Single hen

[Groovychook]

How hardy are clay chimineas and do the small ones kick out any heat?

 

I was going to get a little one for a corner of the garden but have been told that they crack really easily. I'm not too keen on the idea of getting a cast iron one because the outside of them gets so hot and I prefer the look of the clay ones...

 

Thought you lot are bound to be able to advise!

[moochoo]

If you can get hold of a genuine Mexican chiminea, they're very hardy. I've had mine 8 years and it's only just started to show a few surface cracks this year. The trick is to never let it get wet, so buy a good fitting cover with it.

They kick out loads of heat but you need to season it well before it's first use by putting sand in the bottom and making a small fire to begin with.

Good luck in finding one to suit you.

[stoice]

My friends one fell over and smashed. The clay part would've been fine (if it hadn't fallen over obviously) but the iron legs were rusting at the point they were welded to the supporting ring. A mixture of being heated up, cooling down, rain and frost. I'm sure as long as you cover it like Moochoo says you should fare better.

[buffie]

Had ours 11 years plus, Mexican I beleive and exposed to all weathers

 

It's had cracks in the back for years but not affected it at all Think it's terrific

 

Buffie x

[Guest]

we had a cast iron one for years but it started to go rusty and it was huge so I gave it away on freecycle recently. It was good though and I s'pose if I'd covered it over it wouldn't have got rusty

 

We're getting a small clay one as soon as I spot one I like. You have to "season" them when you first get them so that they don't crack. Apparently you are supposed to only have very small fires for the first few times until it gets used to the heat or something. Just google "seasoning a chiminea" and you should find what you need.

[Groovychook]

Thanks for your replies everybody! I'm off to google...