Raise the steaks

The 24th of September is an important date: It’s National Heritage Day and National Braai Day. Use these tools to celebrate it properly!

Waterbuck Braai Grid

The most critical tool when you’re braaiing is a decent grid. This one is made of high-quality stainless steel and it’s big enough for a long invite list and an even longer braai evening – wherever you are. Combine it with a multiheight grid stand for best results.

R250 tentco.co.za

Oztrail Jaffle Iron

If you’re a newbie to this campfire cult favourite, here’s a primer: A jaffle iron takes toasted sarmies to a higher level by increasing the heat, sealing the edges, and adding some smoky flavour.

This one is made from high-density iron cookware so it will outlast you, and the long grip and deep, even cooking base make it super easy to use and clean. Bottom line: It gives you yet another valid excuse to sit around a braai or campfire!

Don’t limit yourself to egg-and-bacon or ham-cheese-and-tomato (with chutney, obviously) – you can also experiment with sugary combos like apple pie or chocolateand-banana.

R250 winkel.weg.co.za

Cameron Meat Smoker

It’s a simple tool, but it can add complex flavours to almost anything on your braai. Add the spice you want, and then smoke your meat, fish and even vegetables using any heat source.

R799 Outdoor Warehouse

Camp Master Bread Pot

You know what goes brilliantly with braai meat? Freshly baked bread. It smells fantastic and it lets you add “baker” to your braai master CV.

Want a pro tip? Make fresh bread to go with a potjie meal so you can use it to mop up all the saucy goodness. You’re welcome.

R299 Makro

Tonglite Braai Tongs

Don’t be the guy who blames dry boerewors and chewy steak on a lack of light. These smart tongs come with a built-in LED light to make sure nothing gets burnt – no matter how long your braai goes into the night.

R299 Cape Union Mart

Klean Kanteen Growler

If you haven’t heard of the name “growler”, it’s just a fancy term for a jug really, and normally it’s made of either glass or metal and used to hold beer.

Here’s why we like this high-grade stainless steel version: It’s brilliant at keeping anything cold thanks to the double-wall vacuum insulation (especially beer); there are no plastic parts; the durability is peerless; and the swing lock cap provides a leak-proof seal that also helps to keep the fizz in a carbonated drink. Whatever your tipple – beer, soft drink, wine, cold-brew coffee or kombucha – this 950 ml growler has you covered, and cuts out those refill trips.

R595 awesometools.co.za

LK Enamel Size 3 Potjie

It’s durable, portable and it can serve many hungry guests, which makes it a braai essential. We’re fans of the bright red, blue and green enamel colour options; there are other sizes, zes, too.

R1 699 yuppiechef.com chef.com

Camp Master Folding Charcoal Braai

If you want portability and practicality, this nails it. Weighing just under 6 kg, it’s made of stainless steel with a chrome-plated grill. It’s robust, easy to set up and use, and it comes with a one-year warranty and carry bag.

R699 campmaster.co.za

Weber Compact 57 cm

This is arguably the best braai invention ever made. Yes, there are the original half-drums and stacked bricks,

DIY and home-braai creations, but this smart porcelainenamelled design with rust-proof aluminium parts is durable, easy to clean, and offers balanced heat and efficient airflow.

There are fancier options with thermometers and other grid gadgets, but for our money, this has all you need in a braai buddy. The wheels make it easy to move out of the wind or into your favourite corner of your ga garden, and it comes with a 10-year limited warranty. R2 199 weber.co.za

Fireside Fire Pit & Braai

This smart little braai unit is a two-for-one winner:

You get a good-looking, portable barbecue tool and a decent fire pit for outdoor catch-up time with friends and family.

R1 999 Outdoor Warehouse

Weber Gourmet BBQ System Pizza Stone

Purists might say that a pizza doesn’t belong on a braai, but they’re wrong. Not only are pizzas a culinary marvel, they’re also fun to make, especially if you have a bunch of friends or family building their own.

Best of all, you don’t need to build a fancy oven, just get this pizza stone – it works with any kettle braai. Or, if you’re more serious about your pizza-making skills, check out this attachment: the Kettle Caddy Charcoal Braai Pizza Oven Extension ( R2 699 yuppiechef.com). R869 (pizza stone) weber.co.za

Cadac Citi Chef 40

This little champion is the king of portable gas braais s – fantastically easy to use on a tabletop anywhere, including the balcony of your flat. It offers a surprising amount of even heat with precise temperature control, a decent amount of cooking space (38 cm), and it’s compatible with both butane and propane. It has a handy thermometer too, and is dead-easy to clean. Even the gas haters will have to agree that it’s pretty neat.

R3 649 fruugo.co.za

Garcima La Ideal Enamelled Paella Pan

Few things can beat a great paella on flavour. And while this pan is a relatively hefty cash investment, the build quality and range of cooking adventures it offers makes it worthwhile. Fry up the ultimate tapas for guests at home, frittatas for the morning after, or unforgettable seafood paellas on a gas or charcoal braai. The best part? The thick, double-enamel coating allows for that epic, crispy, salty rice layer at the bottom of the paella to develop (it’s called socarrat) but without requiring you to clean for hours after. R949 yuppiechef.com

Tentco Deluxe Director’s Chair

When you braai, it’s mandatory to have a portable, durable and comfortable chair to flop down into every now and then. There are simpler, cheaper options like the DC-3, but we dig this heavy-duty fresh-air armchair with a folding side table. (It can hold up to 180 kg.) R640 tentco.co.za