficient fire creation and sustaining tool. Becuase of the chimney that goes over the top of the burning area, a drafting action takes place. This ensures that the fire always has a fresh supply of oxygen and that the smoke is properly disbursed through the top. This also provides you and your guests a smoke free enjoyment of the fire. The drafting action of the chiminea draws smoke away from you into the open air. Fire pits, on the other hand, may cause unpleasant smoke screening if the wind is blowing or at the end of the fire.

Cast Iron Chimineas

There are a couple kinds of chimineas, each with its own distinct feel, look, and advantages. Cast Iron and clay chimineas are the most popular type of outdoor chimineas. This post discusses cast iron chimineas. This type is often a little cheaper than the harder to manufacture clay chimineas. Cast iron chimineas, though heavier than clay chimineas, are usually stronger and more heat resistant. They can come in a more variety of colors, from silver grey metallic to black, and can be designed in many shapes. Cast iron chimineas typically are priced from around $160-220, with cheaper and more expensive ones. Real exotic cast iron chimineas will cost you up to $350 or more.

Chinimeas are an Excellent Addition to your Home

Wouldn't you like to have a permanent fireplace that combines elegance with functionality? Chimineas do just that, and they have become one of the hottest backyard accessories you can add to your house. Just throw in some biological fuel, and let the pleasant aroma of burning wood fill the air while you enjoy the brilliant flames and cute smoke that rises from the peak. Chimineas will please your whole family, friends, and neighbors. There's nothing quite like the sensation of surrounding your body in the warmth of a neaby fire. With outdoor chimineas, you can do just that. Take it anywhere you go, or leave it as a permanent addition to your backyard. On those cool evenings, a chiminea is always a sure bet for staying warm while adding a romantic appeal to your home.