A skottel braai is a shallow, wok-shaped pan that sits on a single gas burner, usually mounted on a cylinder or a set of folding legs. It’s the classic South African camping cooker: perfect for breakfasts, boerewors, stir-fries and toasted sandwiches anywhere you can take a gas cylinder. Choose one by size (how many people you feed), how it mounts, and which extra pans and plates you want.
What is a skottel?
“Skottel” is Afrikaans for a dish or basin, which describes the pan: wide and curved, with a slightly deeper centre. Fat and juices run to the middle, so you can cook bacon and eggs on the sides while onions fry in the centre. The design is closely linked to Cadac, a company founded in Johannesburg in 1948, and the name “Cadac skottel” is often used for any skottel in South Africa.
The skottel itself is just the pan. A complete skottel braai is pan + burner + stand or cylinder mount + gas cylinder.
Types of skottel braai
Cylinder-top skottel
The burner screws directly onto the top of a gas cylinder, and the pan sits on the burner. It’s the simplest and cheapest setup, but the cooking height is fixed by the cylinder size, and it can be top-heavy. Use it only on firm, level ground.
Skottel on legs
The burner sits on a three-legged stand, connected to the cylinder by a hose and regulator. It’s more stable, puts the pan at a comfortable height and keeps the cylinder away from the heat.
Multi-function camping cookers
Cadac’s range includes portable gas cookers sold with several interchangeable tops: a skottel pan, a ribbed grill plate, a flat plate and sometimes a pot stand or pizza stone. Families sold include Safari Chef (compact), Grillo Chef (mid-sized) and Carri Chef (larger), along with table-top cookers. Some come with a carry bag and fold into a compact pack. Model names and the pans included vary by version, so check the box contents before buying.
Table-top and plate cookers
Small two-plate or single-plate gas cookers that sit on a table. They overlap with portable gas braais; see our gas braai buying guide if you need more cooking area.
Skottel types compared
| Type | Stability | Portability | Versatility | Price band | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder-top | Fair | Very good | Pan only | Entry-level | Quick breakfasts, day trips |
| Skottel on legs | Good | Good | Pan, sometimes extras | Entry to mid-range | Camping, home patio |
| Multi-function cooker | Good | Good (packs into bag) | Several tops | Mid-range to premium | Regular campers, caravanners |
| Table-top plate cooker | Good | Good | Plates | Entry to mid-range | Balconies, picnics |
Choosing the right size
Skottel pans are sold in several diameters. As a rough guide:
- Small pans (around 30cm or less): one or two people, hiking or light camping.
- Medium pans (around 35–40cm): small families.
- Large pans (around 45–50cm): families and groups, or cooking several things at once.
Bigger pans need more space and gas, and a stable stand. If you camp with a group, a larger pan on legs is easier than cooking in batches.
What to look for
- Stability. Wide legs or a stable base, especially if you’ll cook with children around.
- Pan coating. Non-stick or enamel pans clean easily; look after them with wooden or silicone utensils.
- Burner and flame control. A burner that spreads heat across the pan avoids a scorching centre. Good low-flame control matters for eggs and pancakes.
- Regulator and hose. Check what’s included and that it suits your cylinder.
- Wind protection. A windshield helps a lot at the beach or on an open campsite.
- Extras. Ribbed grill plates, flat plates, lids and carry bags add value if you’ll use them.
- Spares. Choose a model with locally available replacement pans, burners and regulators.
What to cook on a skottel
- Full breakfast: bacon, eggs, boerewors, tomatoes, mushrooms.
- Breakfast rolls and toasted sandwiches.
- Stir-fries and curries in the deep centre.
- Pancakes and flapjacks on the flat sides, on low heat.
- Prawns, calamari and fish with garlic butter.
- Steak strips, chicken livers or trinchado.
For more inspiration, see our braai ideas, many of which work on a skottel too.
Skottel gas safety
- Leak test every time you connect the burner or regulator: brush soapy water over the joints with the gas on. Bubbles mean a leak. Turn off the cylinder and fix it before lighting.
- Keep the cylinder upright and outdoors. Never use a skottel inside a tent, caravan, car or closed room: gas burners use oxygen and can produce carbon monoxide.
- Set up on level, firm ground, away from tent walls, dry grass and overhanging branches.
- Light with care: have the flame ready before you open the gas, and keep your face away from the burner.
- Turn off the cylinder valve when you finish, not just the burner tap.
- Let it cool before packing it away.
- Keep a fire blanket handy, especially for fat fires in the pan. Our fire blanket guide explains how to use one. Never throw water on burning oil.
Care and maintenance
- Wipe the pan out with paper towel while warm, then wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.
- Avoid steel scourers and metal utensils on coated pans.
- Dry pans fully before packing to prevent rust on any exposed steel.
- Keep the burner jet clean and check it for spiders and dust before each trip.
- Inspect the hose and regulator regularly and replace them if they look cracked or perished.
- Store the skottel in its bag or box, and store cylinders upright in a ventilated area.
Skottel vs gas braai
A skottel is a pan cooker: ideal for frying, sautéing and breakfasts. A gas braai with a grid and lid is better for chops, steaks, roasts and big groups. Many campers take a skottel for breakfast and use a wood or charcoal braai at night. If you’re deciding on a main braai, see how to choose a braai.
FAQ
What is a Cadac skottel?
It’s a gas-fired skottel braai from Cadac, a company founded in South Africa. Because Cadac’s skottels became so well known, many South Africans use “Cadac” and “skottel” to mean any shallow gas pan braai.
Can you braai meat on a skottel?
Yes, you can fry boerewors, steak, chops and chicken on a skottel, but it pan-fries rather than grills over coals. For grill marks, use a ribbed grill plate if your cooker has one.
What gas cylinder do I need for a skottel?
It depends on the model. Cylinder-top skottels screw onto specific cylinder valves; skottels on legs use a hose and regulator. Use the cylinder and regulator the manufacturer specifies and buy gas from reputable dealers.
Can I use a skottel indoors?
No. Use skottels only outdoors with good airflow. Gas burners use oxygen and can produce carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces like tents, caravans and rooms.
How do I clean a skottel pan?
Wipe out excess fat while warm, then wash it in warm soapy water with a soft sponge and dry it fully. Avoid steel wool and metal utensils on non-stick or enamel coatings.
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