How to Choose the Right Braai Grill (Built-In vs Freestanding)

Thinking about buying a braai grill for your outdoor space? Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or new to South African-style cooking, choosing the right braai is essential.

At Hornos BBQ, we specialise in authentic braai grills tailored for the Australian lifestyle. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about built-in vs freestanding braais so you can make the right call for your home, your cooking style, and your space.

What Is a Braai Grill?

A braai is a South African wood- or charcoal-fired grill, known for its robust construction and deep flavour. Unlike gas BBQs, a braai is all about slow-cooked, wood-fired intensity and gathering around the fire.

If you want to replicate the real taste of South African braai in Australia, you’ll want to invest in a proper braai grill — either built-in or freestanding.

Option 1: Built-In Braai Grills

A built-in braai is permanently installed into a masonry structure — often as part of an outdoor kitchen or brickwork setup.

Pros:

• Custom look – integrates seamlessly into patios or alfresco spaces
• High-end aesthetic – elevates your outdoor entertaining area
• Stability – permanent, safe, and durable
• Value – can increase your property’s resale value

Considerations:

• Requires construction work or a ready-made brick enclosure
• Not portable — once installed, it’s fixed
• Higher upfront cost (including install)

Best For:

• Homeowners with a long-term outdoor entertaining space
• Builders or renovators wanting to create a feature area
• Customers after a premium, permanent setup

Popular choice: Built-In 1200mm Braai →

Option 2: Freestanding Braai Grills

Freestanding braais are standalone units — usually heavy-duty steel — designed to sit on a patio or backyard space with minimal setup.

Pros:

• Portability – can be moved around if needed
• Faster to set up – no brickwork or installation required
• More affordable – lower cost than built-in options
• Great for renters – take it with you when you move

Considerations:

• Needs level space or paving
• May not look as integrated as a built-in model

Best For:

• Renters or short-term homeowners
• Customers wanting flexibility
• Lower budgets or smaller outdoor spaces

Popular choice: Freestanding 1200mm Braai →

Built-In vs Freestanding: Quick Comparison

Feature	Built-In Braai	Freestanding Braai
Setup	Permanent	Portable
Installation	Brickwork required	Place & use
Aesthetic	High-end, custom	Rugged, standalone
Mobility	Fixed	Movable
Cost	Higher	More budget-friendly
Ideal For	Homeowners, renovators	Renters, casual users

Still Not Sure Which to Choose?

Ask yourself:

• Do I own or rent my property?
• Am I planning a backyard renovation or outdoor kitchen?
• Do I need the option to move my braai?
• What’s my budget?

If you’re still unsure, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help you choose the right model based on your needs and space.

Braai Customization Options

Both types of braais can come with:

• Roof flues or chimneys for smoke control
• Ash drawers for easy cleaning
• Side prep shelves or storage
• Heavy-duty grates and ember trays

At Hornos Barbeques, our braais are built tough using premium-grade materials designed for the Australian climate.

Ready to Buy a Braai Grill?

Explore our collection of Braais:

• Built-In Braais
• Freestanding Braais

Each model is crafted for authentic wood-fired braai cooking — perfect for bringing the flavours of South Africa to your Aussie backyard.

More Braai Guides:

• Braai 101: What Is a Braai & Why Aussies Love It →
• Coming Soon: How to Maintain and Clean Your Braai Grill

If you’re new to the world of braai, you’re in for a smoky, flavour-packed adventure. While Australians love their BBQs, the South African braai is more than just a cooking method — it’s a cultural event, a gathering, and a tradition.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• What exactly is a braai?
• The cultural significance of braai in South Africa
• How it differs from the classic Australian BBQ
• Why braai culture is catching on in Australia

What Is a Braai?

The word braai (pronounced “bry”) comes from the Afrikaans word for “grill” or “roast.” At its core, a braai is an open-flame wood or charcoal barbecue, often built into a fixed masonry unit or housed in a freestanding steel grill.

But here’s what makes it different: The braai is an event — not just a meal. It’s a social experience that centres around the fire itself. Guests often gather around the flames, drink in hand, long before the food hits the grill.

In fact, in South Africa, there’s even a national holiday dedicated to it: Braai Day, also known as Heritage Day (September 24th), where millions fire up their braais to celebrate culture and unity.

The Cultural Roots of Braai in South Africa

In South Africa, a braai is sacred. It brings together friends, families, neighbours, and even strangers. It’s not uncommon for conversations, laughter, and storytelling to continue well after the meat has been devoured.

Key elements of the traditional braai:

• Wood fire preferred over gas for flavour and authenticity
• Hardwood like camelthorn or kameeldoring for long-lasting embers
• Multiple meat types: boerewors, steak, lamb chops, chicken thighs, sosaties
• Pap and chakalaka (a maize porridge with spicy relish) on the side
• No one touches the braai except the braaimaster — it’s a badge of honour!

Braai vs Australian BBQ: What’s the Difference?

Australia has one of the strongest barbecue cultures in the world — but there are a few key differences between the Aussie BBQ and the South African braai:

Element	Aussie BBQ	South African Braai
Fuel	Mostly gas	Mostly wood or charcoal
Setup	Portable gas BBQs	Built-in or freestanding wood-fire grills
Style	Quick grill and serve	Slow, social, fire-focused
Food focus	Snags, prawns, burgers	Boerewors, lamb chops, sosaties
Cultural role	Social but casual	Deeply cultural and ceremonial

In short, where a BBQ is often the means to an end (the food), a braai is the entire journey — from lighting the fire to the last glass of red wine.

Why Braai Culture Is Growing in Australia

With more South African expats settling in Australia, the love of braai has spread. And it’s not just the South African community getting into it — Aussies are loving the smoky, wood-fired flavour and the laid-back experience of braai entertaining.

At Hornos BBQ, we’ve seen demand grow for:

• Authentic built-in braais for outdoor kitchens
• Freestanding braais for more flexible setups
• Heavy-duty steel units with wood or charcoal capabilities

Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a full-on celebration, a braai makes it memorable.

Want to Start Braaing in Australia?

Explore our full range of authentic South African braai grills — designed for Aussie backyards and built to last.

Need help choosing? Check out our Braai Buying Guide → (Coming Soon)

Stay Tuned for More

Coming soon:

• How to Choose the Right Braai Grill (Built-in vs Freestanding)
• Top 5 Braai Recipes for Your Next Backyard Party
• Braai Maintenance Tips & Cleaning Guide