Cosy Spring Evenings: Gas Fire Pits & Gas Braais for Al Fresco Comfort

Spring in South Africa brings with it a renewed sense of life. The trees are budding, days are warmer and our skies show off that clear brilliance that makes us love this, our part of the world. Yet, as every South African knows, Spring isn’t all sunshine and short sleeves. Evening temperatures tend to drop and the occasional cold front can still sweep through, dropping the temperatures even lower and reminding us that winter hasn’t fully let go. Even in summer, a wet spell can bring damp, chilly nights.

But here’s the thing: our evenings are simply too beautiful to waste indoors. Whether it’s the scent of jasmine drifting on a breeze, the sound of crickets in the garden or the glow of a Johannesburg sunset painting the sky pink and gold, being outdoors is something of a national pastime. Al fresco living is woven into our culture – and with the right outdoor heating, we can enjoy it long after the sun dips.

That’s where gas fire pits and gas braais come into their own. They don’t just chase away the chill or cook our meals; they add atmosphere, character and style to any outdoor space. Let’s explore why they’re such a worthwhile investment, how to choose the best fit for your home and, in the case of a fire pit, even how you could make one yourself.

Gas Fire Pits: Atmosphere with Warmth

Few things are as mesmerising as firelight. The gentle dance of flames is both calming and captivating, bringing people together in a way that few other features can. Gas fire pits take that magic and add convenience.

Unlike traditional wood-burning fires, gas fire pits ignite at the turn of a knob. There’s no smoke to make your clothes smell, no ash, no soot – just clean, steady heat and instant ambience. They’re also versatile:

Tabletop fire pits – compact and perfect for smaller patios or balconies.

Bowl-style fire pits – classic in design and a stunning focal point for gatherings.

Custom-built fire features – designed to suit your outdoor décor, blending into stonework, decking or garden layouts.

South African suppliers like Fire Science and Multifire offer a wide range of beautiful gas fire pits, from sleek contemporary designs to rustic statement pieces. If you’re after inspiration, international round-ups like Family Handyman’s list of best gas fire pits are packed with ideas.

And if you’re handy, you could even try building your own. With a gas cylinder, burner kit and some masonry skills, a DIY gas fire pit becomes an achievable weekend project – one that rewards you with both warmth and bragging rights.

Gas Braais: Cooking & Comfort Combined

If the fire pit sets the mood, the gas braai makes the evening unforgettable. In South Africa, the braai isn’t just about food – it’s about culture, community and tradition. With a gas braai, you can keep all of that, while enjoying modern convenience.

Photo by RDNE Stock project:https://tinyurl.com/bdewu8dk

Gas Braai

Unlike traditional charcoal braais, gas braais heat up instantly, giving you flame-grilled flavour without the long wait. You can control the heat precisely, cooking everything from steaks to delicate vegetables with ease. And when the meal is done, cleaning is far simpler – no ash, no coal dust, just quick wipe-down convenience.

Gas braais also shine when it comes to versatility:

Freestanding gas braais – ideal for larger gardens and patios, perfect for entertaining.
Built-in gas braais – stylish and practical, forming the centrepiece of an outdoor kitchen.
Portable gas braais – compact and convenient, ideal for smaller spaces or weekends away.

Best of all, a gas braai means you’re never at the mercy of factors you cannot control like load-shedding or wet firewood. Whether the lights are on or off or the weather’s turned damp, you’ll know your fire will light instantly when you need it. That means less fuss, more flavour and the peace of mind that your evening of cooking and entertaining will go exactly as planned.

Gas: The Smarter Choice

Why gas? The answer is simple.

Instant heat – no waiting, no set-up hassles.
Portability – move your gas braai, heater or fire pit wherever it suits.
Cleaner burning – LPG burns cleanly, producing fewer emissions than coal-fired electricity or wood smoke.
Reliable – no reliance on the grid, no worries about wet firewood and no running out of extension cords.

For South Africans, where electricity is both expensive and unreliable, gas makes sense. It’s efficient, economical and environmentally kinder – all while keeping us comfortable outdoors.

Extending the Seasons

Investing in a gas fire pit or gas braai doesn’t just solve a springtime problem. It extends your outdoor living year-round. Those fresh Spring nights, unexpected summer storms, autumn chills and even the depths of winter – with the right outdoor gas solutions, your patio, garden or balcony becomes a usable living space whatever the weather.

Think of it as unlocking a new room in your home – one with the best ceiling of all: the South African sky.

Style Meets Function

Outdoor heating is about more than just practicality. It’s about creating spaces you want to linger in. A stylish gas braai or a thoughtfully chosen fire pit becomes a design feature in its own right. It sets the mood, frames the evening and creates a sense of hospitality that makes guests feel welcome.

Whether you’re hosting a braai with friends, enjoying a romantic dinner under the stars or letting the kids toast marshmallows while you unwind, these features make the moment.

A Few Tips for Choosing Your Outdoor Heating

Match the scale – A compact balcony won’t need a large braai, while a large garden might benefit from both a fire pit and a freestanding unit.
Think safety – Always follow manufacturer guidelines for clearances, ventilation and cylinder storage.
Consider portability – Wheels or lightweight designs make moving gas braais easier.
Go for quality – Stainless steel, powder-coated finishes and robust burners will stand the test of time.
Factor in gas supply – Keep your cylinders filled with SimsGas so you’re never caught out mid-evening.

Glow, Gather, Enjoy

South African evenings deserve to be celebrated, not cut short. With gas fire pits and gas braais, you can embrace every season, every cold front and every damp summer night. They combine beauty with practicality, letting you fully enjoy the al fresco lifestyle that makes living here so special.

So as Spring unfolds, don’t head indoors when the air turns cool. Step outside, light the flame and make the most of the magical evenings that are uniquely ours.

At SimsGas, we offer a full range of safe, refillable gas cylinders. Whether you’re new to gas or just need a top-up, we’ve got you covered – from Durban to Johannesburg and beyond.

You can even shop online from the comfort of your home:
🛒 https://simsgas.co.za/shop/

Have questions? Need a service? Reach out any time.
📞 Johannesburg: 011 494 4232
📞 Durban: 031 902 6533
📧 Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za

SimsGas is an authorised @Oryx Energies South Africa distributor
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Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and not a substitute for professional advice. SimsGas urges all consumers to follow safety guidelines and buy gas only from verified suppliers. We are not liable for any harm caused by using gas from unregistered sources. Stay safe – choose sealed, reputable LP gas every time.

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Phone: 0861 746 7427
Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za

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Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za