Home is where the heart is, and nothing says it better than a kitchen filled with aromatic scents wafting from quality cast iron cookware. As we approach the festive season, there is no better way to express love than gifting a generational, thoughtful gift. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Christmas present for that special cook in your life, look no further!

Our Cast Iron Christmas gift guide has got you covered! Here, we’ve rounded up the best cast iron cookware on the market to help you find the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas.

1. The 3-Leg Cast Iron Pot: This is an absolute must-have for any South African household. Perfectly designed for outdoor cooking, the three sturdy legs give this pot stability on an open fire. Its traditional design and practical functionality make it a great gift for those who appreciate the fine art of potjie cooking.

You can determine how many servings your potjie can accommodate by multiplying the outside rings by the size of your pot

For example, the Best Duty #3 pot has four rings on the outside and can therefore hold 12 servings.

For smaller gatherings, we recommend the #3 or #4 potjie. For larger gatherings, look at #6 or #8, as the #8 potjie can accommodate up to 32 people. The biggest 3-legged oil-cured cast iron potjie size is #25, which can feed up to 100 mouths! No matter the size of your family or community, we’ve got a potjie for you!

2. Cast Iron Bake Pot: From baking mouth-watering breads to preparing delicious one-pot wonders, the Cast Iron Bake Pot is a versatile gem. Its even heat distribution ensures everything cooks evenly, plus it’s also great for keeping the food warm for longer. A must-have for all the baking enthusiasts out there. It’s perfect for those who love to experiment with different recipes in the kitchen.

3. Flat Cast Iron Pot: This pot is a cook’s dream come true. It is not only great for searing meat perfectly, but also versatile enough to cook anything from potjiekos to stir-frys. It heats up evenly and retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every single time. You can use this flat bottomed potjie in your indoor or outdoor kitchen for quick and easy dinner nights!

4. Quarter Size Cast Iron Pot: Perfect for small family meals or for those who love to cook intricate dishes, a 1/4 size cast iron pot is the epitome of flexibility. It delivers all the benefits of cast iron cooking, but in a more manageable size. These smaller potjies are perfect for get-togethers with friends where everyone can have the freedom to make their own potjie. Add chocolate and marshmallows, and you’re ready for fondue night! This is a great gift for someone who lives alone or has a smaller kitchen space.

5. Chef Supreme Cast Iron Pot: Lastly, for the true connoisseur in the kitchen, our Chef Supreme Cast Iron Pot is the ultimate gift this Christmas. This professional-grade pot is designed to handle virtually any recipe or cooking technique you can throw at it. Its even heat distribution and high heat retention make it perfect for searing, sautéing, braising and baking. With its stunning design, it will serve as both a functional tool and a beautiful centrepiece in the kitchen. See our reasons why you need to gift your loved one Chef Supreme this Christmas here.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else this holiday season, cast iron cookware is a timeless gift that will be cherished for many years to come. Add an element of rustic charm to your kitchen and get shopping!

Layering ingredients in a potjie is an essential part of the traditional South African cooking method. The layering technique ensures that the ingredients cook evenly inside your Best Duty potjie, intensify the flavours and meld together beautifully and reduce the need to stir often!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to layer ingredients in your Best Duty potjie:

Equipment:

Before you can make your famous potjiekos and spoil your family and friends’ taste buds, you’ll need a Best Duty potjie that suits your needs perfectly! Choose the appropriate size for the number of servings you want to make and a source of heat, such as an open fire or a stove with a flat-bottomed Bake Pot.

The ultimate potjie companion when it comes to layering your potjie is the potjie circulator! The Potjie Circulator will make the layering and cooking process a breeze as it circulates the liquid inside your potjie pot, which reduces cooking time, prevents burning and enhances the flavour of your food.

Did you know?

You can determine how many servings your potjie can accommodate by multiplying the outside rings by the size of your pot.

For example, the Best Duty #3 pot has four rings on the outside and can therefore hold 12 servings
 

The Layering Process:

1. Preparing the Potjie: If you’re using a new cast iron potjie, it’s essential to season it first by coating it with oil and heating it over low heat for about an hour.

Learn to season your potjie like a pro here

If your potjie is well-seasoned or made from an enamel coating, you are more than welcome to skip this step.

2. Heat the Pot: Place the potjie over your heat source, it could be an open fire or stove and adjust the heat to medium.

3. Add Oil: Begin by adding a small amount of oil to your potjie. This can be olive oil, vegetable oil or even some bacon fat. This step helps prevent sticking and adds flavour to your potjie.

4. Layer the Meat: The first layer will always be your meat as it takes the longest to cook through. Braise your meat for +- 10 minutes in the potjie and remove it. If you’re using your Potjie Circulator, you can now place it in the centre of the potjie and arrange the meat around it. Pour your delicious sauce/gravy over the meat. (Make sure that there is nothing underneath the circulator except sauce/ gravy that can circulate/percolate.)

5. Vegetable Layer: Next, add a layer of vegetables over the meat in any order of your choice. This can include onions, carrots, celery, bell peppers and any other vegetables you prefer. The vegetables will release moisture as they cook, adding to the richness of the potjie.

6. Spices and Seasoning: Sprinkle your preferred spices and seasonings over the vegetable layer. You can use a mix of herbs, spices, salt and pepper.

7. Liquid Layer: Once all the layers are in place, pour in the liquid (broth, wine or water) to cover about two-thirds of the ingredients inside of your Best Duty pot. As the heat rises, the pressure between the potjie’s bottom and the Potjie Circulator rises. The liquid is forced up the stem and is then percolated through the hole at the top. This cooks, flavours and tenderizes the meat and vegetables during the cooking process giving it a delicious texture and taste. The liquid will create steam, which aids in the cooking process.

8. Bring to a Simmer: Place the lid on the potjie to cover it and bring it to a slow simmer. If you’re using an open fire, you may need to adjust the heat by moving your potjie closer or further from the coals.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve your potjie directly from the pot and enjoy it with your family and friends.

Remember, the key to successful layering is ensuring that ingredients that take longer to cook are placed at the bottom, closer to the heat source, while those that cook faster are layered on top. This technique helps achieve tender meat, well-cooked vegetables and a harmonious blend of flavours in your Best Duty potjie. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Heritage Day is a special occasion in South Africa where South Africans come together to celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds, traditions and cuisine.

One of the most cherished aspects of this celebration is the famous Potjie, a culinary tradition that reflects the richness of South Africa’s cultural heritage bringing friends, families and communities closer together. This unique South African way of cooking has deep historical roots.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the art of deciding on the best potjie size to use, various cooking methods and the most efficient potjie storing method to help you make the most of your Heritage Day potjie experience!

1. Choosing the Perfect Potjie

With various 3-legged-, flat- and bake pots available for you to purchase, we understand the struggle of choosing the best potjie for your Heritage Day feast. Not only do you need to decide on the best size to use, but you’ll also need to determine the material that piece of cookware should be produced from- Traditional Oil Cured Cast Iron or Enamel Cast Iron.

Learn the difference here

After determining your potjie material, you’ll need to decide on the appropriate potjie size based on the number of people you’ll be cooking for on the day.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can determine how many servings your potjie can accommodate by multiplying the outside rings by the size of your pot.
For example, the Best Duty #3 pot has four rings on the outside and can therefore hold 12 servings.  

For smaller gatherings, we recommend the #3 or #4 potjie. For larger gatherings, look at #6 or #8, as the #8 potjie can accommodate up to 32 people. The biggest 3-legged oil-cured cast iron potjie size is #25, which can feed up to 100 mouths! No matter the size of your family or community, we’ve got a potjie for you!

2. Seasoning your Potjie

What does it mean to season your potjie?

You’ve recently gotten your first cast iron cookware… what happens next? You may assume that you can simply start using your cookware right away. Although many potjies are pre-seasoned, you will get far more enjoyment if you season your potjie yourself right from the start; and it helps to understand why seasoning is done.

As a porous metal, cast iron can rust without a protective layer. The seasoning process involves using a layer of oil that is heated onto the cast iron. When the layer of oil is heated past its smoking point, it carbonises which turns the oil into a type of plastic that sticks to the potjie. This coating seals the porous surface and prevents sticking as you cook and reduces the risk of rust.

Seasoning is done with all types of oil-cured cast iron cookware, from potjies and bake pots to flat pots and skillets.

Now that you understand why you need to season your cast iron cookware, you are ready to learn how to season your potjie like a master.

Follow the step by step instruction here

3. Layering your ingredients

Layering the ingredients in your Potjie is a fundamental technique that ensures even cooking and allows the flavours to mend together beautifully. Proper layering allows the ingredients to cook at their own pace, maintaining their distinct tastes while contributing to the overall harmony of the dish.

How to layer your ingredients inside of your potjie: lounelle add link

Cooking Process

The cooking process of a Potjie is a slow and deliberate one, requiring patience and attention to detail. Generally, a potjie can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to cook, but following the below tips can add to make the best potjie.

Tips to make the best potjie:

• Ensure a gentle simmer by adjusting the heat source or adding or removing coals.
• Avoid stirring too often to prevent ingredients from sticking.
• Allow the potjie to cook slowly, infusing the flavours together and forming a rich sauce.
• Occasionally check the potjie, ensuring it doesn’t boil or burn. Add more liquid if needed.
• Test the meat and vegetables by piercing them with a fork to confirm if it is cooked to your satisfaction. They should be tender and easily fall apart.

Timing is a critical aspect of cooking a Potjie to perfection. As a slow-cooking method, the cooking time can vary depending on the ingredients, the size of the Potjie, the heat source and personal preferences.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Serving your food straight from the potjie encourages a communal dining experience, bringing people together to savour the flavours and celebrate South Africa’s culinary heritage. Preferred side-dishes with potjies include pap, samp, rice or bread. Garnish the potjie with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon juice for added freshness. Share the joy of potjie cooking with family and friends, celebrating the diversity of South Africa’s diverse heritage with a medley of ingredients.

5. After use – Cleanup and Storage

Cleaning and properly storing your potjie is essential to maintain its longevity and ensure that it remains in good condition for generations. We’ve gathered useful tips on how to clean and store your potjie so that you can keep your potjie looking good as new:

Cleaning your Potjie

• Immediate Cleaning: After serving your Potjie and once it has cooled down enough to handle safely, it’s best to start the cleaning process as soon as possible. This prevents food residues from hardening and makes it easier to remove.
• Scraping and Soaking: Use a wooden or plastic spatula to scrape off any stuck-on food particles from the bottom and sides of the Potjie. If there are stubborn residues, fill the Potjie with warm water and let it soak for a few hours or overnight.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers or steel wool to clean your Potjie, as they may damage the seasoning or the cast iron surface. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth and warm, soapy water to gently scrub the Potjie. This should be enough to remove any remaining residues.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse the Potjie thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residues. After rinsing, dry the Potjie completely with a towel or by placing it back on the heat source for a few minutes to evaporate any moisture.

Storing your Potjie

• Seasoning: Before storing your Potjie, make sure it is completely dry. To prevent rust, you can lightly coat the inside and outside of the Potjie with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
• Newspaper Liner: To further protect the Potjie from moisture and potential rust, you can place a few layers of scrunched newspaper inside the Potjie before putting on the lid.
• Storage Space: Find a dry and well-ventilated place to store your Potjie. Avoid damp or humid environments that could promote rust formation.
• Lid Placement: Store the Potjie with the lid slightly ajar or placed on top without fully sealing it. This allows air circulation, preventing any moisture build-up.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically check your Potjie, especially if stored for long periods to ensure it remains in good condition. If any rust spots appear, gently remove them with a soft brush or cloth and re-season as needed.
• Use potjie pot gloves or thick towels to handle the hot potjie pot and lid.
• After use, allow the potjie pot to cool completely before cleaning it with hot water and a brush.
• Dry the pot thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rusting.

Remember, the beauty of potjie cooking lies in the experience and the celebration of South African heritage. Adapt recipes to your preferences, experiment with flavours and cherish the memories created around the potjie with your family and friends.

The Best Duty team wishes you a Happy Heritage Day!

Craving 5 star restaurant quality steaks in the comfort of your home? Or, have you wondered how people add that extra touch of sizzle to their steaks, chops and other meats?

The answer is:Our Chef Supreme Steak Plate & Wooden Base!

Not only is it heavy duty and safe to use over the hot coals, but the sturdy wooden base allows for easy usage and mobility (that’s why many restaurants today will serve steaks in a sizzling cast iron steak plate!)- Your answer to restaurant quality steaks at home.

We know, at this point, you want to get your hands on of these steak plates! But are you unsure on how to use this cast iron steak plate?

Don’t worry, Best Duty to the rescue with this helpful guide on how to use and perfect your sizzling steaks using our Chef Supreme Steak Plate & Wooden Base.

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Alternative options could be to use your Gas Burner or over hot coals.
2. Place the Cast Iron Steak Plate (excluding the wooden base) in the oven for +-45 minutes. While the cast iron steak plate is heating in the oven, you can now prepare your steak.
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper, or any desired spice, on your steak.
4. Use your Best Duty Ribbed Griller to sear/grill your steak on each side for +- a minute.

Note: Once cast iron heats up, it stays warm for a very long time which helps keep food hot. Therefore, grill your meat one layer before your preference as the cast iron steak plate will continue cooking the steak. For example, if you prefer a medium cooked steak, grill your steak until medium-rare, as the cast iron steak plate will cook the steak to medium.

5. Use your High Heat BBQ Glove to remove your Cast Iron Steak Plate from the oven and place carefully on your Wooden Base.
6. Transfer the grilled steak to your steak plate and cook further according to personal preference.

You now have perfectly cooked steak in the comfort of your home! Serve with a delicious homemade mushroom sauce and baked potatoes. Enjoy!

Purchase your Best Duty Steak Plate + Wooden Base HERE

See our How to Care page for more information on cleaning and storing your Steak Plate.

With various 3-legged-, flat- and bake pots available for you to purchase, we understand the struggle of choosing the best cookware for your indoor/outdoor kitchen! Not only do you need to decide on the best cookware to use, but you’ll also need to determine the material that piece of cookware should be produced from.

And just to complicate things further, two of the most popular materials to pick from are enamelled cast iron and pure cast iron- our two main sources of cookware! Don’t stress, we’re here to simplify the difference for you so that you can understand the difference and know which cookware is perfect for you.

When putting an enamelled cast iron potjie and pure cast iron potjie next to each other, your first thought would be that only an expert would know the difference! But in fact, these two potjies are very different from one another. Both types of cookware have significant benefits and advantages, so you really need to weigh up what, how and where you’re planning to cook.

Pure cast iron is a thick and traditional piece of kitchenware that’s famously known for their extreme heat-retention, indestructible qualities and ability to withstand intense heat!

Our range of potjies are oil cured which means they have no coating other than a protective layer of vegetable oil to prevent rusting and to help with curing during storage. Cast iron has been an essential cookware in millions of households across the world for hundreds of years making it a trusted cookware material.
Each piece of cast iron from Best Duty can last over a century, but only with good care. Therefore, knowing your cookware and the difference in materials are crucial. What makes this cookware even better is the versatility of it; it can be used on your stovetop, induction cooker, in your oven and on the open fire, making it perfect for camping!

Enamelled cast iron is essentially a modernized version of the heavy-duty traditional cast iron that’s been around for centuries!

To simplify things for you, an enamelled cast iron bake pot is a traditional cast iron pan with an enamel coating that acts as a useful protective coating on the surface of your cookware protecting it from unwanted things, such as rust.
Our enamel range of potjies are fully coated on the inside and out, in a tough, durable vitreous enamel coating. It’s also the best cookware to use for slow cooking your favourite dishes. To preserve the enamel coating it is recommended that wooden utensils are used.

Surface Coating:

• Oil-cured cast iron cookware has a seasoned surface, which is created by applying multiple layers of oil and heating the cookware to high temperatures. The oil polymerizes and forms a natural non-stick coating.
• Enamelled cast iron, on the other hand, is coated with a layer of enamel, typically made of porcelain or ceramic. The enamel provides a smooth and non-reactive cooking surface.

Non-Stick Properties:

• Oil-cured cast iron develops a natural non-stick coating over time as the oil seasoning builds up. This seasoning improves with use and proper maintenance.
• On the other hand, enamel-coated cast iron has a smooth and inherently non-stick surface due to the enamel coating. It requires less seasoning and maintenance compared to oil-cured cast iron= less seasoning, storing and repairing on your side!

Maintenance:

• Oil-cured cast iron requires regular maintenance to maintain its seasoning and prevent rust. It needs to be seasoned periodically by applying oil and heating it to maintain its non-stick properties.
• Enamelled cast iron is relatively low-maintenance and does not require seasoning. The enamel coating protects the cookware from rust and provides an easy-to-clean surface.

Learn more on how to care for your cast iron potjies HERE

Cooking Experience:

• Oil-cured cast iron is known for its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution. It can withstand high temperatures and is ideal for searing, frying, grilling and baking. The seasoning also adds a unique flavour to your food.
• Enamelled cast iron also offers good heat retention and distribution but may not provide the same level of heat transfer as seasoned cast iron. The enamel coating makes it suitable for cooking acidic foods that may react with bare cast iron. Enamelled cast iron cookware doesn’t stick and makes for a much smoother cooking experience, at lower temperatures. If you love slow cooking, then an enamelled cast iron cookware will be a great addition to your kitchen. They are perfect for slow-cooked stews and oven-baked casseroles. If you’re looking for a way to sear meats at high temperatures or stir fry vegetables with lots of heat, then a traditional cast iron pan will be the best choice.

Versatility:

• Oil-cured cast iron is often favoured for its versatility and ability to develop a natural non-stick surface. It is commonly used for a wide range of cooking techniques and can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over a campfire.
• Enamelled cast iron is also versatile and can be used for various cooking methods, but it is not suitable for high-temperature cooking or open flame use, as the enamel coating may get damaged.

Ultimately, the choice between oil-cured cast iron and enamelled cast iron depends on personal preferences, cooking needs, and the specific dishes you plan to prepare.

If you need extra guidance on making the best possible choice, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] and we’d love to guide you!

With loadshedding peaking, many South African households turn to outdoor cooking, braai and gas cooking to prepare their meals. Cast iron is the preferred cookware for the outdoor cooking enthusiast, but why you may wonder?

Cast iron is known for being durable during intense heat as it can withstand laying in hot coals, and can last for years if taken care of, properly.
Being able to cook with cast iron outdoors is a true skill as it requires a little more experience and attention than other pots and pans.
Master the art of cooking with cast iron and produce tasty meals every time!  

1. Chef Supreme Casserole No.8 (2.3L)

Are you in desperate need of a quality, cast-iron casserole that will save you time and that will cook your food to perfection? Chef Supreme Casseroles will give you exactly that!
Their robust cast iron build gives you the freedom of placing it directly on the open fire and in the coals of your braai – our Chef Supreme range can take the heat.
Available in various colours and sizes, you will want to get your hands on them for your outdoor braai.

2. Chef Supreme Frying Pan

The possibilities are endless with our Chef Supreme frying pan! It has a smooth cooking surface which is perfect for steaks, chops, pancakes, flapjacks, eggs, omelettes and frittatas.
You can now enjoy quality food made in quality cookware.

3. Chef Supreme Oval Roaster with Knob

Our Chef Supreme Oval Roaster is perfect for your outdoor kitchen! The tight sealing lid allows you to cook anything from mains to side dishes; a whole chicken to lamb shanks, the slow roasting possibilities are endless.
The complete Roaster is heavy duty, very robust and can be used over warm coals, on your stove top or in the oven.

Accessories:

1. Collapsible Potjie Tripod

People like to pack as little cookware and equipment as they can when they cook outside or when camping. We’ve got a tripod that can hold most sizes of cookware and is collapsible for easy storage, which means more packing space on your trailer!

1. Potjie Wind Shield

Cooking outdoors means the possibility of strong wind interrupting and slowing down your cooking process, and nobody wants that, especially when you have hungry tummies to feed. We’ve got the perfect solution that blocks out strong wind and saves you 80% on cooking fuel! Best Duty Potjie Wind Shield has a unique ventilated design for perfect heat retention and can be stored inside your Best Duty Potjie!

Want to know why no other cookware can come close to our Chef Supreme range? Read here