The Braai Equipment
Essential Gear for Braaiing Anywhere
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Ah, the joys of being in the bush, where the only thing more tantalizing than the view is the smell of meat roasting on the braai! Can you picture this?: you’re out in the wild, and your nostrils are filled with that mouth-watering aroma of meat roasting on an open fire. Now, you don’t need a lot of fancy gear to get your braai on. In the worst (or best, depending on your sense of adventure) case scenario, you could just sharpen a stick and hang your meat over the flames. But let’s be real, sometimes you want a bit more than caveman chic. So, I’ve got a few trusty items I always bring along for those times when I don’t feel like going full-on rustic. Not that it doesn’t happen, mind you.
First things first, a word of caution. Always be a responsible fire-maker. There are rules, people, and it’s best to know them before you light up (the fire, I mean). Remember, you’re probably a guest on someone else’s turf, which we call a campsite. For a comprehensive list of fire-making dos and don’ts, check out this post. But here are the basics: always have a way to control your fire. Use a fire pit, braai, or designated area provided by the campsite. Make sure there’s no dry grass around, and never, ever leave your fire unattended. Always have something handy to put out the fire when you’re done or if a rogue spark decides to go on an adventure of its own.
Now, a quick disclaimer: the products I mention are ones I personally use and love. No sponsorships here, just good old-fashioned recommendations.
With that out of the way, let’s get to the fun part—cooking!
Hinged grid stand
Alright, fellow adventurers and braai enthusiasts, gather ’round! Let me introduce you to the ultimate game-changer for your next outdoor feast: the Hinged Grid Stand. This little marvel is compact, study and a must have for cooking meat on an open fire.
Picture this: you’ve got your coals glowing like the African sunset, and you just plop this stand right in there. It’s got four slots (yes, four!) to house your braai grid(s). Want to crank up the heat? Move it lower. Need to cool things down? Pop it higher. It’s like having a personal braai butler at your service.
But wait, there’s more! This stand is perfect for a multi-storey braai extravaganza. Imagine two grids stacked like a delicious meaty skyscraper. The bottom grid is for your juicy steaks, and the top one is for those heavenly braaibroodjies. The bread gets toasty, the cheese melts to perfection, and you look like a braai genius.
And the cherry on top? This gadget fits snugly inside your folding braai grid for easy transport. No more forgetting it at home (unless you forget the grid as well)! Plus, it’s compact – just 40cm x 30cm x 1.5cm.
So, next time you’re planning a braai, don’t leave home without your Hinged Grid Stand. Your taste buds will thank you, and your friends will be in awe of your braai skills!
Large folding grid
Let’s talk about the second must-have item for your grilling adventures: the large folding meat grid, or as we fondly call it, “die groot toe klap rooster.” This bad boy is a game-changer and, bonus, it won’t break the bank!
Now, we South Africans love to braai, right? Sure, you could use a flat grill and channel your inner braai master by flipping each piece of meat with tongs. But why make life harder? Enter the folding grid. This genius contraption slides into or perches on top of your grid stand, depending on how much heat you’re after. It folds over your meat, keeping everything snug and secure (as long as the pieces are roughly the same thickness). Flip them all at once and voilà – perfectly cooked meat on both sides!
Here’s a pro tip: stick to meat of similar thickness. Mixing chicken drumsticks with 1cm minute steaks might lead to a braai disaster, with your precious steaks slipping out and becoming a sacrifice to the braai gods. Nobody wants that (except maybe the braai gods, of course)!
And when it’s time to pack up, you can get a nifty canvas cover to keep things clean. Measuring 43cm x 33cm, your braai stand fits perfectly in it for easy transport.
So, next time you’re gearing up for a braai, don’t forget your “groot toe klap rooster.” Your meat (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Small folding grid
Lastly, braai lovers, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance of any South African braai: “die braaibroodjie”. This brings us to the third gem in our braaiing arsenal – the small folding grid.
Picture this: you’re trying to flip your braaibroodjie on the “rooster” with a spatula, and all the delicious toppings spill out. Frustrating, right? Enter the small folding grid. For our family of four, we use a nifty little grid measuring 25cm x 25cm. It’s the perfect size for grilling four braaibroodjies at once.
We place this grid above the meat grid, letting the meat break the direct heat. This avoids those dreaded scorch marks – a must if you’ve got an 8-year-old who won’t touch anything that looks even slightly burnt. Plus, having it above the meat adds a little extra flavor to your broodjies.
And on that high note, where the braaibroodjies are literally higher than the meat, we’ll wrap this up. Don’t forget to check out my braai bag essentials in this. Happy braaiing!
Should you like to know more about it feel free to ask a question or to give your input in the forum post!
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