GUIDELINES FOR THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF YOUR BRAAI
POSITIONING AND INSTALLING YOUR BRAAI
Adding a Braai area can create an entire outdoor room so it is a very important step to consider the positioning of your Braai. Look over your garden for the most liveable spot and wherever you put it, make sure you allow enough level area for dining and for working around the Braai.
We strongly recommend that you have your Braai before you start any preparation or installation work for it.
We find that the most practical height for the Braai is about 650mm off the ground as this works best for both cooking and when using the Braai as an outdoor fire. Your Braai can be left as is or can be clad in construction materials designed to compliment your particular tastes and decor.
If you decide to utilise the space underneath the Braai for wood or any other combustible materials, it is recommended to position the Braai on a precast concrete slab or something similar that is equally heat resistant. One option for creating a pedestal is using Firth Concrete Blocks. These are readily available and not expensive. Please contact us for further details.
It is essential that the Braai is secured in place and we suggest two options:
When cladding your Braai, a minimum expansion gap of 100mm should be left between the non-combustible cladding material and the Braai. Make sure that none of the finished brickwork protrudes past the flange of the Braai as this may affect the ability of the top door of the Braai to stay open when it is used. We recommend hiring a stonemason.
FLUE & STANDARD COWL ASSEMBLY
You will find 12 screws included with the Braai for use as follows:
4 X Hex head Tec screws for the Flue connection to the top of the Braai. We recommend using at least 4 screws, depending on the amount of wind the Braai may be subject to.
8 x (10 guage) Panhead Stainless Steel Screws: 4 for joining the two parts of the Flue and 4 for connecting the Cowl base to top of Flue.
Ideally, position the seams of both lengths of the flue in the same position. Pilot holes are required before assembly.
Extreme care is needed when lifting the flue onto the gather as the bottom edge of the flue is very sharp and it may be affected by any wind gusts till secured in place.
STATIC COWL WITH SPARK ARRESTOR INSTALLATION
If you have opted for a Static Cowl with Spark Arrestor rather than a Standard Cowl, installation of the Cowl is as follows: The punched mesh is designed to slide over the flue to about 50 to 75mm. It is to be fixed with 4 x (10guage) Panhead Stainless Steel Screws. The holes need to be predrilled, with the mesh attached to the flue by screwing through the mesh. This is best done before the flue is erected.
Note: some form of Cowl is necessary to prevent rain from entering the chimney.
Adding a Braai area can create an entire outdoor room so it is a very important step to consider the positioning of your Braai. Look over your garden for the most liveable spot and wherever you put it, make sure you allow enough level area for dining and for working around the Braai.
We strongly recommend that you have your Braai before you start any preparation or installation work for it.
We find that the most practical height for the Braai is about 650mm off the ground as this works best for both cooking and when using the Braai as an outdoor fire. Your Braai can be left as is or can be clad in construction materials designed to compliment your particular tastes and decor.
If you decide to utilise the space underneath the Braai for wood or any other combustible materials, it is recommended to position the Braai on a precast concrete slab or something similar that is equally heat resistant. One option for creating a pedestal is using Firth Concrete Blocks. These are readily available and not expensive. Please contact us for further details.
It is essential that the Braai is secured in place and we suggest two options:
- Pass a metal strap over the top of the fire box lintel and secure it into the bottom block on each side
- Drill 2 x holes through the base of the Braai and through the concrete slab beneath to secure with dynabolts or similar. Ensure that the holes aren’t near the ash draw as this will create a problem when you insert the ash draw back under the ash pan.
When cladding your Braai, a minimum expansion gap of 100mm should be left between the non-combustible cladding material and the Braai. Make sure that none of the finished brickwork protrudes past the flange of the Braai as this may affect the ability of the top door of the Braai to stay open when it is used. We recommend hiring a stonemason.
FLUE & STANDARD COWL ASSEMBLY
You will find 12 screws included with the Braai for use as follows:
4 X Hex head Tec screws for the Flue connection to the top of the Braai. We recommend using at least 4 screws, depending on the amount of wind the Braai may be subject to.
8 x (10 guage) Panhead Stainless Steel Screws: 4 for joining the two parts of the Flue and 4 for connecting the Cowl base to top of Flue.
Ideally, position the seams of both lengths of the flue in the same position. Pilot holes are required before assembly.
Extreme care is needed when lifting the flue onto the gather as the bottom edge of the flue is very sharp and it may be affected by any wind gusts till secured in place.
STATIC COWL WITH SPARK ARRESTOR INSTALLATION
If you have opted for a Static Cowl with Spark Arrestor rather than a Standard Cowl, installation of the Cowl is as follows: The punched mesh is designed to slide over the flue to about 50 to 75mm. It is to be fixed with 4 x (10guage) Panhead Stainless Steel Screws. The holes need to be predrilled, with the mesh attached to the flue by screwing through the mesh. This is best done before the flue is erected.
Note: some form of Cowl is necessary to prevent rain from entering the chimney.
|
Static Cowl with Spark Arrestor |
FIRST FIRING & GENERAL USE
It is advisable on the first firing to cure the Braai (and brick/ stone work) slowly with a small fire i.e. don’t build a “bonfire” during the first firing – it may damage the Braai (and brickwork). It will seem as if the fireplace is smoking the first time when lit but this is quite normal as it is the paint burning in. There will also be some chemical odour, so it’s is advisable not to breath it in but this will disappear after the first couple of fires.
It is also advisable at the first firing to also heat up any cooking grids to remove any residue. If this isn’t done any food cooked on the grids may be tainted.
Always have your fire in the Ember maker and/ or on the Ash pan – never have the fire directly on the bottom of the Braai and do not put your fire out with water as this may damage the fire box.
COOKING WITH YOUR BRAAI
Either start a small fire in the ashpan and build this up or start the fire in the ember box and after it is established, shake the embers down through the ember box and drag them across the ashpan into the cooking area. We have found positioning the cooking rack at the lowest level (i.e. closest to the fire) for steaks, chops, sausages, kebabs, chicken pieces etc.; using the mid setting for roasts, with the doors closed and also topping the fire up with charcoal or wood from time to time to keep the heat up; and for pizzas or slow cooking, using the top setting, again with the doors closed and with most of the heat coming from the ember box has worked best for us. For more braai tips, go to the following website: www.south-africa-tours-and-travel.com/south-african-barbecue.html#GENERAL BARBECUE (BRAAI) TIPS
DISPOSAL OF ASHES
Keep the ashpan clear of ashes when not in use. When removing (cold) ashes from the Braai, we suggest using a metal container with a tight fitting lid and dispose of the ash responsibly. Do not leave the ash draw on a combustible floor as ash can stay hot for days.
THERMOSTAT POSITIONING & INSTALLATION
You may have purchased a thermostat from us. With a tape measure, mark out a spot in the centre of and 55 mm down from the top of the lower door. Use a 10mm drill to drill a hole, then fit the thermostat by screwing into place.
MAINTENANCE
At some stage, on any exposed steel, rust may appear and we don’t regard as a serious problem. Normal treatment is to clean off specks of rust with a wire brush/ steel wool/ sandpaper; neutralize the rust; then touch up with heat resistant matt black fire paint. We recommend Wurth saBesto Rust Converter and Wurth saBesto Matt Black Heat Resistant Lacquer Spray Black. Both of these products are available either direct from Wurth or from Kiwibraai.
Inspect the Flue system annually for soot build-up and/ or any other blockages e.g. birds’ nests. Clean the Flue pipe if internal soot deposits are greater than 6mm in thickness.
SUMMARY
Providing your Braai is used the way it was intended to be used and if the areas exposed to the elements are treated as per above, your Braai can last a lifetime.
DISCLAIMER
The suggested installation guidelines represent a general procedure for successful installation of Braai solid fuel barbecues.
Kiwibraai Limited assumes no liability for damages resulting from the improper installation on this application of its products. It is the installer’s responsibility to check for proper installation. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the use is safe and no property or person is harmed or damaged.
Kiwibraai Limited disclaims any warranty of compliance with legislation, regulations or by-laws specific to installing log burners.
Our suggestions may be followed, modified or rejected by the owner, engineer, contractor, and/or their respective representative(s) since they, not Kiwibraai Limited or its representatives, are responsible for planning and executing installation of the Braai solid fuel BBQ specific to its application. All planned installations should be assessed on a case by case basis in accordance with relevant legislation, safety standards, local bylaws and regulations. We advise you to take specific advice from a suitably qualified professional to ensure installation of your Braai complies with the laws of New Zealand.
Kiwibraai Limited reserves the right to alter the installation guidelines and encourages contact with the factory or its representatives to review any possible modification to the suggested guidelines prior to commencing installation.
It is advisable on the first firing to cure the Braai (and brick/ stone work) slowly with a small fire i.e. don’t build a “bonfire” during the first firing – it may damage the Braai (and brickwork). It will seem as if the fireplace is smoking the first time when lit but this is quite normal as it is the paint burning in. There will also be some chemical odour, so it’s is advisable not to breath it in but this will disappear after the first couple of fires.
It is also advisable at the first firing to also heat up any cooking grids to remove any residue. If this isn’t done any food cooked on the grids may be tainted.
Always have your fire in the Ember maker and/ or on the Ash pan – never have the fire directly on the bottom of the Braai and do not put your fire out with water as this may damage the fire box.
COOKING WITH YOUR BRAAI
Either start a small fire in the ashpan and build this up or start the fire in the ember box and after it is established, shake the embers down through the ember box and drag them across the ashpan into the cooking area. We have found positioning the cooking rack at the lowest level (i.e. closest to the fire) for steaks, chops, sausages, kebabs, chicken pieces etc.; using the mid setting for roasts, with the doors closed and also topping the fire up with charcoal or wood from time to time to keep the heat up; and for pizzas or slow cooking, using the top setting, again with the doors closed and with most of the heat coming from the ember box has worked best for us. For more braai tips, go to the following website: www.south-africa-tours-and-travel.com/south-african-barbecue.html#GENERAL BARBECUE (BRAAI) TIPS
DISPOSAL OF ASHES
Keep the ashpan clear of ashes when not in use. When removing (cold) ashes from the Braai, we suggest using a metal container with a tight fitting lid and dispose of the ash responsibly. Do not leave the ash draw on a combustible floor as ash can stay hot for days.
THERMOSTAT POSITIONING & INSTALLATION
You may have purchased a thermostat from us. With a tape measure, mark out a spot in the centre of and 55 mm down from the top of the lower door. Use a 10mm drill to drill a hole, then fit the thermostat by screwing into place.
MAINTENANCE
At some stage, on any exposed steel, rust may appear and we don’t regard as a serious problem. Normal treatment is to clean off specks of rust with a wire brush/ steel wool/ sandpaper; neutralize the rust; then touch up with heat resistant matt black fire paint. We recommend Wurth saBesto Rust Converter and Wurth saBesto Matt Black Heat Resistant Lacquer Spray Black. Both of these products are available either direct from Wurth or from Kiwibraai.
Inspect the Flue system annually for soot build-up and/ or any other blockages e.g. birds’ nests. Clean the Flue pipe if internal soot deposits are greater than 6mm in thickness.
SUMMARY
Providing your Braai is used the way it was intended to be used and if the areas exposed to the elements are treated as per above, your Braai can last a lifetime.
DISCLAIMER
The suggested installation guidelines represent a general procedure for successful installation of Braai solid fuel barbecues.
Kiwibraai Limited assumes no liability for damages resulting from the improper installation on this application of its products. It is the installer’s responsibility to check for proper installation. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the use is safe and no property or person is harmed or damaged.
Kiwibraai Limited disclaims any warranty of compliance with legislation, regulations or by-laws specific to installing log burners.
Our suggestions may be followed, modified or rejected by the owner, engineer, contractor, and/or their respective representative(s) since they, not Kiwibraai Limited or its representatives, are responsible for planning and executing installation of the Braai solid fuel BBQ specific to its application. All planned installations should be assessed on a case by case basis in accordance with relevant legislation, safety standards, local bylaws and regulations. We advise you to take specific advice from a suitably qualified professional to ensure installation of your Braai complies with the laws of New Zealand.
Kiwibraai Limited reserves the right to alter the installation guidelines and encourages contact with the factory or its representatives to review any possible modification to the suggested guidelines prior to commencing installation.
Version: 20171201. Subject to change.
