Prairie Fire

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A properly designed chiminea with mouth screen and spark arrestor neck insert are considered enclosed burning devices. Often they can be used where open fires are not allowed such as a deck or patio area. They also classify as cooking devices with the grate inserts and should be allowed wherever a gas grill is accepted.

Just like a car that needs an oil change now and then. A chiminea requires occasional ash cleanout to keep it burning clean. Ash level should be kept away from the bottom of the burn grates to allow for proper air flow. Sooner or later you may want to freshen it up with a coat of paint. Any high temperature spray paint will keep it looking new.

A fire pit is classified as a “Recreational Fire”, much like a ring of rocks, whereas a enclosed chiminea is classified as a “Outdoor Portable Fireplace”. Blue Rooster chimineas may also be classified as “Cooking Devices” due to the cooking grates and enclosed design.

There are many fire pits incorrectly advertised as chimineas. They have mesh wraparounds, multi openings, and faux chimneys that only funnel smoke and have no effect on the fire. Due to lack of proper engineering, a mislabeled fire pit will never draft properly. Fire pits have a tendency to be hard to light and smoke/smolder due to not having proper drafting. Fire pits also have safety concerns regarding the possibility of a sudden gust of wind blowing embers into dry grass, deck, or a neighbor’s property.

The drafting on a well designed chiminea, creates a hotter fire, that burns brighter and more efficient then a fire pit. Better efficiency means a chiminea will have a lot less cleanup and will get the most BTU’s from your firewood. Chimineas will get used more often than firepits due to easy lighting and ability to be lit in windy conditions. A good chiminea is the superior design for the backyard deck or patio.

Patio block is a good material for a permanent heat-proof pad when used on composite decking. They come in 18x18x1 cement blocks and are available at any local outdoor garden store. Patio block is available in different shapes colors and sizes so you can find something to fit your needs. Four 18x18x1 patio blocks make a three-foot hearth pad that works great to protect your surface from an ember or stray ash. It also provides an area for extra firewood and hotdog/marshmallow sticks.

Even with a patio block or cement pad, a small 18 x 36 deck protector makes life easier. Any stray embers or ash are easily swiped away, and it cushions the knees while adding wood to the fire.

We recommend using a Deck Protector hearth pad to protect the surface of your deck or patio when using a chiminea. A chiminea does not direct much heat downward, but the occasional ember or ash will happen with any fire. A flexible Deck Protector is easily moved with your chiminea for patio arrangements and allows for easy cleaning after a fire.

With proper use and maintenance our chimineas will last for many years. Blue Rooster has made metal chimineas for over 20 years and most all are still in use.

Most wood burning chiminea buyers stick with the charcoal color since the soot and ash buildup turns a colored chiminea charcoal. The effects of sun and weather will also wear down the factory paint over time and high temperature firings eventually darken colored chimineas. BBQ spray paint is a quick fix for regular maintenance of cast iron, steel and cast aluminum parts.

The Blue Rooster chimineas all start with 3 layers of high temp charcoal (black) fireplace paint. The color finishes are then applied to create a patina finish. High temp spray paint is available at your local home store or hardware store in a variety of colors. High temp spray paint can be applied in just a few minutes and will keep your chiminea looking brand new.