Make the most of your patio, garden & entertaining space by creating the perfect braai area.
South Africa has the perfect climate for outdoor entertaining. The ability to entertain friends and family whilst cooking is something we all enjoy.
The last 3 years has seen a dramatic increase in people’s requirements to be able to entertain at home in better style and with more cooking options.
Consider what size braai you need
Start with how many people you typically have at a braai and size for that number +2.
Consider whether you buy a charcoal/wood or gas braai
- A gas braai heats up hot enough to start cooking 10 minutes after lighting the braai. Great if you have a busy lifestyle or lots of guests you can keep cooking for a long period to feed them, too.
- A charcoal braai typically takes 30-40 minutes after lighting, before it is hot enough to cook on. If buying a charcoal/wood braai go for a model with a ember maker. This will decrease the time it takes to get wood/charcoal hot enough to cook on and it can keep feeding hot embers to the cooking area for as long as you need to cook.
- A dual braai (gas and charcoal/wood) gives you the best of both worlds.
Decide what steel your braai should be made from for good looks and a long lifespan
If exposed to rain or is close to the sea, you should upgrade to a steel better suited for that environment. There has been increased demand for better braai finishes, with Gijima’s 3Cr12, 304 and 316 St Steel growing in popularity, solving corrosion issues near the coast or for esthetics.
Consider the options the braai that you will enjoy
Typical options available include:
- Spit cooking either on a spit or in a braai basket.
- Warming racks /drawers keep food warm.