THE TAFELBERG FURNISHERS ULTIMATE SOUTH AFRICAN BRAAI GUIDE
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A braai, which Americans refer to as a barbeque, has become an integral part of our South African lexicon. It brings together family and friends in celebration. Whether you are having lunch with your loved ones, or an afternoon social with your mates, any proudly South African event is a good reason to gather around the fire.
Fun Fact: The word 'braai' originated from the Dutch word 'braden' (which translates to roast) and it has become a word for a social gathering, the grill, and the action of cooking meat on the fire.
Braaing is one of the few things in South Africa that cuts through racial and cultural lines. Regardless of culture, language or race, the love of meat cooked over a wood fire is something that all South Africans share.
Charcoal vs Gas braai
There is a lot of controversy around choosing a gas or charcoal braai, but the beauty of braai is that it transcends our country's tumultuous past to bring us all together as a nation.
Charcoal / Wood braai
A charcoal braai has a high-temperature heat source, however it will take longer for the heat source to reach the ideal temperature to braai your meat.
When it comes to cleaning a wood or charcoal braai, it is not as easy as cleaning a gas braai, as you will need to dispose of the ash remnants, after every usage.
One of the benefits of charcoal grills is that it will provide a better sear, compared to gas grill, as they produce more direct infrared heat.
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Gas braais
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A gas braai is said to be a convenient way to grill your meat, as heat is available at the push of a button and you have the ability to control the temperature of the heat.
When it comes to flavour, the 'smokey flavour' that many people enjoy from charcoal braais is often missing from a gas braai. However, you can add smoke chips, chucks or shavings, to create a smokey flavour.
A benefit of gas braai is that there is no 'flare up', meaning it will be safer to use, compared to a charcoal braai.
If you are having an impromptu braai after work, a gas braai would be the way to go, however if you want to enjoy a meal that has a traditional smokey taste, then a wood or charcoal braai would be better suited for you.
At the end of the day, the choice is up to you.
Braai accessories
Braai accessories are created to enhance your braaing experience, by protecting your braai, extending cooking possibilities, and cleaning your braai.
We stock a range of braai accessories, that can be used to enhance your braaing experience. They can be split into two categories:
Cooking accessories
Grids: Braai grids are used to securely braai your meat, without it falling into the fire, and you can rotate your meat at once.
Potjies: They have a large capacity, and can be used to make delicious potjiekos for your loved ones.
Cleaning & Care accessories
Cover: A braai cover can be used to protect your grill from the elements and dust accumulation.
Brushes: A grill brush will ensure that your braai grid is cleaned, by removing debris that is usually found on your braai grid.
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We have a range of braais and accessories from well known brands;
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Although braaing is usually done over a weekend, the public holiday that we call 'Heritage Day' has been dubbed by South Africans as 'Braai Day'. It is a day that celebrates the country's cultural diversity and how this has united us, despite our turbulent past.
You are welcome to view and browse our range of braai's and braai accessories online, or at your nearest Tafelberg Furnishers store. If have any more questions or you need any further assistance when choosing a braai, you are welcome to fire them ahead at one of our helpful sales consultants in-store and online, via our live chat.