Outside Chimnea

[Baby_Sham]

Hi. I have an small chimnea in my garden which I've not yet used but would now like to.
What is the best thing to burn inside it? I thought charcoal but my Dad seems to think kindling would be better (and less of a mess)!

What do you think?

[chrisgel]

It's not advisable to burn charcoal in it. What is it made of ceramic or iron?

[Baby_Sham]

It's ceramic.

[chrisgel]

Dry wood or you can buy processed briquettes. (Compressed sawdust I think)
At this time of year most big supermarkets and DIY stores will be selling them.
Just been checking and apparently charcoal is ok in the metal ones.
One more thing to be aware of with ceramic is not to use them if they are soaking wet,

[Baby_Sham]

Thank you very much for your great help and advice. I don't have any kindling so will have to leave it for tonight and get some tomorrow.
Thanks again.

[Chipchopper]

Kindling is good for getting the fire going but it wont last long.
A couple of hefty logs added once the fire is getting going will give you a slow even burn. I'm assuming that you want to use it as a patio heater for when the temperature drops during the evening and maybe keep the mosquitoes at bay too.
If you have the type of chimnea that can also be used for cooking, like I have with a swing out grill, then charcoal is the fuel to use, let it burn right down to a white ash with no white smoke before cooking.
Hope you have a lovely time.
Chip

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks Chipchopper. I was thinking now is a good time to make the most of it, what with the weather being like it is.
My parents have got some logs, so I'll pinch a couple of those, and will get some dry wood/kindling to go with it too today. I love sitting outside until late, so thought this would be quite nice.

[Chipchopper]

There's a bit of the outdoosman in all of us Baby_Sham!

What could be better, than telling some spooky stories and toasting some marshmallows ?

I use shredded bills and statements to to get the kindling going,....Best place for them if you ask me!

[Baby_Sham]

Ha ha Brilliant idea! Got some kindling, got some logs and got some beers in. Perfect!

[hammerman]

just need a bag of marshmellows now Baby_sham :-)

[Chipchopper]

Ah Beer, beer a perfect temporary solution!