The Art
of Braai
Discover the authentic South African wood-fired cooking ritual.
Scroll to exploreWhat is a South African Braai?
A South African Braai is a social gathering centered on cooking food over an open fire or hot coals. Similar to a barbecue, but with its own traditions and culture.
People often grill boerewors (a seasoned sausage), steak, lamb chops, chicken, or fish, and serve them with sides such as pap (maize porridge), salads, and chakalaka.
Friends and family gather around the fire, and the person tending it; the Braai Master, usually takes charge of the cooking.
“Braai” is Afrikaans for “grill” or “barbecue,” and in South Africa it refers as much to the gathering as to the food.
In Europe, the word is also used to describe a wood-fired barbecue. But Braai is not a brand name; it refers to a style of cooking and the culture around it.
Unlike the quick convenience of gas or charcoal cooking, a wood-fired Braai invites people to be present from the beginning: watching the wood catch, hearing it crackle, and feeling the heat build.
Time spent waiting becomes time spent connecting.
How It Works
Making of the perfect Braai embers - the full process
The barbecue Braai is built around a central element called a “ember maker”. Your Braai afternoon or evening begins by lighting a fire in this ember maker. Once the logs are burning well, the embers will begin to fall onto the surface below the ember maker and allow for old-fashioned cooking of food without direct contact with the flames.
Light
Select dry hardwood, put a few logs upright in the ember maker and light them. The ember maker has bars at the bottom to keep the logs in place and let the charcoal escape.
Ember Making
With the sliding embermaker, allow about 30 minutes for wood to burn down into a steady bed of glowing coals.
Cooking
Once the embers have fallen and depending on how much heat you need, shift the glowing embers left or right, placing them under the grill or oven in the Braai, to concentrate or spread warmth.
Consistent radiant heat, not open flame, is what makes the Braai extraordinary.
Direct & indirect heat
You can also leave the embers beneath the ember maker; the central fire will heat the surrounding firebox enough for slow-cooking. Because the ember maker circulates heat, food gets both direct and even indirect heat without contacting the flames, reducing the risk of burnt outsides and undercooked insides.
Explore the Range
Hand-fabricated in structural steel. Designed to patina beautifully with every fire lit.
A true symbol of conviviality, the Braai is so much more than just a barbecue. Thanks to its unique design and optimised flue, it provides controlled wood-fired cooking with less smoke and more consistent heat. Grill meat, fish, vegetables or stews, and enjoy classic grilled dishes all year round.
Freestanding vs. Built-in
Two philosophies. One fire. Choose the installation that fits your outdoor space and lifestyle.
Freestanding
- FS1200 / FS1200C with or without a storage base
- Suitable for open-air or covered settings
- Choose the chimney to match the installation
- Available in Corten Steel and Black coated steel
Built-in
- BI1200 / BI1200C for permanent integration
- Available in Corten Steel and Black coated steel
- Clean, architectural installation
- LM30 can advise on project requirements
Build Your Own Setup
Need a size beyond 120 cm? LM30 can shape a Braai around your space, installation, and project.
Discuss your projectFree Delivery from €125* · 2-Year Manufacturer's Warranty