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To own a chiminea, there are a few basic steps you need to take note of from the moment you buy it to the time that you start using chiminea.
- You can fasten the car seat belt around chiminea and place padding on its neck to avoid pressure while transporting.
- Do not lift from the neck but hold the mouth and cradle in the position whereby the neck meets the bowl on your arm.
- To level chiminea, ensure chiminea is placed on an immovable ground and nothing flammable is above it before grating it to elevate the wood with two bricks on each side.
- Start to insulate the bowl so that the fire is not directly against the clay.
- To start the fire, always start small to season it by using pieces of kindling but don't use lighter fluid as the clay will absorb fluid. Thereafter, burn some logs to concentrate the fire in the center bowl for a bigger flame.
Wood varieties suitable for chiminea burning:
- Mesquite - essentially used for smoking meat but only use a few at a time as it generates a high temperature flame.
- Pinion pine - smells good and wards off mosquitoes.
- Alligator juniper - traditional firewood with unique aroma.
- Apple - hard to come by but has nice aroma.
- Hickory - would let you enjoy tasty burgers.
Never use any of these:
- Charcoals - these are not recommended.
- Pellets for wood stove fuel - these burn too hot and leave ashes behind.
- Pressure treated wood - these release toxic gas.
 Simple rules to remember while using chiminea: If you're not sure, don't burn it!
- Always have a fire extinguisher on hand when burning the chiminea.
- Be aware of pets' n children, never leave the fire unattended.
- Do not touch the outside of the chiminea while in use.
- Do not extinguish the chiminea with water.
To care for it:
- Seal chiminea with wax to help seal pores and hairline cracks.
- When not using, cover with an old grill cover or storm cover.
- Store chiminea in cool, shady areas or indoors as fluctuations in temperature and humidity will result in it cracking.
- Remove the sand and place it on pieces of wood to enable air circulation underneath or for non heated environment, set on pallets.
- Don't store it on its stand.
With due care, your chiminea would be well stored and able to last you for a long time.
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