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More South Africans turn to gas braais, here’s why…
There was a time when a “real” braai meant one thing: wood, smoke and patience. You stacked the logs, waited for the coals to settle and hoped the wind was on your side.
Today, the modern braai tells a slightly different story. South African families still gather around the fire. Friends still debate who makes the best marinade. Children still hover near the grill waiting for the first piece of boerewors.
But increasingly, the heat source is cleaner, faster and more controlled. Gas braaiing has stepped confidently into the spotlight – not as a replacement for tradition, but as its evolution. More households are turning to LPG for home use as a smarter, more reliable way of cooking with gas.
Here’s why more households are choosing gas for braai while keeping the authentic braai spirit alive.
1. Instant Heat, Zero Waiting
One of the biggest advantages of gas braaiing is convenience. With the simple turn of a knob and a spark, you have consistent heat in seconds. No stacking wood. No waiting 45 minutes for coals to settle.
For busy households, this matters. The modern braai isn’t only for Saturday afternoons. It’s for weeknight dinners, quick Sunday lunches or spontaneous gatherings when guests arrive unexpectedly.
With a reliable gas cylinder connected to your braai, you can cook when you want to – not when the coals are finally ready. Many South African homes use a 9kg gas cylinder for outdoor cooking because it offers the ideal balance between portability and capacity.
Unlike traditional fires that can flare unpredictably, gas burners provide even heat across the grill surface. That means fewer burnt outsides and raw middles. Your steaks cook evenly. Your chicken browns beautifully. Your boerewors stays juicy.
Convenience doesn’t take away authenticity. It simply removes the waiting.
2. Cleaner Energy, Less Smoke
South Africans love the smell of a braai – but nobody loves excessive smoke drifting into the neighbour’s washing line.
Gas braais produce significantly less smoke than wood or charcoal fires because LPG gas burns cleanly. The flame is controlled, efficient and produces fewer airborne particles.
This has several practical benefits:
- You can braai in smaller garden spaces.
- You can cook under a covered patio more comfortably.
- You avoid thick smoke lingering in your clothes and curtains.
- You reduce soot build-up on walls and ceilings.
It’s also a more environmentally conscious choice. LPG is considered a clean energy source compared to traditional solid fuels. It produces fewer emissions and burns more efficiently, which makes it a responsible option for households wanting a more sustainable home gas supply.
Cleaner doesn’t mean less flavour – it simply means a healthier cooking environment.
3. Precision Cooking = Better Results
The modern braai master is not just a fire builder. He or she is a cook.
Gas braais allow you to control temperature precisely. Most quality gas braais have multiple burners, each adjustable independently. This means you can sear meat on high heat, cook chicken slowly on medium, keep garlic bread warm on low and prepare vegetables on a gentler setting. All at the same time.
This level of control reduces food waste. You’re less likely to overcook expensive cuts of meat. With steady heat from your gas cylinder, you gain the confidence to experiment with seafood, vegetables and even desserts. Yes, desserts – grilled pineapple or stone fruit caramelise beautifully over consistent gas cooking temperatures.
Precision turns braaiing into a refined culinary experience without removing its relaxed social energy.
4. Same Authentic Taste (Yes, Really)
There’s a common misconception that braai cooking with gas means sacrificing flavour.
The truth? The authentic braai taste comes from caramelisation, seasoning and fat hitting heat – not just from smoke. When meat juices drip onto hot surfaces and vaporise, they create flavour-rich aromas that rise back into the food. Modern gas braais are designed to capture and circulate this effect.
Many modern gas braais also allow for the addition of smoking chips or flavour boxes if you want that extra smoky profile.
But for everyday braaiing, the difference is far less dramatic than many expect. In blind tastings, most people struggle to identify whether meat was cooked over charcoal or LPG gas – especially when it’s properly seasoned and rested.
The magic of a braai lies in the people gathered around it, not just the fuel source.
5. Easier Cleaning, Longer Lifespan
Anyone who has scraped out cold ash the morning after a braai knows it’s not glamorous.
Gas braais eliminate ash completely. There are no half-burnt coals to dispose of and no soot to sweep away. Cleaning a gas braai is so much easier and typically involves brushing the grill plates and emptying the drip tray.
Because LPG burns cleanly, there is less residue build-up over time. With proper care and reliable gas refills from a trusted gas supplier in South Africa, your braai setup can last for many years.
Quality gas braais are often made from stainless steel or durable coated materials designed to withstand weather conditions. With proper care and cover protection, they can last for many years.
This makes them a solid long-term investment for families who braai regularly and rely on a dependable home gas supply.
Less mess means more time enjoying the company – and fewer post-braai regrets.
Choosing the Right Gas Braai
If you’re considering upgrading to a gas braai, there are a few practical factors to consider:
- Size: How many people do you usually cook for?
- Burner count: More burners allow better temperature control.
- Material quality: Stainless steel resists rust and lasts longer.
- Portability: Do you want a built-in patio feature or a mobile trolley design?
- Accessories: Side burners, warming racks and thermometers add versatility.
A well-chosen gas braai becomes the centrepiece of your outdoor living space. It’s no longer just a cooking tool – it’s part of the aesthetic of the home.
The Spirit of the Braai Lives On
The modern braai is not about abandoning tradition. It’s about adapting to contemporary life.
South Africans still gather. Stories are still told. Music still plays softly in the background. Children still sneak extra pieces before dinner is officially served.
Using LPG gas for home use simply makes it easier to do what we’ve always done – bring people together around good food. It’s all about clean energy, controlled cooking and reliable results powered by a trusted gas cylinder.
Same laughter. Same connection. Same proudly South African flavour.
The fire may look different, but the heart of the braai remains exactly the same.
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Author: Twaambo Chirwa
(Words: Est. 1026 )
Resources:
https://calore.co.za/why-a-quality-braai-matters/
https://megamaster.co.za/blogs/article/introduction-to-braaiing-on-gas