Bio-ethanol has many uses in today's world. It can be combined with petrol to make a more sustainable source of fuel. It is used in cosmetic and many other manufacturing processes.

This fuel burns and creates no smoke or carbon monoxide emissions so it can be safely used indoors without the need for a chimney or flue. It is a renewable energy source so it is sustainable and more friendly to the environment and ecosystem than using fossil fuels or wood which rapidly depletes trees and forestry.

Bio-ethanol creates a warm, lively flame that leaves no residue and no lingering aromas.

Firstly, position your chiminea where you want it to live in your garden. It's best to minimise the amount of times you move it to prevent damage as clay chimineas are extremely delicate.

Pour sand or lava stones into the chiminea via the mouth until it is three-quarters full to the mouth of the chiminea. This is to ensure that the flames do not come into direct contact with the clay as this could cause thermal shock.

Make a very small fire with ocote natural firelighters and balls of newspaper. Light the fire but do not maintain it - simply allow it to burn out and then once it has burnt out, let it cool down fully. Once the chiminea has cooled, build another slightly larger fire using the same materials and let it burn out. Repeat this process four or five times, until the fire is close in size to what you will be using it for.

Note: You don't have to make a big fire in a clay chiminea - they radiate heat very efficiently and fires that are too large or vigorous may cause damage to your chiminea. Never use fuels such as petrol or hair spray to ignite your fire. Not only is this dangerous but it will cause a very hot fire which will cause the chiminea to crack.

We recommend protecting your chiminea from the elements to prevent weather deterioration. We have a range of waterproof and weatherproof covers available that are perfect for keeping your chiminea well protected.