How do I choose the right size braai for my home?

Choosing the right size braai depends on a few simple things: how much space you have, how often you cook, and how many people you usually entertain. Braais range from compact 800mm units for smaller patios to large 1500mm models designed for serious hosting. The key is finding the right balance between what fits your home and how you like to braai.

It’s not just about the size of the braai – it’s about the space around it

A common mistake is choosing a braai based on cooking surface alone. But a braai doesn’t live in isolation. It lives in a space where people move, eat, and gather. If it overwhelms the area or blocks a walkway, even the best braai can feel like the wrong choice.

Start by looking at the actual area – patio, enclosed stoep, entertainment room – and visualise how the braai will sit in relation to seating, doors, counters, and foot traffic. A 1500mm unit may be tempting, but it needs breathing room. On the other hand, an 800mm or 1000mm model can tuck neatly into a corner or built-in alcove without dominating the space.

Calore’s braais: what size options are available?

Most Calore built-in braais are available in the following sizes:

• 800mm
• 1000mm
• 1200mm
• 1500mm

These sizes are available across multiple models, including the Deluxe Built-In Braai, Premium Built-In Braai, and the Professional Spitbraai.

Not every model offers every size, but the range gives you flexibility depending on your setup and needs.

800mm – Compact and clean

The 800mm size is great for:

• Smaller patios or balconies
• Enclosed braai rooms with limited wall space
• Couples or smaller families who don’t cook for a crowd

Don’t think of this as a “starter” braai – it still includes essentials like a coalmaker, potjie hook, and ashpan (depending on the model). But it’s compact, space-efficient, and a smart fit for more urban homes or townhouses.

1000mm – The middle ground

A 1000mm braai is often the sweet spot. It works well in most medium-sized entertainment areas without feeling too small or too bulky.

This size is ideal if you:

• Host 4–8 people regularly
• Want space to braai multiple types of food at once
• Have moderate space but still want a solid visual presence

If you’re unsure what size will suit your home, this is a safe bet – it offers good flexibility without demanding a big footprint.

1200mm – Serious about weekend entertaining

If braaing is your go-to way of hosting – and your space can handle it – a 1200mm braai gives you room to stretch out.

This size typically comes with:

• Two separate cooking grids (in certain models)
• A larger prep area
• More internal space for coals and heat circulation

It’s a good choice if you:

• Regularly host 8–12 guests
• Want to braai sides and mains at the same time
• Like the idea of turning your braai area into a real kitchen substitute

1500mm – Built for big occasions

At 1500mm, you’re talking about a serious braai. These are best for homes where the braai isn’t just an appliance – it’s a feature. Large families, entertainers, guest lodges, or chefs who regularly host large gatherings will benefit most from this size.

This scale is often found in:

• Professional spitbraai units
• Larger freestanding or premium built-in setups
• Custom entertainment areas with built-in counters or outdoor kitchens

You’ll need proper wall space, solid structural support, and good ventilation – but the end result is impressive.

Spitbraai units: size makes a big difference

For spitbraai models like Calore’s Deluxe and Professional Spitbraais, the size you choose affects both how much you can cook and how well the heat circulates.

1200mm and 1500mm versions come with two grids, which means you can manage multiple levels of food, cook at different temperatures, or split wood and charcoal sections if needed.

If you’re investing in a spitbraai, err on the side of bigger – especially if you enjoy preparing larger cuts of meat or want the braai to act as the main attraction at events.

What about freestanding braais?

Calore’s Deluxe Freestanding Braai doesn’t follow the same strict size structure – it’s available in different size configurations, but they’re typically customisable depending on space and spec.

This model comes with flue sections, a turbo cowl, and all the expected accessories. While it doesn’t sit neatly in the 800–1500mm sizing ladder, it functions similarly to a 1200mm built-in in terms of capacity and internal space.

If you’re not building a braai into a wall, this freestanding model offers plenty of cooking area without the construction requirements of a built-in.

Quick tips for choosing the right size

• Measure the full area, not just the wall the braai will go into
• Think about how often you cook and how many people you feed
• Account for clearance space around the unit – especially if it’s under a roof
• Don’t forget access: make sure the unit fits through your doors during delivery
• Talk to your builder or installer about flue requirements and structural support

Still unsure? It’s okay to ask

Choosing a braai is a big decision – and size is one of the most important factors. If you’re on the fence between two options, consider how you’ll use the braai over the next 5–10 years, not just this summer.

Will your family grow? Will you entertain more? Will the patio become an enclosed space one day? These are all smart questions to ask before you commit.

Calore’s braai range is designed to suit a variety of home types, from compact city living to spacious open-plan builds. Whether you go for a compact 800mm insert or a full 1500mm spitbraai, there’s a model that fits.

Want help finding the right size braai for your space? Contact us and we’ll help you explore the options.