Products Explained

Everything you need to know about setting up, using and looking after your Home Fires braai. If you are ever unsure, our team is on hand to advise — when in doubt, source it out.

Installing your freestanding braai

Your braai is a substantial, heavy unit, so set aside some time and a few willing hands. The basic steps for a freestanding braai that vents through a metal, fibreglass, steel, timber or plastic roof are:

  1. Unpack your new braai.
  2. Mark and cut the roof opening.
  3. Position the stand.
  4. Add a fireboard if needed.
  5. Place the body on the stand.
  6. Run the flue up through the roof.
  7. Fit the flashing and cowl.
  8. Stand back and enjoy!

Safety first: these units are very heavy and need a few people to move them. Wear protective gloves and sturdy footwear when unpacking and installing. Always get professional advice and support when working at roof level — never attempt it alone.

Fitting the flue flashing

Flashing keeps your roof watertight where the flue passes through. In a few easy steps:

  1. Mark and cut the roof opening.
  2. Pass the flue up through the roof.
  3. Use the flue as a stencil to mark the flashing.
  4. Cut about 2 cm inside the marked line.
  5. Pull the flashing over the flue.
  6. Seal with the silicone supplied.
  7. Fix with the screws supplied, then add the cowl.

The right flashing depends on your roof. For a steel or corrugated-iron roof, run the flue through and seal on the outside with our Dektite rubber flashing and silicone kit. For a timber or other combustible roof, use an insulated flue set (it includes a start-off adaptor and an insulated flue with a 350 mm external diameter, ideal for the Super Deluxe range). For a tiled roof, use our Saldek aluminium base flashing. These flues and flashings are available in our online shop, but do talk to us first so we can recommend what is right for your setup.

Looking after your braai: rust & corrosion

Too much moisture — especially near the coast — combined with heat is the main cause of corrosion. Mild steel is reactive and can rust if left unprotected, and the high-temperature paint can chip over time, exposing the steel beneath. The good news: corrosion is normal and easily managed, and treating your braai once a year effectively gives you a ‘brand-new’ braai each season.

Stainless steel is the surest protection against corrosion. If you prefer a mild steel unit, a little care goes a long way — and our robust builds last for many years.

Prevention & treatment, step by step

  1. Remove the rust. Use a wire brush, sandpaper or steel wool to scrub away as much rust as possible. Wear gloves and a dust mask.
  2. Clean the braai. Wash with warm, soapy water, rinse and allow to dry completely.
  3. Apply a rust converter. Use a phosphoric-acid-based converter suitable for mild steel — it reacts with the rust and turns it into a stable surface you can paint over. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  4. Repaint. Once the converter has dried, apply a high-temperature paint suitable for braai surfaces, inside and out.
  5. Keep it covered. Store under a pergola, roof or cover wherever possible to shield it from the elements.
  6. Maintain regularly. Clean after use to stop grease building up, and apply a light oil or spray-on rust inhibitor — a wipe of WD-40 or even cooking oil now and then works well.

Ask us about our BBQ refresh kits, available in the online shop.

Avoiding a smoky braai

If you are setting up under a pergola or indoors, a few factors decide whether smoke clears properly or lingers. Speak to one of our advisors if you are unsure about your space.

  • Ventilation. Enclosed spaces, high walls or nearby roofed areas let smoke build up. Choose an open, well-ventilated spot and keep the flue properly installed and maintained.
  • Flue size. The flue must be sized correctly to draw smoke away. Our braais come with the right flue for standard conditions; we can supply extensions or insulated flues if your setup needs them.
  • Wind direction. Wind blowing toward your space can push smoke back in. Position the braai with the prevailing wind in mind.
  • Fuel type. Hardwood and natural lump charcoal produce the least smoke; some briquettes and damper woods (higher moisture content) produce more.
  • Location. Being too close to a wall, building, hill or slope can affect the draw. Give the braai room to breathe.
  • Extractor fan. A flue-top extractor fan can greatly improve smoke extraction. Make sure it suits your flue size and meets local building regulations.

How the ember maker works

Most Home Fires braais include an ember maker — a Home Fires-designed feature that lets you start braaiing within about 15 minutes and gives a continuous supply of embers for the whole cook:

  1. Add kindling with firelighters and light it up.
  2. Keep adding good, dry wood.
  3. Watch the embers drop, then spread them under the grid.

Still have questions? Our team is always happy to help you choose, install and look after your braai. Get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.