Feel the Heat: Beat the winter chills and create a cosy gathering space with a Chiminea or Firepit.
Date Posted: 16 September 2013
It’s been nearly 20 years since Andrew and Liz Fenton of Aussie Heatwave Fireplaces started making Australian backyards warmer. They began by introducing us to the joys of the Mexican chiminea, after which they went on to manufacture an Australian version — the cast-iron Aussie Heatwave chiminea, which is made in rural Australia.
The couple discovered Mexican clay chimineas while touring Mexico and decided to bring them to Australia. While the charm of a clay chiminea is undeniable, they soon discovered that the traditional Mexican version did not always handle Australian conditions well or the sometimes rough treatment dished out by Aussie blokes. Sadly, they sometimes cracked and fell apart.
As a result, they set about making a virtually indestructible version and the solid cast-iron Aussie Heatwave was born. The Aussie Heatwave chiminea is made from thick, premium-quality cast iron using a single-piece casting. There are no joins or welds, moving parts or air vents — and no grates either as are commonly found with inferior imported versions.
“The real benefits are that they radiate much more heat over a wider area, are virtually indestructible, will last a lifetime and beyond, and are totally pyromaniac proof,” says Andrew. “They also look visually stunning in any outdoor setting and are the only chimineas that are designed for safe use on timber decks as the legs and base don’t get hot. The quality is unsurpassed and they can even come on wheels.”
The best part of all is that the Aussie Heatwave chiminea also has an optional barbecue and pizza oven attachment. “By simply placing it on top of the chimney of any Aussie Heatwave you can easily have a fabulous wood-fired barbecue/oven. It barbecues, roasts and cooks pizzas to perfection and is guaranteed to satisfy the expectations of all barbecue lovers and outdoor cooks,” says Andrew.
“The Aussie Heatwave really is a ‘must have’ item for anyone who enjoys outdoor living, be it for great cooking or just keeping warm all year round,” he continues. “It’s a long-lasting, premium-quality product that is hassle-free, delivers more heat, looks sensational in any setting and has no operational ‘rules’ as far as fire size, type of fuel or curing go; nor does it have to be covered to keep out the weather.”
In addition to making the Aussie Heatwave, Andrew and Liz have expanded their range of outdoor heating options to include premium-quality firepits and Australian-made traditional wood-fired pizza ovens by Zesti Ovens. “Given our reputation for, and obsession with, quality, we only stock the best-quality items, firstly sourced from Australia and then from around the world. When you are dealing with woodfire, the quality has to be there or nothing will last,” says Andrew.
So whether it’s a chiminea, firepit or traditional woodfired oven you’re after, check out the complete range at the showroom in the Melbourne suburb of Oakleigh or visit the website. For your convenience, Aussie Heatwave Fireplaces ships Australia-wide.
