The Ultimate Guide to Gas Braais: Your Questions Answered

Chad-O-Chef braais can be configured for either LPG (bottled gas) or Natural Gas (mains gas). It is vital to specify your gas type when ordering, as the units are calibrated differently for each. LPG is standard for most households using cylinders, while Natural Gas is typically available in specific South African suburbs with piped infrastructure (like Egoli Gas).

Our braais are engineered for maximum efficiency. On average, a standard Chad-O-Chef gas braai consumes between 0.5kg and 1kg of gas per hour. Because gas provides instant, intense heat compared to traditional fuels, the total cooking time is significantly reduced, making the overall fuel consumption much lower per meal.

Yes. Correct care is vital to maintaining the rust-resistant nature of stainless steel. This material has a “passive layer” that repairs itself when kept clean and exposed to oxygen. To ensure longevity, you should clean your braai after each use to prevent carbonized grease buildup. For detailed instructions, read our Care & Maintenance Guide for Stainless Steel.
Additionally an anual service from a registered gas installer is reccomended.

Yes, but only if the unit is equipped with a Flame Failure Device, which is a mandatory safety feature for indoor use. Our Hob Grill range is specifically designed for indoor installations when paired with an effective extraction system. Braais without this device are intended for outdoor use or patios with at least one permanently open side.

If you are installing your braai indoors or in a fully enclosed patio, an extraction system or chimney is mandatory. This ensures that smoke, heat, and cooking vapours are safely removed from your home. For outdoor or open-sided patio installations, natural ventilation is often sufficient, but a flue is still recommended to direct heat away from the ceiling or roof structure.
The extraction system may also be used in instances where a standard chimney is not possible.

When investing in a high-end braai, look for these four markers of quality:

1. Material Grade: Ensure the body is made of 316-grade stainless steel if you are in a coastal area.
2. Versatility: Look for a braai that has modular accessories available for future upgrades.
3. Safety: Confirm the unit carries the LPGSA Safe Appliance mark.
4. Heat Control: High-quality burners should provide even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface.
5. Spares Availability: You will want to know that spares are available in the long term, especially if you are investing in a luxury built in braai.

The best outdoor braai is determined by your environment. If you live within 20km of the ocean, 316-grade stainless steel is non-negotiable to prevent corrosion. For inland homes, 304 and 430-grade offers excellent durability. You should also consider whether a Freestanding model (for flexibility) or a Built-in model (for a seamless outdoor kitchen look) best fits your lifestyle.

Chad-O-Chef is proud to offer some of the highest-rated luxury braais in the country, known for their durability and “Braai Life” convenience. Our flagship models include:

• The Sizzler Range: A versatile, high-output favourite for built-in or freestanding setups.
• The Hob Grill: The gold standard for indoor, seamless kitchen integration.
• The Hybrid Braai: Our most innovative model, featuring the Ember Drawer for those who refuse to choose between gas convenience and wood-fired flavour.

This is the most common concern for traditional braai enthusiasts. The truth is that “smoke flavour” comes from the vaporization of fats and juices when they hit a hot surface (like a burner or flame tamer).

• A high-quality gas braai provides a consistent sear that locks in moisture. For those who still crave that deep, smoky aroma, our Hybrid Braai range with the Ember Drawer allows you to use a few pieces of wood alongside the gas, giving you the traditional flavour with the convenience of modern temperature control.

Choosing the right size is a balance between space and entertaining needs.

• 3-Burner: Ideal for a family of 2–4 people and great for smaller patios.
• 4-Burner: The most popular “all-rounder” for families who enjoy hosting up to 8 guests.
• 5-Burner & Larger: Best for serious entertainers or those who want dedicated zones for “indirect cooking” (roasting) alongside direct grilling.

Safety and compliance are high priorities for homeowners and insurance companies.

• According to SANS 10087-1, gas cylinders must be stored in a well-ventilated area. If you are using a cylinder larger than 9kg, it must be stored outdoors. There are also specific “clearance distances” from windows, doors, and drains that must be maintained. We always recommend consulting a registered gas practitioner to ensure your installation is fully compliant for your COC (Certificate of Conformity)

Users often don’t realize the versatility of a high-end gas unit.

• A Chad-O-Chef braai functions like a high-performance outdoor oven when the dome is closed. By using indirect heat (turning on the outer burners and leaving the middle ones off), you can perfectly roast a whole chicken, bake bread, or even slow-cook a leg of lamb. Adding a rotisserie accessory further expands your cooking repertoire.

This is a common “troubleshooting” question that shows you care about after-sales support.

• A healthy gas flame should be blue with a small yellow tip. A completely yellow or “lazy” flame usually indicates a lack of oxygen or a blockage (like a spider web or dust) in the burner venturi. A quick clean or a professional service usually restores the correct air-to-gas ratio, ensuring your braai operates at peak efficiency.