Add a splash of Mexican warmth to your garden with a chiminea. A chiminea is ornamental and practical; and has nothing whatsoever to do with Dick Van Dyke! Its one part garden lamp, one part garden heater; but very stylish and decorative. It’s can even serve as an alternative to your barbeque! (The chiminea is essentially a Mexican bread oven,) but it has a dozen other applications.
Chimineas have been rapidly gaining in popularity in this country. Milder winters and longer, hotter summers mean that even if we’re not quite on a par with Mexico, we can at least take advantage of some of their finest imports. The chiminea wood burning stove radiates waves of wonderful heat to keep you warm, even if you’re not using it to bake your Teleras. It is made in two distinct parts; the base and the stack, giving it that distinctive bottle shaped appearance.
Choosing your chiminea is an art in itself. There are so many variations on the basic design, so many potential applications, colour schemes and sizes, and so many factors you’ll need to consider in making your choice. Small or large? Chimineas can sit on table tops, nestle in sheltered corners or even form the centre piece of your patio or deck. Just how big is your garden? If you’ve got the capacity, we’ve got the chiminea! Is it for display only or do you want to fire it up for toasting toes and marshmallows? It doesn’t matter either way; the chimineas are so beautifully designed and finished that you don’t even have to use them as anything other than a garden feature or an elaborate plant pot!
Wood or iron? Although traditionally made in clay, many modern chiminea are forged from hard wearing aluminium or iron. They can be allowed to rust gracefully, for that well worn, weathered look, or kept in pristine condition with enamel paints and varnishes. Whilst the aluminium chiminea generate a little more heat, the clay versions are perhaps a little more individual. Many chimineas are actually hand made and imported from Mexico, for that authentic touch.
The chiminea is perfect for every outdoor occasion; for garden parties, barbeques and gatherings of all descriptions. When the night starts to draw in, just light up the chiminea and bathe your garden in a warm, natural glow. Your guests will be drawn to it, but the insects won’t! Chiminea even make wonderful insect repellents!
There really is nothing like the glow of a real fire. Warming, soothing and really romantic. Once lit, you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away. Just remember that a chiminea is not just for Summer, it’s for life! In fact it’s every bit as good on crisp autumn evenings when it’s just too beautiful to be indoors, and yet a bit too chilly to be outdoors. Or how about firing up the chiminea on Christmas morning, or New Years Eve! A roaring fire and a glass of something chilled. What a wonderful way to celebrate.
So, whether you’re roasting your potatoes or toasting in the New Year, the chiminea is the perfect accompaniment to your garden; stove, lamp, fire and centre piece – all in one!
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