South Africa’s sunny climate is ideal for outdoor cooking and having a braai is part of most South Africans’ life. The good old ‘bring-‘n-braai’ is a truly South African tradition. If you ask any expat what they miss the most about SA and 9/10 times they will say a good old braai. There is just nothing like that charcoal and wood aroma followed by the sizzling of appetising meat.
Now that power cuts have become a devastating reality, outdoor cooking will become a more prevalent as an alternative to electric stove cooking.
Built-in Braais
Built-in braais have traditionally been built outdoors, but due to technological developments, braais can now be built in your home with ease. This will allow for excellent entertainment regardless of the weather. Built-in braais have various accessory options such as; a potjie fitting, various grid options, steak plates and even a bread oven, to address all your entertainment needs. Most new homes these days have built-in braais on the plans.
Gas Braais
A gas braai is better known in Australia and the UK as an outdoor cooking method, but is gaining popularity in SA. A great optional extra for a gas braai is a solid cast iron plate that can be inserted into the space of the grid. This enables the user to cook more delicate and smaller foods, such as fish and vegetables. Best of all, you can cook a great breakfast or brunch on a gas braai.
Portable braais
We all know the tradition; the guys standing around the braai with beer in-hand, and the women in the kitchen preparing the salads and side dishes. The very popular portable braai is sure to be found in every home. If well looked after it can last for years, so its always best to invest in a good sturdy portable braai that will give you hours and hours of outdoor entertainment.
Custom braais
Custom built braais are for the true connoisseur. Most braai manufacturers are willing to design and manufacture any size or function you require, from a built-in spit braai to a dual braai that allows for both a gas and a charcoal/wood braai in the same unit.
Be sure to check that your braai has a height adjustment and ash removal drawer, as the adjustment will allow for different cuts of meat to be cooked at different temperatures and the drawer will assist during the cleaning of the braai.
Braai Accessories
Every braai owner has to have all the braai paraphernalia that goes with the braai experience. From a ‘Kiss the Cook’ apron to gadgets like lighters and potjie steamers the braai has proven to be uniquely South African.
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