Catering Pots South Africa: Aluminium & Stainless Bulk Cooking Pots
Quick Answer: South Africa's best-value catering pots are the Bon Voyage NW series (aluminium, made in Thaba Nchu), available in sizes from NW8 (8 litre) to NW50 (50 litre), priced R289 to R939. They are factory-direct, food-grade 99.9% pure aluminium, and used by spaza shops, taverns, schools, and event caterers across South Africa.
Bulk cooking for large groups — schools, taverns, community events, corporate catering, spaza shops — demands pots that are large enough for the volumes, durable enough for daily use, and priced for a commercial context. This guide covers South Africa's best catering pot options, focusing on the aluminium NW series that has supplied South African caterers since 1977.
Bon Voyage NW Series: SA's Standard Catering Pot
The Bon Voyage NW Catering Pots (NW8 to NW50) are the benchmark for South African catering at accessible price points. Made from 99.9% pure aluminium at the Thaba Nchu factory, Free State, they are available in eight sizes for groups of 8 to 100+ people.
| Size | Capacity | Price (ZAR) | Serves (Stew / Rice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW8 | 8 L | ~R289 | 10–15 people |
| NW10 | 10 L | ~R339 | 15–20 people |
| NW14 | 14 L | ~R389 | 20–28 people |
| NW20 | 20 L | ~R489 | 30–40 people |
| NW25 | 25 L | ~R549 | 40–50 people |
| NW30 | 30 L | ~R629 | 50–60 people |
| NW40 | 40 L | ~R779 | 65–80 people |
| NW50 | 50 L | ~R939 | 80–100+ people |
What Is the BV NW Series Made Of?
The NW series is made from 99.9% pure aluminium — the same material as the Bon Voyage household pot range. Pure aluminium conducts heat better than alloy aluminium and is completely food-safe. The thick-gauge walls of catering pots (heavier gauge than standard household pots) withstand the daily wear of commercial use: repeated washing, high gas flames, and continuous heavy stirring.
Who Buys Catering Pots in South Africa?
- Spaza shops and township kitchens: Cooking pap, stew, and umngqusho for daily lunch customers. NW14–NW25 are the most common sizes.
- Taverns: Serving food alongside alcohol. NW20–NW30 cover most volume requirements.
- Schools and creches: Feeding 50–200+ learners. NW40–NW50 are the standard school catering sizes.
- Event caterers: Weddings, funerals, stokvels. Typically 2–3 pots of NW20–NW30 for an event of 100 people.
- Community kitchens and church events: Large once-off cooking in community halls. NW25–NW50 depending on numbers.
Aluminium vs Stainless Steel for Catering
See our full aluminium vs stainless catering pots comparison. In brief:
- Aluminium (BV NW series): Lighter, faster-heating, lower price point, standard for SA township and community catering. Not suitable for extended acidic food storage.
- Stainless steel: Heavier, slower-heating, higher cost, easier to keep hygienic-looking for formal events. Better for acidic or wine-based sauces held long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size catering pot do I need for 50 people?
An NW25 (25 litres) comfortably handles 40–50 people for a stew or rice dish. If cooking multiple dishes or serving a heavier portion, use an NW30. See our complete catering pot size guide.
What size catering pot do I need for 100 people?
An NW50 (50 litres) serves 80–100+ people for one dish. For a full catering setup serving 100 people with two dishes, two NW25s or NW30s are a common configuration.
Are aluminium catering pots safe for food?
Yes. The Bon Voyage NW series uses 99.9% pure aluminium, which is food-safe and used in professional catering kitchens worldwide. The potential for aluminium leaching into food is extremely low at normal cooking temperatures. South Africa's food service industry has used aluminium catering pots for decades.
How do I clean a large catering pot?
Hot water and dish soap with a long-handled brush. For burnt-on food (common in catering environments), fill with water, add a cup of white vinegar, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. The residue will lift. Avoid steel wool on the interior — it scratches the aluminium and creates rough patches that retain bacteria.
Where can I buy catering pots in South Africa?
The Bon Voyage NW Catering series is available directly from Big5 Cookware Factory Shop online. Factory-direct pricing with no middleman markup — the same pots are marked up in catering supply stores.
