Summer in the country means longer days, warm evenings and, of course, more time around the fire.  

Whether you’re hosting a Saturday braai on the stoep in Cape Town, having friends over for a backyard gathering in Johannesburg, or packing the car for a weekend away, the right braai tools can make cooking easier and more enjoyable. 

You don’t need a cupboard full of gadgets. A few well-chosen, durable accessories can cover almost everything from preparing the fire to cooking, serving and cleaning up. 

Here are some of the best braai tools and accessories to consider this summer. 

A good pair of braai tongs

A sturdy pair of long-handled tongs is arguably the most important tool at the fire. Look for tongs that offer a firm grip and enough length to keep your hands comfortably away from the heat. 

Longer tongs are particularly useful when you’re working over a large wood fire. Some experienced braai masters recommend keeping separate tongs for handling food and working with the fire. 

Quality braai grid

Your grid is where the magic happens. A good-quality grid should be sturdy, easy to handle and capable of withstanding repeated exposure to high heat. 

A hinged grid is especially useful for cooking boerewors, chicken, fish or braaibroodjies because you can turn several pieces at once. An adjustable-height grid is another worthwhile upgrade because it allows you to control how close the food sits to the coals. 

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Braai tool set

If you’re starting from scratch, a three- or five-piece stainless-steel set can give you the basics in one purchase. 

A useful set should ideally include tongs, a turner or spatula and a fork. Some larger kits add items such as skewers, a basting brush and other utensils. 

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Heat-resistant braai gloves

A good pair of heat-resistant gloves is useful when you’re handling hot grids, moving equipment or working close to the coals. Leather and heat-resistant fabric options are some of the widely available ones in the country.  

Look for gloves that cover enough of your wrist and give you a secure grip rather than choosing purely on appearance. 

Reliable firelighter

Every braai starts with the fire, so having a dependable way to get the coals or wood going is essential. 

Keep suitable firelighters and a long-reach lighter in your braai kit. Avoid using petrol or other dangerous accelerants to start a fire. 

For a summer braai, especially when you’re cooking outdoors or camping, it’s also worth checking local fire restrictions and the rules of the venue before lighting up. 

The best braai setup doesn’t necessarily have the most gadgets. Start with good essential tools.

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