1. What is a chimenea?
Chimeneas originated in Mexico back in the 17th century. They are shaped a little like a pot-bellied stove with a tall chimney and a window for the fire. They were designed as flat bread ovens, heaters and insect repellents as well as providing a focal point for family and friends to meet and chat to friends. The success of the chimenea has meant that there are now many copies of the original design on the market, these include cast-iron versions which can have a tendency to rust, and some rather cumbersome "burners" which are merely garden heaters more suited to pubs and beer gardens and with limited cooking facility. They are typically made of industrial blends and require maintenance to stop them from "spaulding" or crumbling over their wire frames.
2. All clay chimeneas are the same right?
Very WRONG! Most of the chimeneas you see are limited in their performance as an outdoor oven/bbq etc and have little or no protection against wet, cold weather and large fires. They usually have low firing temperatures, some have been sun-dried only and this is what causes them to dissolve or explode when lit.
3. What are your chimeneas made of?
All of our chimeneas are made of a blend of 3 refined clays, terracotta being one of them but the recipe and percentage mix is our own and is therefore kept under wraps!
4. Is it the genuine article?
Most definitely! We sell handmade authentic chimeneas from Jalisco province in Mexico, famous for its clay handicrafts. Our workshops have been handed down through families over generations and their traditional artisan skills remain.
5. Why should I buy a "glo-art" chimenea instead of a less expensive chimenea on the high street?
Some things about a patio fire are simply a matter of taste. Do you appreciate quality and appearance, functionality and mobility? There really isn't a better-looking option on the market.
6. Do your chimeneas come with a rain lid and stand?
Yes CCC includes these essential items in all standard packages. Even our most basic sets come with a rain cap and a low level wrought iron stand (approx 8 inches off the ground) with in-turned legs for stability and safety. You can upgrade to a wheelie stand if you wish.
7. Why would I want a wheelie stand?
This is higher and is moveable making it ideal for outdoor cooks and those wanting to change the chimenea's position when entertaining. There is also a tremendous benefit to having the wheels when the wind changes direction as the chim can still be moved - with care - even when alight! Wheelie stands come with our Completo sets or can be purchased separately.
8. Can I cook on it?
You certainly can - for up to 8 people at a time! (See our 200 page cook book for inspiration and tips!) The Completo is our total, all-inclusive package of accessories specifically designed by us for cooking and entertaining. Our bespoke, British designed accessories are available for each and every chimenea we make and we have selected a range of large cast-iron chims to ensure they also fit our cooking crown and grid and other relevant accessories. See our cook book for help, advice and hundreds of delicious recipes that you can easily cook on your chimenea.
9. What is the heat output I can expect?
Burning wood or charcoal you can anticipate about 1.5m of heat radiating up to a maximum of 2 metres if you burn solid fuel such as coal (in the Superchims). For this reason, try to site your chimenea away from walls or fences as they will absorb some of the heat and may eventually discolour. Foliage and shrubs may wilt if in prolonged close contact with the chimenea.
10. What exactly is a "Completo"?
This is our tailor-made accessory package that accompanies our chimeneas. It comprises a number of items including the Original Cooking Crown and Grid; the Deluxe grill pan; the plate-warmer/accessory shelf; the wheelie stand and in the case of the Classic range, a cover is also supplied.
11. Is it frost-proof?
Yes. Superchims® are the only clay chimeneas guaranteed frost-proof without covers down to -20°C. Our Classic Deluxe models are safe down to minus freezing as long as they have been re-coated with Chimseal and are covered with our jackets. All our chimeneas come with guarantees against the frost.
12. I haven't any storage space. Do I need to take it inside?
No. Either cover it as mentioned above or buy a Superchim and leave it out with its rain lid on.
13. Does it need waxing?
No. We have never believed in waxes because, obviously, wax melts with heat and it can take ages to apply! We designed Chimseal® with a British chemical company back in 2000 and have it applied to our classic chims before they leave Mexico so that you only have to top up the treatment once a year. It goes on quickly with a brush and is totally clear so that it does not detract from the look of your chimenea. A 1 litre can will last a couple of years, even on a large chimenea. It not only offers water protection throughout the year and helps to retain the original colour but it also offers protection for other outdoor plant pots, statues and ornaments.
14. Will it change colour?
Superchims® don't lose their colour because they are glazed but Classics will change and mature with use and weathering. Chimseal® application once or twice a year is beneficial in slowing down the colour degradation that is common in aged clay pots. Cast iron chimeneas have a tendency to rust and this can be hard to remove from decking and slabs.
15. What makes Superchims® so special?
The glaze is both inside and out. The external glaze offers protection from the elements outside and the intense heat on the inside. It makes water penetration and risk from over-firing a thing of the past! We now have a new generation of clay chimenea which is maintenance free. Our new firing techniques and investment in kilns, the extra strong clay mixes and our tightly regulated quality control process makes Superchims® unbeatable. They come with 2 year written guarantees.
16. Can I use a chimenea indoors?
Yes - 2 options: if you have an open chimney just choose the chim you like the look of, check your measurements and maybe consult a heating engineer locally if you need more advice. The Superchims have the edge as they burn smokeless fuel so perhaps check them out first. Second solution: any chim, any indoor location - burn Intaflame® our fire gel! No soot, ash, fumes, smoke…no need for ventilation. Perfect! You can also burn the gel in our purpose made fire pots and urns if you prefer.
DELIVERY
17. If I order a chimenea, how long will it take and what does it cost?
If the item you order is in stock, we undertake to despatch by 24 hr courier within 5 working days. You will receive an email or phone call to agree a delivery date suitable for you. It will cost you nothing for delivery if you are on the UK mainland (see delivery section) unless you want it timed or on a Saturday morning.
18. I work funny hours - can I have a timed delivery?
Yes. New for 2005 is our timed delivery service and Saturday morning option. Our standard Mon-Fri any time of day deliveries are free but if you check out our web site you will see the extra you can pay for timed deliveries on the UK mainland.
19. How will it be packed?
Carefully! With lots of poly chips, strapping and heavy gauge cardboard box.
Instructions and after-care
20. I've never had a chimenea before. Will I get instructions?
Yes, full instructions will be provided, plus you can download from the link on the clay chimeneas page. You can also view a Video clip on line
21. What is the life expectancy of the chimenea?
We at C.C.C. are the only mainstream chimenea and accessory designer, manufacturer and retailer to offer a maintenance-free chimenea package backed up with written guarantees. So - unless it is knocked to the ground the Superchim® is virtually indestructible. Classic Deluxe chimeneas which have been looked after according to our instructions have a life-span of around 7 years, barring accidents!
22. I've heard stories from friends about chimeneas cracking, melting in the rain or bottoms dropping out. What sort of a guarantee do I have that the chimenea I get from you won't fall apart after a few fires or a spell of bad weather?
Yes there are plenty of chimeneas and burners that will not perform at all well and this is often because short-cuts in firing and raw material have been taken. Also, to be fair, some manufacturers are making cheaply so that they can sell cheaply since not everyone sees the same value in a product. NOT ALL CHIMENEAS ARE THE SAME! DESPITE THE SIMILARITY SOMETIMES IN APPEARANCE.
At CCC we give you written receipts with guarantees printed on the back, along with your unique customer reference number, the date of purchase and a signature from one of our directors. As we do not take short cuts, scrimp on materials or spot buy from Mexican street traders, our chimeneas are 99% exempt from the problems you mention. However, being a handmade product and having travelled thousands of miles to get to you, there could occasionally be a fault that will only manifest itself once the chimenea is fired up. If you are in the 1% all you have to do is call us or email us with the details and as long as our instructions have been adhered to you will receive a replacement within 28 days.
23. I've heard that cast iron chims when alight are in danger of exploding and being dangerous to the touch. Is that true?
We have a selection of cast iron in our range because we want to offer customers the choice. However, it is not safe to touch any fire. Cast-iron does get hotter than clay and it is more likely that you would sustain a bad burn if you got too close. Always read and follow the safety instructions we issue with our products.
PERFORMANCE
24. What sort of sizes do you make them in?
Family sizes mainly as this is what we are asked for although we do own moulds for smaller and medium size chims which we stock from time to time. All of our chimeneas take the same size accessories even though the designs may vary. Grills and cooking crowns etc are uniform sizes for our chims so even if you buy a standard chimenea you always have the option to cook later if you want to.
25. Are they safe for children?
No! Children, pets and irresponsible adults should be kept at a safe distance! You would not let a child sit and play with a gas hob or a bonfire. With adult supervision a chimenea can be enjoyed by all the family but common sense and safety must always be borne in mind.
26. What fuel do they burn?
Superchims® will burn anything at all, including smokeless coal, logs, charcoal, peat, fire logs etc. Classic Deluxe models burn logs and bbq/lumpwood charcoal. We recommend that all fires are built on a bed of sand - instructions are in the book! Just on a personal note: We always ask our customers to be considerate to their neighbours when burning their chimeneas, especially if they are incinerating garden refuse when their neighbours washing is hanging on the line!
27. I like the look of the Superchim® Completo but do you have a less expensive model?
Yes - 2 options: go for a Superchim® standard and then add the accessories as you go (or better still ask people to buy you our "any value" on-line gift vouchers then you can shop when you are ready!) or go for the Classic range and just remember they need a little bit of upkeep. This means re-coating with Chimseal® periodically and remembering to put the frost cover on in harsh weather!
28. Do they change colour?
Our Classic Deluxe range do change colour over time as the impact of climate and heat will erode the handpainted finish. They can be re-painted with masonry paint and sealed with a coat of Chimseal®. The permanent glaze on the Superchim® range, however, means that the colour will not radically change, it will only darken slightly.