| Author |
Message |
    
Jay060
Citizen
Username: Jay060
Post Number: 9
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 9:48 am: |     |
Has anyone ever used an outdoor fireplace? They sell them at Home Expo. I think they're a great idea for the spring and summer, but I'm concerned about safety. How safe are theses things? How do you put out the fire and how long do you wait until you can leave it? I also have 2 young children. Any recommendations/concerns? Thanks. |
Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 8
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 2:27 pm: | |
Also, are they legal? I'm sure some townships are more tight about things like that. |
upondaroof
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 12
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 8:30 pm: | |
Man, there is just something so primeval about a fire! (Wilma!!!) }We have two. A terra cotta chimenea on the deck and a cast iron one in the front yard. On the deck, we placed a fire retardent mat under the unit. You can only burn light fires in a clay chimney, so they tend to burn out quickly. We also made a sheet metal cover for same which we put over the chimney to keep it dry. The cast iron on the front lawn? We crank it up and move the chairs back! It's my understanding that open burning is illegal in NJ: however, when it's in a contained fireplace, I don't think there's a problem. I might add, that we've been doing this for the past 6 years with no problems. There are also screens on the chimney to deal with sparks. Use common sense and you should be OK. |
papayagirl
Citizen
Username: Papayagirl
Post Number: 172
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 10:48 am: | |
I know a few people that have had the terra cotta versions, and they all said they crack eventually. Apparently there's a gradual process you're supposed to go through when using them - you can't just start out by lighting a roaring fire on day one.
With that said, most of the chiminias i saw for sale a couple of years ago were terra cotta, but this season, i see more cast iron. I'm not sure if it's because everyone has learned their lesson, or because it's just the way the trend is evolving. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 2071
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 11:10 am: | |
Yeah- we blew up our first chiminea (terra cotta), because we didn't know that you had to make tiny fires.
We have the cast iron one. It's really great, but I never leave it unattended to go out by itself. Since we don't have any wire mesh enclosures, it doesn't get used on breezy evenings.
We had friends who had a fireplace that is like an open pit, with a big mesh bubble over the top. It was very cozy & the sparks were contained. Not as visually charming, but safer. I wouldn't hesitate to let that burn out unattended.
We absolutley love it. My only concern would be that the entire thing heats up very hot & takes awhile to cool down after the fire is out. So, if you have young kids, either keep them well away or light it after they are in bed. More romantic, anyway! |
jeffl
Citizen
Username: Jeffl
Post Number: 375
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 3:28 pm: | |
I have a clay chiminea. I've had blazing fires in it without regard for anyone's safety. Only one incident of lost eyebrows, otherwise no problems. Yes it's cracked but it's still my pride and joy. To me it just gives me one more reason and way to stay out on my deck. The kids roast marshmellows in it. It doesn't really give off that much heat unless you're right next to it. I still love it though. |
Cubeless
Citizen
Username: Cubey
Post Number: 38
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 10:32 am: | |
I use my clay chiminea a few times a year. I have noticed a crack in mine...is there anything that can be done to "repair" it? It doesn't look too big, but I don't want to the whole thing to crumble one day while I have a fire raging. |
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