About Us
About Big5 Cookware
South Africa’s cookware manufacturer since 1977. Home to Bon Voyage, New World Enamel, Tiger, Big5 Outdoor, and La Cocina.
Our Story
Big5 Cookware (Pty) Ltd was established in 1977 in Thaba Nchu, Free State, South Africa. For nearly five decades, we have manufactured cookware at our factory in the Selosesha Industrial Area of Thaba Nchu — making us one of the longest-operating cookware manufacturers in Southern Africa.
Today, our factory employs over 400 people and produces more than one million pieces of cookware per year — including aluminium pots, enamelware, marble-coated non-stick cookware, cast iron, stainless steel sets, and outdoor cooking equipment. This makes Big5 Cookware one of South Africa’s leading cookware manufacturers by production volume.
What started as a single production line has grown into a multi-brand cookware company serving millions of South African households. Each brand is designed for a different kitchen, occasion, and budget — from the everyday family pot to premium marble-coated cookware to heavy-duty outdoor braai equipment.
Manufacturing locally means every pot we sell supports South African jobs, South African families, and the South African economy.
Our Brands
Big5 Cookware is not one brand — it is a family of brands, each with its own purpose.
Bon Voyage — South Africa’s Aluminium Pot Specialist
Made in South Africa, trusted by millions of families.
Bon Voyage has been the backbone of South African kitchens for generations. Our aluminium pots are made from 99.9% pure aluminium, which distributes heat evenly across the entire cooking surface — so food cooks consistently and never burns at the bottom.
From the small saucepan in a student flat to the 100-litre catering pot at a church function, Bon Voyage covers every size and every occasion. Our pots are rated 4.8 stars on Takealot across 600+ verified reviews from real South African buyers. For a side-by-side comparison against Hart cookware, see Bon Voyage vs Hart Pots — an honest comparison. New to aluminium cookware? Read our cooking guide for preheating, heat levels, and cleaning.
Bon Voyage is available at Pick n Pay, Checkers, Takealot, and direct from our factory at big5cookware.co.za.
Key facts:
- 99.9% pure aluminium construction
- Even heat distribution — no hot spots, no burning
- Available from 1.5 litres (saucepan) to 100 litres (catering pot)
- Rated 4.8 stars on Takealot (600+ verified reviews)
- Made in Thaba Nchu, Free State since 1977
New World Enamel — South Africa’s Traditional Enamelware
100% made in South Africa since 1977 — the enamelware in millions of South African kitchens.
New World Enamelware is the brand on the rice plate at Sunday lunch, the cash bowl in your mother’s pantry, the wash basin in the back yard, and the billy can on the camping trip. Vitreous (glass) enamel coated on a steel core, double-coated, hand-finished and kiln-fired at our factory in Thaba Nchu.
The range covers everyday rice plates, soup plates, cash bowls, footed bowls, mugs, billy cans, wash basins (from 30 cm up to 70 cm), tea pots, belly pots, and full 12-piece dinner sets for camping. Available in plain White / Green / Cream, decorated floral patterns, and themed sets (Winnie, Hello Kitty, Casmin, Agate).
Key facts:
- Vitreous enamel coating on steel core (double-coated)
- Oven safe to 200 °C; dishwasher safe; not microwave safe
- Made at the Big5 Cookware factory in Thaba Nchu since 1977
- Available in plain and decorated patterns
- Sold direct at big5cookware.co.za and through Takealot
Tiger — Cook Beautifully
European style. South African price.
Tiger is our premium cookware line for home cooks who want performance and style in equal measure. The Tiger marble-coated non-stick range delivers effortless cooking and easy cleaning, wrapped in colours and finishes designed to look beautiful on your stovetop.
Tiger’s marble coating ensures nothing sticks — eggs slide, fish fillets flip, and cleanup is a quick wipe. The range includes complete cookware sets in Burgundy, Aquamarine, Rose Gold, and Black, as well as a professional-grade stainless steel collection (29-piece sets with tempered glass or stainless steel lids).
Comparable imported brands sell similar marble-coated sets for R 2,800 or more. Tiger delivers the same quality and style at a significantly lower price — because it comes direct from the manufacturer, with no import markup.
Key facts:
- Advanced marble non-stick coating; PFOA-free
- Available in multiple designer colours
- Dishwasher safe
- Compatible with gas, electric, ceramic, and induction stovetops
- Complete 8-piece, 15-piece, and 29-piece sets available
Big5 Outdoor — Built for the Braai. Born in South Africa.
Heavy-duty outdoor cooking equipment made for South African conditions.
Braai is more than cooking — it is a South African tradition. Big5 Outdoor makes the equipment that tradition deserves. Our Kettle Braai range is built from heavy-gauge steel to hold heat, withstand the elements, and last for years of weekend gatherings.
The range includes two sizes: the 14.5-inch (36 cm) for small patios and balconies, and the 22-inch (57 cm) for large gatherings and community events. We also manufacture cast iron potjie pots from size No. 1/4 (single-serve) to size No. 25 (community event), plus 7-piece pre-seasoned cast iron camping cookware sets with wooden storage boxes.
All Big5 Outdoor products are manufactured in South Africa — not imported, not assembled from parts. Built here, for here. For potjie care, see our potjie seasoning and cleaning guide.
Key facts:
- Heavy-gauge steel kettle braais (36 cm and 57 cm)
- Cast iron potjie pots from No. 1/4 to No. 25
- 7-piece pre-seasoned cast iron camping cookware sets
- Designed for South African outdoor cooking
- Available on Takealot, at Makro, and at big5cookware.co.za
La Cocina — Enamelled Cast Iron, Timeless Cooking
La Cocina is our enamel-coated cast iron range — built for slow cooking, braising, roasting, and baking. Cast iron retains heat like no other material, and our enamel coating means no seasoning is required.
La Cocina works on every stovetop, including induction, and is oven-safe up to 260 °C. Available in five colours — African Red, Amazon Blue, Amber, Turquoise, and a Pink Limited Edition. Available as 5-piece and 7-piece sets, and as individual casseroles, frypans, and paella pots in graduated sizes.
La Cocina is a value-positioned South African alternative to premium imported brands (Le Creuset, Staub).
Key facts:
- Enamel-coated cast iron — no seasoning required
- Works on all stovetops including induction
- Oven safe to 260 °C
- Available in five colours and five+ shapes
- Available in 5-piece and 7-piece sets and individual pieces
Our Factory
Our manufacturing facility is located at Stand 21, Selosesha Industrial Area, Thaba Nchu, in the Free State province of South Africa. The factory has been operating continuously since 1977, employing over 400 local workers and producing over one million pieces of cookware per year.
We manufacture using 99.9% pure aluminium sourced from certified suppliers. Our production process covers the full cycle — from raw aluminium to finished, packaged product — entirely within our facility. This vertical integration is what allows us to control quality at every step while keeping prices fair.
Big5 Cookware products are exported across the African continent. We are a VAT-registered company and an authorised seller on all major South African retail platforms.
Where to Buy
Big5 Cookware products are available through multiple channels across South Africa:
Online: big5cookware.co.za (factory direct) · Takealot · Amazon
Retail: Shoprite · Pick n Pay · Checkers · Makro
Wholesale: Africa Cash & Carry and all major cash-and-carry wholesalers across all nine provinces. For wholesale enquiries, visit our wholesale page or contact us directly.
Contact Us
Factory Address: Stand 21 Selosesha Industrial Area, Thaba Nchu, Free State, South Africa 9785
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WhatsApp: +27 60 6999 888
Phone: +27 51 874 1300
Email: service@big5cookware.co.za
Website: www.big5cookware.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big5 Cookware manufactured?
Big5 Cookware manufactures its products at its factory in Thaba Nchu, Free State, South Africa. The company has been operating from this location since 1977. All Bon Voyage aluminium pots, Big5 Outdoor braai equipment, and New World enamelware are produced at this facility.
What brands does Big5 Cookware own?
Big5 Cookware manufactures and markets five brands: Bon Voyage (aluminium pots, including the heavy-duty catering range up to 100 L), New World Enamel (traditional vitreous enamel-on-steel basins, plates, mugs, billy cans), Tiger (premium marble-coated non-stick and polished stainless steel cookware sets), Big5 Outdoor (kettle braais and cast iron potjie pots), and La Cocina (enamelled cast iron casseroles and cookware sets).
What is Bon Voyage cookware made of?
Bon Voyage pots are made from 99.9% pure aluminium. Pure aluminium has high thermal conductivity, which means heat spreads evenly across the entire cooking surface. This prevents hot spots and reduces the risk of food burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. For technique guidance, read our cooking guide or the pap cooking guide.
How does Bon Voyage compare to Hart cookware?
We have published an evidence-based side-by-side at Bon Voyage vs Hart Pots — material specs, sizes, wall thickness, distribution, and verified Takealot reviews, all sourced and dated.
Is it safe to cook with aluminium pots?
Yes. The link between aluminium cookware and Alzheimer’s disease is a myth that originated from a 1965 rabbit study that has since been disproven. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and the United Nations’ International Programme on Chemical Safety have both confirmed that normal aluminium cookware use does not cause Alzheimer’s or other neurological disease. See our full aluminium safety FAQ for the EFSA Tolerable Weekly Intake citation and the leaching quantification.
Is Tiger cookware non-stick?
Yes. Tiger cookware uses an advanced marble non-stick coating that allows food to release easily without excessive oil. The coating is PFOA-free, designed for daily use and dishwasher safe. Tiger cookware is compatible with all stovetop types including induction. Tiger marble-coated sets are available in 8-piece, 15-piece, and 29-piece configurations.
What size potjie pot do I need?
Potjie pot sizing depends on the number of servings. Most South African households use a No. 2 (6–8 people) or No. 3 (10–12 people). Braai clubs run No. 6 (20–25 people). Catering operators use No. 10 (40–50) or larger. Big5 Cookware manufactures cast iron potjie pots in all standard South African sizes from No. 1/4 to No. 25. For full sizing chart see our potjie care guide.
Does Big5 Cookware offer free delivery?
Yes. Orders over R 800 within South Africa qualify for free delivery. Orders under R 800 incur a standard delivery fee of R 99. Delivery is handled through our logistics partner, Bob Go (formerly uAfrica).
Can I buy Big5 Cookware products wholesale?
Yes. Big5 Cookware supplies a network of wholesale distributors across South Africa. For wholesale pricing and minimum order quantities, please visit our wholesale page or contact us via WhatsApp at +27 60 6999 888.
Is La Cocina cast iron compatible with induction stovetops?
Yes. All La Cocina cast iron cookware is compatible with induction, gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops, as well as oven use up to 260 °C.
How do I care for aluminium cookware?
Wash aluminium pots with warm soapy water after each use. Avoid abrasive scouring pads, which can scratch the surface. For stubborn stains, boil a mixture of water and white vinegar in the pot for 10 minutes. To remove the dark grey film that forms on aluminium over time, simmer water with one tablespoon of cream of tartar for 10 minutes. Bon Voyage aluminium pots do not require seasoning.