Gas braai are what our outdoor lifestyle is built around. They are the focal point of any outdoor gathering where food is being cooked and enjoyed. They have become part of a ritual – whether it is the family braai on a Sunday or the sports match on a Saturday.  They come in all shapes and sizes and have been developed to be at home in the bush or on the patio. One of the best known suppliers of gas braai is CADAC. CADAC has become synonymous with the South African outdoor lifestyle. The iconic blue cylinder has been around for over 60 years, and generation after generation value its versatility and durability as it heats up Skottels and lights up lanterns in camp sites.

Easy Maintenance Of A Stainless Steel Barbecue

The enjoyment of the out of doors is based on many things, the company of friends and family, a hot summer’s day in the fresh air and perhaps most of all the smell of the meal cooking on the braai and the anticipation of the fun that a South African summer can provide. For those families that have a stainless steel barbecue the preparation for the first day out is easier than ever. The new models feature weather proof handles and stands which makes these models ideal for outdoor use. Although these barbecues are weather resistant some care should be taken to ensure that they continue to give good and faithful service for many years.

The stainless steel barbecue requires cleaning after each use, as do all types of barbecue. The build up of burned fat and other contaminants can damage the surface of the barbecue, as can prolonged exposure to rain and moisture which can cause deterioration and rust damage at the welding points, as well as where handles and other attachments are found on the stainless steel barbecue. For this reason it is important that you keep yours dry and stored properly. If the barbecue does become wet then a quick wipe down with an absorbent cloth will ensure that it remains rust free with the help of a common household detergent. If the cooking surface becomes contaminated with grease and burned on fat then a wire brush can be used for cleaning purposes.

Id the stainless steel barbecue is used in coastal areas then special care must be taken to ensure that it is stored in a dry area. The effect of salt laden air, combined with moisture will cause rust to form on even the best constructed of these barbecues. An old fold remedy might help keep the stainless steel barbecue free from rust. Using a can of lubricant such as Q20 lightly spray the exposed portions of the braai, this should form a barrier that is impervious to moisture. Make sure that you do not get the lubricant on the cooking surfaces as this can affect the taste of food and can present a health hazard. If you choose to treat your stainless steel braai like this remember that the surface will become extremely slippery so take care when you move it from place to place.

Stainless steel barbecues are available in both gas and traditional wood and briquette burning models. The ones powered by gas also requires care to ensure that the surfaces are not affected by adverse weather conditions. Extra care needs to be taken with built in stainless steel barbecues that are used at the coast as they cannot be stored to avoid the damage caused by salt laden air. If you are not present at a holiday home then instruct the garden service or caretaker to wipe down and dry the stainless steel barbecue on a regular basis.

With proper care this barbecue will give many years of reliable service, however the harsh weather conditions that are found in many areas of the country can cause a deterioration of the finishes of the even the most robustly manufactured stainless steel barbecue. Cleaning and wiping down of the barbecue as well as proper storage will delay, if not eliminate, the effects of the weather.

When purchasing a stainless steel barbecue make sure that it has been manufactured by a recognised name such as Cadac. This is not only your guarantee that the barbecue has been specifically designed for South African conditions, but that it has been manufactured by a trustworthy, household name, synonymous with braaing in our beautiful country.