Beechwood, oakwood or is African braai wood better?

In the Netherlands , beech, oak, or birch is often sought after for BBQs, fireplaces, and pizza ovens. Understandably, these are the most readily available types here. However, these woods are often not ideal if you truly want to enjoy a long, even fire with the perfect glow. In South Africa—the land of the braai—they use completely different woods: Sekelbos, Mopane, Kameeldoring, and Swarthaak . These extremely hard woods burn much longer, produce more heat, and create a subtle aroma that elevates your dishes.

In this article, we compare popular European woods with their African counterparts. Discover why more and more BBQ enthusiasts are switching to African braai wood .

Hardwood and African braai

Many people simply search for hardwood when they want to buy wood for their BBQ or fireplace. African species—mopane, sekelbos, swarthaak, and kameeldoring—are among the hardest woods known. This means:

1. Long burning time – you need to refill less often
2. Stable heat – ideal for BBQ, braai and pizza ovens
3. Less smoke – pure fire, without aftertaste

In short: the best of hardwood, only better. Below, we explain the best alternatives for each type of hardwood.

Alternative hardwood:

1. Beechwood > Sicklewood
2. Oak > Mopane
3. Birch wood > Black hook
4. Olive wood and apple wood > Camel thoring

Beech wood for BBQ or stove – and why Sekelbos is better

• Beechwood: popular in the Netherlands, readily available, burns relatively cleanly but also burns quickly. For a BBQ, you often need to add a lot of wood.
• Sicklewood: one of the most famous South African braai woods. It burns much longer, provides consistent heat , and a mild, spicy smoky flavor. It combines efficiency with enhanced flavor.

Try the difference: Discover Sekelbos braaihout

Buy oak or try mopane?

• Oak: Often used for stoves and barbecues. It burns hot, but can produce bitter smoke.
• Mopane: one of the hardest woods in the world, with an extremely high density. This means it burns up to twice as long as oak and provides a consistent, intense heat . Mopane produces almost no smoke and virtually no sparks, making it not only pleasant but also safer to use.

Why Mopane is so loved:

• Low & slow BBQ: perfect for brisket, pulled pork, or spare ribs. The wood maintains the same temperature for hours, so you don't have to constantly refill it.
• Pizza ovens: Mopane supplies glowing coals that keep the oven at a stable high temperature.
• Fireplace & outdoor fireplace: less wood needed for a whole evening of warmth and ambiance.
• Efficiency: because Mopane is so compact, you get much more burning time per kilo.

In short: Mopane is the ultimate premium hardwood . Whether you want to cook meat for hours, keep the pizza oven at a stable, high temperature, or simply enjoy a hassle-free evening by the fire, Mopane makes all the difference. Discover Mopane braai wood.

Birch wood as firewood – or choose Swarthaak

• Birch wood: clean-burning and readily available. However, it burns quickly, meaning you'll often need to add more wood while barbecuing or firing up a fire. Fine for short sessions, but less practical for a long evening.
• Swarthaak: a robust African hardwood known for its combination of ease of use and strength . It ignites easily and burns surprisingly long. This makes it ideal for anyone who wants convenience without compromising on burn time.

Why Swarthaak is a smart choice instead of birch wood:

• Easy to light: ideal if you don't have the patience for long lighting sessions.
• Good balance: combines fast ignition with a long-lasting glow.
• BBQ & outdoor fireplace: perfect for a cozy evening without having to add wood every half hour.
• Compact fire: burns evenly, without much smoke or sparks.

Try Swarthaak braai wood

Olive and apple wood for pizza ovens – why camel dor is better

A pizza oven requires more than just wood. Two things are crucial:

1. High temperature – around 400–500 °C for pizzas that are perfectly cooked in 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Stable combustion – no peaks and troughs, just long-lasting glowing embers that keep the oven consistently hot.

Many people in the Netherlands use olive or apple wood . They're aromatic, but they burn relatively quickly. This means you'll need to top up the kiln frequently to keep it warm.

Cameldoring does it differently:

• One of the hardest woods in the world.
• Burns extremely slowly and gives a beautiful, constant glow.
• Provides the high and stable heat your pizza oven needs.
• Less wood needed , longer enjoyment of your fire.

For anyone who works seriously with a pizza oven, Kameeldoring braai wood is the best choice.

Buying hardwood?

Looking for beech, oak, birch, olive, or applewood for your BBQ, fireplace, or pizza oven? Now you know there are alternatives that burn longer, cleaner, and more flavorful.

With African braai wood, you choose the quality and tradition of South Africa: wood that not only provides warmth, but also ensures the perfect glow and flavor.

Discover our full range of African braai wood and experience the difference for yourself.