Recreational Fires - Fire Pits and Chimineas (2024)

FAQs

What's better, chiminea or fire pit? ›

When it comes to heat, fire pits are slightly ahead of chimineas. Due to their open structure, fire pits release heat evenly in a 360-degree area. So, everyone sitting around it can benefit from the warmth. Additionally, you can add as much fuel as you'd like, so long as you are using coal or wood.

Most manufacturers do not recommend using a chiminea or fire pit on or beneath balconies and decks. Recreational fires in these appliances should be at least 15 feet from a building and for open fires in a fire pit, at least 25 feet from a building.

If the fire pit has legs and is off the ground, a permit is not required. New Jersey Forest Fire Service at 973-962-0217. Gas fire pits require a plumbing permit. If you are going to build a structure, a permit will be required.

The primary fuel to use in your clay chimenea is wood. A good dry hardwood is perfect and will burn beautifully without much in the way of sparks. There are some who use charcoal as their fuel of choice in their chimenea as it burns for longer and gives off a lovely even heat.

We recommend using hardwood logs dried to below 20% moisture in your chiminea. Softwood logs may be cheaper but they have a higher sap content, so burning them in your chiminea will produce a lot of smoke and be really unpleasant to sit next to!

The outdoor fire pit is ideal for larger areas where it can take centre stage and become a focal point. The amount of heat generated by a fire pit compared to a chiminea is significant. The open bowl of the fire pit allows you to build much bigger fires using larger logs and radiates 360° heat.

Preparation: Before lighting a fire, place 3 to 4 inches of lava rock or gravel inside the base of Chimenea to raise the fire off the clay bottom.

Chimineas are designed to burn small amounts of charcoal and wood, so don't build a bonfire. Never use gasoline or flammable liquids to start the fire – it will likely cause an explosion.

Clay chimineas are specially designed to withstand heat, but they can sometimes crack all the same. Leave yours outdoors in winter and wet, frozen clay can crack off in chunks or break the body at vulnerable points, for example where the neck meets the body.

If your chiminea has a lid, make sure you take it off as this will prevent air getting to the fire making it harder to light, and, if it has a grate, fix this inside the chiminea so you can start lighting your fire on it.

How long does a chiminea last? ›

Metal chimineas, such as those made of cast iron or steel, typically last between 3 to 15 years, depending on the material and care. Protection from rust, avoiding overheating, regular cleaning, and proper storage can help extend their lifespan.

Distance Requirements

To ensure safety, fire pits must be positioned at a safe distance from structures and property lines. Wood-burning fire pits or bowls must be placed at least 15 feet away from any structure, as mandated by the Uniform Construction Code (UCC).

If you're using a fire pit on grass, it's important to use a fire pit mat. This will help to protect your grass from the heat damage of the fire pit. Using a fire-resistant mat will help to create a barrier between the fire pit and your grass. It will also help to prevent the heat from damaging the roots of your grass.

Most cities and towns allow small recreational fires. A recreational fire is usually defined as a campfire, bonfire, or backyard fire in a fire pit. Many recreational fire regulations are in place to remain courteous to your neighbors, but others exist to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Chimineas: Compact and Cozy

Directed Heat: Chimineas feature a tall chimney that distributes heat in one direction. This can be useful for keeping you warm on chilly evenings without making you feel like you're in a smoke-filled room.

The chiminea design is complete with a wide mouth on the side, specific for the fire pit function. And this unique design is much more than aesthetically pleasing. It also helps protect the fire during rainy weather without worrying about the flames being extinguished.

Chimeneas are only open on one side which means the majority of the heat is pushed in one direction. A fire pit on the other hand is open and you will benefit from the same amount of heat given off through all 360 degrees.