What’s the difference between a wood braai and a gas braai?

The main difference is how they produce heat. Wood braais burn wood or charcoal and create a traditional smoky flavour, while gas braais use burners powered by LP gas for faster, cleaner cooking. Each has pros and cons depending on how you like to cook, how much time you have, and the kind of experience you’re after.

It’s not just about what fuels the fire

Wood and gas braais offer very different cooking experiences – and both have loyal fans. If you’re trying to decide which one is right for your home, it helps to think beyond flavour and look at how each fits into your lifestyle.

Some people love the process of building a fire, adjusting the coals, and cooking low and slow. Others want quick heat, easy cleanup, and weekday convenience. Neither is wrong – but they do serve different needs.

And then, of course, there’s a third option that combines both. But more on that in a bit.

What you get with a wood braai

A wood braai is the classic South African setup – think crackling coals, firelighters, and that unmistakable smell of smoke in the air.

Wood braais give you:

• Real flame cooking, with adjustable heat based on coal placement
• That authentic braai flavour you can’t replicate with gas
• A more immersive, social cooking experience – the fire becomes the centrepiece
• The option to cook potjie, toast bread on the grid, or even roast marshmallows afterward

On the flip side, they take longer to get going, need more attention, and can be messier to clean up. You’ll also need a regular supply of wood or charcoal, and a place to store it.

What a gas braai offers

Gas braais heat up fast and let you start cooking almost immediately. With a quick ignition system and easy heat control, they’re ideal for people who want a no-fuss solution – especially during the week.

Benefits of a gas braai:

• Instant heat at the turn of a knob
• Temperature control via burners
• Cleaner cooking with less smoke
• Easier to maintain (no ash, no coal buildup)

You lose out on that wood-fired flavour, but gain convenience – especially useful in urban homes, compact patios, or homes with stricter smoke regulations.

Is one better than the other?

Not really. It depends on your priorities.

If you love the ritual of building a fire and waiting for the coals to be just right – go for wood. If you’re more about speed, ease, and midweek practicality – gas might suit you better.

That’s why many people today are choosing braais that offer both.

Meet the hybrid: Calore’s Built-In Combo Braai

If you’re stuck between the two – or simply want the best of both – Calore offers a Built-In Combo Braai, which combines a traditional wood-burning chamber with a separate gas grill insert.

You get:

• A full wood braai for weekends, slow cooking, and smoky flavour
• A gas grill (Sizzler-compatible) for quick weeknight meals or backup cooking
• A single, sleek unit that’s built into your entertainment space
• High-quality stainless steel construction for long-term use

This hybrid setup gives you flexibility without needing two separate braais. It’s especially useful if you love the ritual of wood braais but want something fast and clean when time’s tight.

Note: The gas insert is sold separately, giving you the option to customise based on your needs.

Things to consider when choosing between gas and wood

• Time: Wood takes time to light and burn down to coals. Gas is near-instant.
• Flavour: Nothing beats wood for smoky depth. Gas is clean, but more neutral.
• Space: Gas braais can be more compact and are better for enclosed spaces.
• Cleaning: Gas braais need far less cleanup after use.
• Regulations: In some complexes or areas, open fires might be restricted.
• Entertaining style: If you love having people over and making a night of it, wood creates atmosphere.

Can you switch between the two later?

Yes – if you choose the right unit. Calore’s combo braai setup lets you start with wood and add gas later (or vice versa), depending on your changing needs. It’s a smart way to keep your options open without committing to one fuel source forever.

For others, it’s about building in flexibility from the start. You might do most of your cooking over wood, but know you’ll use gas when the weather turns or time is short.

One last thought

Your braai doesn’t need to do everything. But it should match how you actually cook – not just how you imagine you’ll cook. That’s where the difference between wood and gas really shows up. It’s less about heat and more about habit.

Whether you’re a purist, a pragmatist, or somewhere in between, there’s a setup that makes braaiing easy, enjoyable, and tailored to your life.

Want help exploring your options – or curious about Calore’s combo braai?
Contact us and we’ll talk you through the setup that suits your space.