Using a Chiminea Indoors A chiminea adds warmth and ambiance to a backyard space. It can also be used for cooking and is safer than the fire pit. Clay Chimineas need a layer of sand on the base to protect them from thermal cracking due to sudden changes in temperature. https://www-fireplacesandstove-co22110.digitollblog.com/29672229/10-ways-to-create-your-big-chiminea-empire