Know Your Steel

Choosing the right steel grade for your environment ensures maximum longevity and minimal maintenance. Use our guide to find the perfect specification.

Know Your Steel | Braai Steel Guide, Maintenance & Corrosion Resistance

Know Your Steel Braai Material Guide

The following is an indication of how to maintain your braai. Certain areas have higher salt (e.g. salt swimming pools) and sulphur content — keep a watchful eye on your braai and consult with us for maximum protection.

Environment

Usage

Mild Steel Black

painted

6/10

Cost-effective option best suited for indoor use in dry inland areas. Requires regular painting to prevent rust.

Maintenance: Paint doors and facia once every 6 months

3CR12 Black

painted

7/10

Chromium-containing corrosion-resisting ferritic steel. A step up from mild steel, offering improved durability.

Maintenance: Paint doors and facia once every 12 months

Grade 430

polished

6/10

A ferritic stainless steel offering good corrosion resistance. Requires regular polishing to maintain appearance.

Maintenance: Polish doors and facia once every 4 months

Grade 304

polished

8/10

The workhorse of stainless steel. Excellent corrosion resistance and widely recommended for most braai applications.

Maintenance: Polish doors and facia once every 2 months

Grade 316

polished

9/10

Marine-grade stainless steel — the premium choice for coastal environments. Superior resistance to salt and humidity.

Maintenance: Polish doors and facia once every 6 months

Full Steel Reference Table

Compare mild steel black, 3CR12 black, Grade 430, Grade 304, and Grade 316 stainless steel for coastal indoor, coastal outdoor exposed, coastal outdoor under cover, inland indoor, inland outdoor exposed, and inland outdoor under cover fireplace and braai installations.

Full Steel Reference Table

Steel Grade	CoastalIndoor	CoastalOutdoor (Exposed)	CoastalOutdoor (Under Cover)	InlandIndoor	InlandOutdoor (Exposed)	InlandOutdoor (Under Cover)
Mild Steel BlackPainted	4	1	2	7	4	6
3CR12 BlackPainted	7	4	5	8	6	7
Grade 430Polished	5	2	3	7	5	6
Grade 304Polished	8	6	7	9	7	8
Grade 316Polished	9	7	8	10	8	9

Experience

Not Sure Which Grade to Choose?

Our experts are always happy to recommend the best steel grade for your specific location and usage requirements.

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