South Africans have an affinity for entertaining family and friends in outdoor braai areas. Plus, if you’re looking to improve the resale value of your home, creating a striking outdoor braai entertainment area is sure to inspire buyers to choose yours over the competition.

Outdoor appliances such as patio gas braais, heaters and outdoor lights are all great choices for making the most of your outdoor braai area. But there’s a lot more you can consider and do to really improve your outdoor entertainment area. Whether you’re looking for permanent or mobile options, here are our tops tips for turning your home into the place everyone wants to braai.

1. CHOOSE THE BRAAI BEST SUITED TO YOUR BRAAI AREA

Some braai areas are more suitable for permanent installations, while smaller spaces demand more creative solutions. Many appliances are portable and available in a range of sizes and prices. You can customise your outdoor braai area to your style, requirements and budget.

Looking at getting a built-in braai installed? Check out our article on how to choose and install a built-in braai that suits your needs. It includes information on how to select the correct components, plus invaluable installation advice.

Megamaster stocks a range of freestanding charcoal braais, tabletop gas braais and smoker options that are portable and versatile. For example, our Origin Series 2 Burner Tabletop Gas Braai boasts 1289 cm² of total cooking space with two stainless steel burners. Foldable legs and a lockable lid make this the perfect lock-up-and-go braai.

Is your braai entertainment area going on the road with you? The powerful Megamaster Active Portable Gas Braai is designed to be ready to go at the drop of a hat. Suitable for life aboard the caravan, camper or on any other road tripping adventure, it offers one stainless steel burner with 11 000 total BTUs.

2. ACCENT WITH STEEL FOR A MODERN TWIST

Many outdoor braai areas have stone or wood finishes, which can all work wonders for embellishing your space. If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, then we recommend going for something a tad sleeker. Stainless steel counters, braais and accessories are a great fit, and a little industrial cool never hurt anybody.

Start by checking out our brand-new Apex Series 6 Burner Gourmet Plus Gas Braai. This stud of a braai is made of stainless steel for durability and will do wonders for your braaimaster status thanks to its superb Gourmet Plus Cooking System.

Featuring durable cast iron grids, you can braai with direct or indirect heat. You can also bake, sear, broil or smoke. As far as outdoor entertainment areas go, this will have you sorted. Braai anything from fish, steak, meat, pizza, veggies, and dessert (for ideas, check out our delicious braai recipes).

3. ADD A PREP SPACE FOR YOUR BRAAI AREA

Ready to upgrade your outdoor braai area to the max? A well-positioned prep area for your food works wonders to transform a basic entertainment space into a true outdoor kitchen. Be sure to opt for an easy-to-clean surface. Solid surfaces like back-painted glass, mirror, sheets of stainless steel and even wood cutting boards work best.

Other additions to consider for your prep space include cleaning areas and wash-up sinks, which can be permanently installed in your braai area. You can also use a freestanding work table with washbasins if you are looking for something a bit more mobile.

4. ADD PLANTS AND BLOOMS

If your outdoor braai entertainment area is nature itself, no need to overdo it on this step. If you’re looking to spice up your home braai area, however – read on.

No outdoor kitchen is complete without beautiful landscaping that complements the features of the braai and home. One of the most satisfying aspects of cooking outdoors is the ability to have edible kitchen essentials at the chef’s fingertips. Having fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits within reach gives the chef more time to focus on the fun, creative sides of cooking. Adding plants with bold colours, sweet fragrance and practical function will make your braai area the ideal entertainment space of your whole social circle.

5. SELECT THE BEST PLACE FOR YOUR BRAAI AREA

Is your braai area sheltered from the elements? If your braai area is in direct sunlight, remember to stay cool with a big umbrella or gazebo. Use it to shade the prep area (keeping food out of the sun is a good idea), then move it to cover the eating area when it’s time to sit down and feast.

Remember to keep outdoor appliances away from furniture, deck rails, trees and buildings. Keep braais at least three metres from any structure. Ensure that the surface area is level, well-ventilated, and away from strong winds that can create a fire risk.

Also, ensure you allow enough room for cooking and easily moving around the braai. Your braai area should also be easily accessible and allow enough space to entertain guests.

6. MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE POP

The first step to upgrading your outdoor furniture is to consider how it will be used. Will there be children that frequent the space? Elderly guests, perhaps? Is the area exposed to rain?

Depending on the setting, bamboo chairs that surround a gleaming white farm table might be just the thing, while accenting pieces of acrylic, galvanised steel, and UV-resistant wood can work just as well. Aluminium is a very popular metal for outdoor furniture. Despite its light weight, it is strong, durable and can easily be worked into a variety of applications.

Ready to find your perfect braai? Discover your match here.