cast iron chiminea

[Stevie]

Hi folks

This is an entirely serious question .... honest !!

My family and I inherited a cast iron chiminea and, upon attempting to use it without instructions, all we managed to do was smoke our guests out at a barbeque !!

It appears clean and we were burning untreated, dry logs so I can't even blame damp or treated wood !!

The problem is that very little smoke actually rises up the chimney, most emerging from the opening at the front where you load the chiminea with what it is you wish to burn ....

I did notice a little vent below this opening which appears to allow air underneath the fire but I don't know when that should be opened or closed ...

The chimney itself is unblocked and does let smoke out.

Can anyone help me build the perfect chiminea fire please ?????????!!!!!!!

Thanks folks.

S

[rabbitygirl]

In my experience of these things it sounds like it's working perfectly!

[jd_here]

You need to fill the bottom with a layer of sand, perhaps 5-7 cm. JD

[Steviegb]

You have to leave the air flap open at the bottom to get it going,once its going you can shut it to keep the wood burning longer.

[Stevie]

Thanks folks .... I'll give your suggestions a go ....

S