Cooking gear that’s stood the test of time

Posted by Melanie van Zyl on 28 May 2014

This year Getaway celebrated their 25th birthday so we sussed out the cooking gear that’s stood the test of time and is still used in campsites across the country.

The original potjie

Since the Voortrekkers

Dutch colonisers brought with them the round-bottomed, cast- iron pot when they settled in the Cape in 1652, but as they started to explore South Africa’s interior they couldn’t suspend the pot over bushveld fires (like they did in Cape kitchens) and the ingenious three- legged pot was born. Potjiekos has permeated all corners of South African heritage and the popular family-sized No. 3 potpie endures as the ultimate piece of cooking gear.

R299, www.bestduty.co.za

Lion matches

Since 1905

Where there’s smoke, there’s Lion Matches. The little yellow box was made in South Africa more than a century ago and is still a handy travel buddy. Buy the 10-pack and leave a box in your cubbyhole, kitchen kit and anywhere else it could come in handy.

R5,29, www.lionmatch.co.za

Koo

Since 1940

South african canning company Koo was established in 1940 and continues to make its huge variety of home-style tinned goods. The ubiquitous baked beans in tomato sauce are still found in holiday homes and utility boxes around the country. Remember to pack the tin opener.

R6,99, www.koo.co.za

Charka

Since 1978

Established 36 years ago, Charka and braais go together like Castle and biltong over a game of rugby. It was the first SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) approved charcoal product and the compact briquettes are formulated for lasting heat.

R32,99, www.charka.co.za

Simba

Since 1939

What’s a braai without a packet of chips to snack on?

R9,99

Sunlight

Since 1957

Even though washing up can be the pits, there’s only so much nosh you can eat off paper plates. Launched about a century ago the classic green soap bar lives on, but it’s the dishwashing liquid that graces many campsites across South Africa today and the smaller 400 ml bottle is a travel necessity.

R17,89, www.unilever.co.za

Cadac

Since the 1950s

We can’t pin down an exact date the iconic blue bottle made its debut, but Cadac’s infinitely versatile 5 kg gas cylinder and the standard cooker top is a wandering chef’s best friend. Tied down to roof racks and hiding beneath skottels across the country, the Cadac cylinder is a classic.

R549 for the 5 kg cylinder and R149 for the cooker. www.cadac.co.za

Coleman

Since 1953

Coleman’s fuel lanterns were first used in South Africa during the 1950s to light campsites and get a braai going. Soon after, its 54-quart steel-belted coolbox made an appearance and hasn’t changed much. It holds up to 85 330ml cans and has a rust-resistant coating for better longevity.

R2 390, www.coleman.eu/co.za