A gas braai gives you instant, controllable heat, which makes it the easiest way to braai on a weeknight, in a complex or when time is short. To choose one, decide how many people you cook for (that sets the number of burners), whether you want a lid for roasting, and whether you’ll mostly grill on a grid or cook on a flat griddle plate.
Types of gas braai
Patio or trolley gas braai
The most common type: a cooking box with two to six burners on a trolley with wheels, side shelves and space underneath to keep the cylinder. Most have a lid with a thermometer, and some add a side burner for a pot or sauce. Best for: homes that braai regularly and want an outdoor kitchen feel.
Table-top and portable gas braai
Compact one- or two-burner units that sit on a table or fold up for travel. Many run off a smaller cylinder or a cartridge. Best for: small balconies, camping, caravanning, and as a second braai.
Gas skottel and plate cookers
A skottel is a shallow, wok-like pan over a single gas burner, ideal for breakfasts, stir-fries and boerewors rolls on the go. See our skottel braai guide.
Built-in gas braai
A gas braai unit built into a masonry counter or braai room, often connected to a fixed gas supply. A fixed gas installation must be done by a registered gas installer, who issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Get quotes from registered gas installers.
Gas braai types compared
| Type | Burners | Lid | Cylinder | Price band | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patio / trolley | 2–6 | Yes | Standard cylinder in the trolley | Entry-level to premium | Regular home braais |
| Table-top / portable | 1–2 | Usually | Small cylinder or cartridge | Entry to mid-range | Balconies, travel |
| Skottel | 1 | No | Small to medium cylinder | Entry to mid-range | Camping, breakfasts |
| Built-in | 3+ | Yes | Fixed supply or cylinder | Mid-range to premium | Braai rooms, outdoor kitchens |
What to look for
Number of burners
More burners means more cooking space and, importantly, more control. With three or more burners you can run one side hot and leave another off for indirect cooking, which is how a gas braai roasts a chicken or a leg of lamb.
- One to two burners: couples and small families.
- Three to four burners: most families and regular entertainers.
- Five or more: big groups, or people who cook whole meals outside.
Grid, griddle or both
A grid gives flame-grilled marks and lets fat drip away. A griddle plate (flat plate) is better for eggs, onions, seafood and anything that would fall through. Many gas braais let you swap a section of grid for a plate, which is the most versatile setup.
Grid material
Cast-iron grids hold heat and sear well but need oiling. Enamel-coated cast iron resists rust. Stainless steel grids are easy to look after. Thicker rods generally mean better searing.
Lid and thermometer
A lid turns the braai into an outdoor oven: roasts, pizza, even baking. A lid thermometer helps, though it measures the air under the lid rather than the grid itself.
Build quality
Check the firebox and lid thickness, the burner material (stainless steel lasts longer), and how solid the trolley feels. At the coast, stainless steel or well-coated parts resist rust better.
Ignition
Push-button or rotary igniters are standard. It’s still worth knowing how to light each burner with a long match or lighter, in case the igniter fails.
Fat and grease management
A removable drip tray and grease cup make cleaning easier and reduce flare-ups and grease fires.
Spares and service
Choose a brand with local spares for burners, regulators and grids. Brands commonly sold in South Africa include Megamaster, Weber and Cadac, among others. See our Megamaster braai guide and Weber braai guide for how their ranges are organised.
Cylinder and regulator setup
- Use the cylinder size and regulator the manufacturer specifies. Many patio braais are designed around a standard LP gas cylinder kept in the trolley.
- Buy and swap or refill cylinders through reputable gas dealers.
- Make sure the regulator and hose suit your braai and are in good condition. Replace cracked, stiff or perished hoses.
- Keep the cylinder upright, outdoors, and away from heat sources and the braai’s hot surfaces.
Gas braai safety
- Leak test every time you connect a cylinder. Brush soapy water over the cylinder valve, regulator and hose joints with the gas on. Bubbles mean a leak: turn the gas off at the cylinder and fix the connection before lighting.
- Open the lid before lighting. Lighting with the lid closed can trap gas and cause a flash.
- Never use a gas braai indoors or in an enclosed space. Burning gas uses oxygen and produces carbon monoxide.
- Turn the cylinder off at the valve after every braai, not just the burner knobs.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby. Our fire extinguisher guide explains which type suits a home.
- If you smell gas and can’t find the leak, turn off the cylinder, don’t light anything, and have the braai checked.
Buying checklist
- Burner count suits your usual group size
- Lid with thermometer, if you want to roast
- Grid material you’re happy to maintain
- Option to add or swap in a griddle plate
- Solid trolley, stainless burners, removable drip tray
- Correct regulator and hose included or available
- Spares available locally
- Allowed by your body corporate or estate rules
Where to buy
Gas braais are sold at Builders, Makro, Game, Checkers Hyper and other large retailers, on Takealot, at outdoor and camping stores, and at specialist braai and gas shops. Specialist shops are often best for advice on regulators, cylinders and spares.
Care and maintenance
- Burn off residue for a few minutes on high after cooking, then brush the grid.
- Empty and clean the drip tray regularly to prevent grease fires.
- Check burner ports for blockages (spiders and insects like to nest in them).
- Inspect the hose and regulator each season.
- Keep the braai covered when not in use.
FAQ
How many burners does a gas braai need?
For most families, three or four burners is a good balance. It gives enough space for a family meal and lets you cook indirectly by switching off one burner. Couples and balcony braaiers can manage with one or two.
Is a gas braai as good as charcoal?
Gas wins on speed and control; charcoal and wood give more smoky flavour. With a lid and a smoker box of wood chips, a gas braai gets closer. Our gas vs charcoal vs wood comparison goes through it in detail.
Can I use a gas braai on a balcony?
Often, but check your body corporate or estate rules first. Keep it well away from anything flammable, make sure there’s plenty of ventilation, and never use it in an enclosed space.
Do I need a CoC for a gas braai?
A portable gas braai connected to its own cylinder doesn’t need a fixed installation. A fixed gas installation, such as a gas line piped to a built-in braai, must be installed by a registered gas installer, who issues a Certificate of Conformity.
How do I check a gas braai for leaks?
With the burners off and the cylinder valve open, brush soapy water over every joint from the cylinder to the braai. Bubbles mean a leak. Turn off the gas, tighten or replace the part, and test again before lighting.
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