Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Chimineas. Cast Iron Chimineas.

• Can I use my Chiminea under a roof line or a pergola?

  Ideally we recommend chimineas to be placed in an open area or just outside a roof line allowing them maximum airflow and ventilation. However in saying that hundreds of people use them successfully under covered areas /pergolas. It really depends on your individual situation. As a guide your roof should be average roof height of approx 2.4m or higher and the area should be open on minimum of  2  but preferably 3 sides and  the chiminea should be placed on an open external edge or corner to allow maximum ventilation.  The heat dissipates very quickly from the top of the chimney and so with normal use heat affecting the roof is generally not an issue , it's more about allowing maximum ventilation for any fumes or smoke. Another point to be aware of is that in a covered are you're likely to get some soot build up and or discoloration of the underside of the roof which may require washing off as and when required.  To assist with using your chiminea in undercover areas Charcoal can be a good fuel to use.  Charcoal is the cleanest burning fuel available and can be good to use on it's own or in combination with good hardwood to achieve a hotter cleaner burn.

• Can I put a Chiminea on Timber Decking?

  Ideally we recommend chimineas to be placed in an open area or just outside a roof line allowing them maximum airflow and ventilation. However in saying that hundreds of people use them successfully under covered areas /pergolas. It really depends on your individual situation. As a guide your roof should be average roof height of approx 2.4m or higher and the area should be open on minimum of  2  but preferably 3 sides and  the chiminea should be placed on an open external edge or corner to allow maximum ventilation.  The heat dissipates very quickly from the top of the chimney and so with normal use heat affecting the roof is generally not an issue , it's more about allowing maximum ventilation for any fumes or smoke. Another point to be aware of is that in a covered are you're likely to get some soot build up and or discoloration of the underside of the roof which may require washing off as and when required.  To assist with using your chiminea in undercover areas Charcoal can be a good fuel to use.  Charcoal is the cleanest burning fuel available and can be good to use on it's own or in combination with good hardwood to achieve a hotter cleaner burn.

• How often do I have to clean ash out of my Chiminea?

  Both our Clay Chiminea and Cast iron Aussie Heatwave chimineas will rarely if ever need to be cleaned of ash. Once every couple of years you may decide to scoop a layer of ash out. Due to the design and the base of sand all the ashes and embers burn away to virtually nothing on the hot base of sand leaving little or no residue. Certain soft timbers will leave more residue than others but hardwoods tend to burn clean leaving very little residue.

• How Much Heat Do They Radiate and What are the Running Costs like in Comparison to other Patio Heaters ?

  Chimineas radiate approximately 2-4 m radius of heat depending on the size and type of Chiminea. Cast iron radiates more heat than the clay. In an independant test Burke's Backyard rated the Chiminea the most effective outdoor heater both in terms of heat and running costs. These tests were done on clay before we had developed the cast iron Aussie Heatwave Chiminea so you need to keep in mind that the cast iron would radiate a lot more heat.

  Click on the following weblink to view test results .

  www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheets/Around-the-House/Outdoor-Heaters/1039