Best Pots for Large Group Cooking in South Africa
Quick Answer: For large group cooking in South Africa, the best pots are the Bon Voyage NW Aluminium Catering Series (8L to 50L, R289–R939) for indoor bulk cooking, and the Bon Voyage 3-Leg Cast Iron Potjie (No. 3 or No. 4, R799–R1,399) for outdoor braai events. Both are made in Thaba Nchu, South Africa.
Whether you are cooking for a funeral of 200 people, a school feeding programme, a stokvel, or a large family braai, having the right pot for the volume makes the difference between manageable cooking and a kitchen crisis. This guide identifies the best large-group cooking pots in South Africa for every context.
Best Large-Group Cooking Pots: Quick Reference
| Scenario | Best Pot | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor stew, pap, or umngqusho (20–50 people) | BV NW20 Aluminium | 40–50 | ~R489 |
| Indoor bulk cooking (50–100 people) | BV NW30 Aluminium | 60–75 | ~R629 |
| School / institution (100+ people) | BV NW50 Aluminium | 100–125 | ~R939 |
| Large braai potjie (10–14 people) | BV Cast Iron Potjie No. 3 | 10–14 | ~R799 |
| Community braai / large gathering (20+ people) | BV Cast Iron Potjie No. 4 | 20+ | ~R1,399 |
For Indoor Large-Group Cooking: Bon Voyage NW Aluminium Series
The BV NW aluminium catering pots are South Africa's most widely used large-group cooking vessel. Made from 99.9% pure aluminium at the Thaba Nchu factory, they are available in eight sizes from NW8 (8 litres) to NW50 (50 litres). Key advantages for large-group cooking:
- Fast heating: Aluminium heats 2–3x faster than stainless steel — critical when you need to bring 30 litres to boil for a school lunch service
- Even heat distribution: 99.9% pure aluminium has excellent thermal conductivity, eliminating hot spots that cause burning in large-volume cooking
- Lightweight for size: A 20L NW20 weighs approximately 3–4 kg empty — manageable even when full
- Purpose-built for SA catering: Sizes match exactly the volumes needed for pap, stew, and umngqusho for groups of 15 to 100+
For Outdoor Large-Group Braai: Bon Voyage Cast Iron Potjie No. 3 or No. 4
For a traditional South African outdoor potjie feeding a large group, you need either a No. 3 or No. 4 potjie. The BV 3-Leg Cast Iron Potjie is available in both:
- No. 3 (9–10 litres, ~R799): Serves 10–14 people. The right choice for a large family braai or a small community gathering.
- No. 4 (14–16 litres, ~R1,399): Serves 20+ people. Standard for large braai events and community potjies.
The three-leg design sits directly on coals. With a No. 4 potjie, build a large, well-established coal bed and maintain steady heat throughout the 3–4 hour cook time.
Practical Tips for Cooking in Volume
- Fill to 70–80% capacity. A 20L pot should have 14–16 litres of food maximum — you need headspace for stirring and boiling.
- Use multiple smaller pots rather than one enormous one. Two NW25 pots cooking simultaneously give you more control than one NW50. You can serve from one while finishing the other.
- Pap and stew are separate pots. Never combine them in one large pot. Cook pap in one pot, stew in another.
- Gas burner output matters. A 20L pot of water takes significantly longer to boil on a standard domestic 5kW gas burner than on a commercial 15kW catering burner. For very large volumes, use a dedicated catering gas burner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest pot available in South Africa?
The Bon Voyage NW50 (50 litres) is the largest standard-size pot in the Big5 Cookware range and one of the largest aluminium catering pots available at factory-direct pricing in South Africa. It serves 100–125 people for a stew dish.
What pot do I need to cook for a funeral in South Africa?
For a funeral of 100 people, two NW30 pots (30 litres each) is a standard setup — one for stew, one for pap or rice. For 200 people, step up to two NW50s or three NW30s. See our full sizing guide.
What pot do I use to cook pap for 50 people?
An NW20 (20 litres) is adequate for pap for 50 people. Pap for 50 requires about 15 litres of water plus maize meal — the NW20 gives you the headspace needed. Cook in batches if necessary.
Can I use a catering pot at home?
Yes. The BV NW series works perfectly on a standard domestic gas stove or electric plate. An NW14 or NW20 is common in South African township homes for weekend cooking for extended family. The NW8 and NW10 double as large household pots for families of 6–10.
Are BV NW catering pots available for delivery?
Yes. The full NW series is available online at Big5 Cookware Factory Shop with delivery to all major South African cities and towns.