Archive for May, 2012

A relatively new version of the barbecue, the kettle braai was first introduced in 1951 and variations on the original design have since been widely adopted by manufacturers all around the world. Today it remains one of the most popular forms of griller available. In its simplest form, the device consists of a lid, a grid on which the food is placed, a second grid to support the charcoal and a lower vessel with legs and a series of vents to control the temperature of the fire.

Modern versions of the kettle braai are often powered by liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and are thus a lot easier to clean but a great many South Africans still prefer the distinctive flavour that can only be achieved when their meat is grilled over hot coals. These versatile outdoor grillers come in a variety of sizes with the smaller models being ideal for use where space may be limited. In addition, the portability of the small units means that it’s a simple matter to pack them into the family car for picnics.

Cadac offers kettle braais both for charcoal and gas grilling has even developed a hybrid model that successfully combines the benefit of both. Wheels make it a simple matter to move these units from place to place and the tripod design means that you can be certain that they will always remain stable and safe even on those less even surfaces.

All Cadac grillers are supported by a wide range of useful accessories that serve to extend their cooking possibilities considerably and the company’s various kettle braais are certainly no exception.

A Griller with Many Benefits

When compared with the traditional open style of barbecue, it is the lid that leads to most of the advantages associated with the closed type of griller. For a start, the act of confining the heat allows it to build up and to be reflected by the lid, which, in turn, results in a more even cooking process as well as much shorter cooking times.

Among the other benefits of kettle braais, is one that the purists will probably insist is the most important of all. With the lid closed, the food is now exposed to the smoke that, in turn, imparts the unique flavour that is just so distinctive of our legendary South African outdoor lifestyle. If, however, smoky food is not really your scene then, of course, you can still grill your steak and chops with the lid off if you really want to.

Another feature of the kettle braai that many will find of benefit is the way it can used to cook larger joints. A whole chicken or duck, a beef or lamb roast or even a kingklip, will cook perfectly with the lid in place. Once you have adjusted the vents to provide just enough heat these should need very little attention until you’re ready to eat. Foil wrap some mielies or vegies to complete the meal and, in no time, you and your family can be dining like royalty whether in the garden or the bush.

Cadac supplies top quality equipment for both patio dwellers and campers. Whether you prefer gas, charcoal or the best of both, there’s a kettle braai that’s perfect for you.

Camping equipment is as much a part of life in South Africa as pot roast and biltong. The sunshine and fresh air act as magnets that regularly draw people from their offices and armchairs into the alternative world of outdoor-living and fun. For some, that may simply mean enjoying an alfresco meal around the family swimming pool, while to those who are a little more adventurous, it could involve a great trek into the bushveld, albeit in an RUV rather than an ox-wagon.

The range of camping equipment that is available today has grown tremendously since the time of 2-man bivouacs, groundsheets, paraffin stoves and assorted billy cans. While these are still to be found on the shelves, they have since been joined by a collection of far more sophisticated products that are allowing their users to enjoy all the pleasures of the great outdoors while still retaining the benefits of cooking and other facilities that are a good deal closer to the customary comforts of home.

Today’s camping equipment features items such as comfortable seating, lamps, cooler bags and even gas-fired refrigerators. Getting back to nature is one thing but warm beer is more than any red-blooded South African camper could be expected to endure. It gets cold in the bush some nights too, and for these, occasions, the manufacturers have come up with a range of portable gas heaters or the more robust lantern-style heaters that are just perfect for use in the garden.

For all gas-operated domestic and camping equipment, the name of Cadac has been a trusted brand in South Africa for more than 60 years. Its iconic blue cylinders are a part of the country’s lifestyle and as common a sight in the gardens of Gauteng as Bougainvillea, Strelitzia and Agapanthus.

The Undisputed Leaders in Braai Products

Rump steak, lamb chops, skilpadjies boerewors; who hasn’t found that each of these delicacies becomes even more of a treat when prepared, in the open, on a charcoal or gas barbecue? Furthermore, with a quality unit from the Cadac camping equipment range, the task becomes simpler and quicker and the finished meal, even more succulent.

Among the many braais in the extensive Cadac catalogue are the patio range, the charcoal range, the chef range and the camping and adventure ranges. While many tend to prefer the cleanliness of cooking with gas, there are still plenty who swear by charcoal and there are compact units of both types that are just perfect for the game park or wilderness trail.

Perhaps the most versatile piece of camping equipment from this company is its “Leisure Chef”. The fully-portable unit comes with a range of interchangeable tops that allows it to handle just about anything you may wish to cook. With non-stick surfaces, cleaning up is a simple matter even with the limited facilities that are often encountered at campsites. A piezoelectric lighter means that you won’t be fumbling for matches or eating cold food if your Bic disposable is ready for disposal.

It is convenient to own cooking equipment that uses Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) as cylinders are refillable and there are service facilities everywhere. The huge range of accessories is the cherry on top that has made Cadac a household name in camping equipment.

A gas barbeque is great way to get the things started with all your family friends over for the evening. As South Africans we like to have everyone over during big sports events and special occasions where the braai meat gets covered in marinade and shoved into empty space that’s available amidst everything that is piled into the fridge.

Potato salads, bean salads, biltong salads, garlic bread and fresh crispy rolls are always a common site on any table at such occasions and there is always plenty good company to go around. It’s also not uncommon to see how rival supporters always tend to come out of the woodworks during extremely tense games.

How About Doing Some Cooking on a Gas Barbeque

Ideally you want to be able to cook quickly when people get hungry and when you are using coal or wood, you often end up having to spend time getting the fire ready. You also have to time the fire so that the food gets cooked as everyone starts getting hungry.

If you need to whip up a few appetisers during half time, you can do it without worrying about the fire being ready. Then everyone has something to snack on while they talk about the game at half time. The whole idea of a using gas in South Africa is that you have the convenience of being able to cook quickly.

There are Plenty Braai Products Using Gas in South Africa

Many South Africans still prefer to cook there meat over wood and coal fires because they prefer the taste, but it can get frustrating when you have to wait until the fire is ready. Until then, people tend to drink a lot more and the party tends to get a bit rowdy. At least if you feed them at regular intervals you can manage the sobriety levels and have a relatively peaceful evening.

If you plan to do cook a variety of meals you can add on extra pieces that allow you to cook full chickens on the side of the braai while you have the steaks and chops going on the grill. If you are in the mood for something a little bigger, you can buy a rotisserie big enough to handle a leg of lamb or an eisbein for example.

Specialised accessories that help catch all the juices and oils that run off the meat. Depending on how you collect it, you might be able to use that later on in gravy or a basting. Otherwise it’s just a great way to get rid of all those excess fats to leave your meat a whole lot leaner and healthier for you.

You can cook anything from seafood paella to a full continental breakfast on them with the right attachments. If you really feel like spoiling your kids you can even make them pizza all the way out in the bush and they won’t find anything cooler than that.

If you get it mobile, you can take a piece of home wherever you go when you take your gas barbeque with you on your next holiday.