General Questions

1. What is a chimenea?

   An enclosed real fire for your patio or garden.

2. What is the function of a chimenea?

   Chimeneas allow you to gently heat an area of your garden or patio so that you can enjoy your outdoor space for longer.

3. Should I buy clay, cast iron or steel?

   Clay chimeneas originated from Mexico and are authentic and more natural looking. Cast iron and steel chimeneas are made to our high standards in the Far East and have the same function as clay chimeneas. Clay chimeneas need a little more care and attention to avoid breakage. Cast Iron and steel chimeneas are more durable. Really it is a matter of personal taste as to which chimenea you choose.

4. Where do I site my chimenea?

   A chimenea is suitable for positioning outdoors on firm, level and non-flammable ground.

   The assembled chimenea is heavy and it is recommended the unit is not moved once positioned and must not be moved while in use.

   The body of the chimenea will become very hot during use so it should be positioned at least 2metres away from walls, fences and other structures. A minimum overhead clearance of 2metres is also required.

5. How do I start a fire in my chimenea?

   Please read all instructions first as some products require extra preparation – all clay chimeneas must be cured before use. Light kindling should be used to start a small controlled fire. Once this is going it can then be added to with larger pieces. This should be repeated until the fire is substantial enough to burn a log. Please note fuel should never protrude from the front opening of the chimenea and flames should never be visible from the top of the chimney flue.

   DO NOT use petrol, white spirit, lighter fuel, alcohol or similar items to light a fire.

6. What fuel do I use?

   Use heat logs or untreated wood fuel. In some cases charcoal can be used, please check the instructions for your model.

   DO NOT use petrol, white spirit, lighter fuel, alcohol or similar items to light a fire.

Maintenance

1. Will chimeneas change colour?

   Yes, clay chimeneas generally have a paint finish that will mellow and change over time. If the chimenea is fired very hot, it will discolour more quickly. Cast Iron and Steel chimeneas will develop surface rust over time. This is not a fault and the chimenea will not rust through.

   Clay chimeneas should be sealed with a water proof sealant (Chimseal) each year, or more frequently depending on how often the chimenea is used.

   We recommend that all chimeneas are stored covered with one of our chimenea rain covers. Ensure your product is cold before covering.

   Paintwork is not covered under guarantee and can peel after use.

2. How do I reduce the effects of corrosion?

   Metal chimeneas will develop surface rust over time, more so if burnt very hot or left uncovered in the rain. After use, rub your chimenea down with an oily rag and cover with the appropriate chimenea cover, to help reduce the effects of corrosion. If you want to renew the finish, coat with a high temperature paint (resistant up to 650 degrees C).

3. Will the surface get hot?

   Yes – it will get very hot, keep children & pets at a safe distance from the chimenea when in use.

4. Can I cook on my chimenea?

   The intended purpose of our chimeneas is background outdoor heating. However some models have grills that can be used for basic barbecue cooking. Check your instructions for more details.

5. How do I extinguish my chimenea fire?

   Stop adding fuel and allow the fire in the chimenea to die, or douse with sand.

   DO NOT use water as this could damage or crack the chimenea.

6. Are the decorative accessories frost resistant?

   Unfortunately not, they will need to be protected from the cold winter weather.

Parts

1. I have no instructions, what do I do?

   Contact your retailer who should be able to replace your instruction leaflet. All of our outdoor heating products feature full instructions which must be followed carefully. Do not use your product until you have read the instructions and please retain them for further reference. savvysurr.co.uk Ltd can not be held responsible for any damage to your product where the instructions have not be followed.

2. A part is missing from the box, what do I do?

   We apologise for any inconvenience caused, please contact your retailer who will be able to help.

3. A part was damaged when I got it home what do I do?

   We apologise for any inconvenience caused, please contact your retailer who will be able to arrange a replacement.

Clay Chimeneas

1. Why do I have to cure the chimenea?

   This is a secondary firing of the chimenea and seals any pores on the inside of the body. This is of particular importance as the chimenea may crack if this is not done as instructed.

2. Why put a layer of sand in the bottom?

   This layer of sand is a great insulator and keeps the hottest part of the fire from direct contact with the base of the chimenea. It must be in the base of the chimenea every time a fire is made. Any sand can be used as long as it covers the base with a 5cm layer. This is of particular importance as the chimenea may crack if this is not done as instructed.

3. Why do I have to start the fire slowly?

   A clay chimenea can crack due to thermal shock if heated too quickly. Therefore always start the fire slowly and do not use lighting fluids etc. to start a fire. Natural Ocote sticks or newspaper and kindling are the best. This is of particular importance as the chimenea may crack if this is not done as instructed.

4. Can I have a roaring fire?

   No – the clay chimenea body holds heat and radiates it all around. A small to medium size fire is all that’s needed. Roaring fires with flames coming out of the top will damage or crack your chimenea.

5. What happens if my chimenea cracks due to thermal shock?

   Unfortunatley, if you do not follow the proper curing process and miss treat the chimena by having large fires we will not be able to replace the chimenea for you free of charge. You should ensure you follow the curing process detailed above and also ensure that when in use flames do not come out from the mouth of the chimenea or the from the top.

6. What happens if my chimenea loses it's colour?

   If your chimenea starts to lose it's colour then it's more than likely being over fired. Be sure to keep the fire under control and read our section on Can I have a roaring fire?

Clay Chimenea Maintenance

1. My chimenea has a small crack, what do I do?

   The drying process during manufacture can often result in minor hairline cracks on the surface of the chimenea. This is normal and will not affect use. Hairline cracks will also appear in a clay chimenea after burning and this too is normal. The chimenea will function perfectly well for many years like this.

2. Do I have to seal my clay chimenea?

   Your chimenea has been pre-sealed but after use, the seal begins to break down (especially if burnt too hot). Use a clay or brick water sealer and coat every 2 or 3 months. Chimseal is ideal for this.

3. Do I have to cover the chimenea?

   Yes – this keeps the rain out. Many come with rain covers that should be used, especially over winter. Only apply when the chimenea is completely cool.

4. What happens if rain gets in my chimenea?

   The clay will soak up moisture. However the chimenea can still be used but start the fire very slowly afterwards to allow the moisture to steam off slowly. Trapped moisture that expands too fast can crack the chimenea and savvysurf.co.uk Ltd can not be held liable for such damage. If a lid is provided with your model, always place this on the chimenea top when not in use to protect from rainwater ingress.

5. How do I clean my pizza stones and cooking grill?

   The cooking grill and pizza stone should be cleaned using a mild detergent. From first use the underside and edges of the pizza stone will be coated with soot. This will be difficult to remove and should be expected. This does not affect the use of the pizza stone. Please note that these are not dishwasher safe.

6. What happens if I have black marks around the mouth or top of my chimenea?

   If soot starts to build up around the mouth or top of the chimenea it is likely that you are over firing it. A small to medium size fire is all that’s needed. Roaring fires with flames coming out of the top will damage or crack your chimenea and we will be unable to replace chimeneas free of charge which show evidence of this.