New World Enamelware Since 1977 — South Africa's Heritage Enamel Brand
New World Enamelware: South Africa's Heritage Enamel Since 1977
The short answer: New World Enamelware is the enamel sub-brand of Big5 Cookware — South Africa's largest cookware manufacturer. Plates, mugs, cups, basins, dinner sets, all made in our Thaba Nchu, Free State factory since 1977. The white-with-blue-rim enamel that has lived in millions of South African kitchens for nearly 50 years.
The 1977 Story
Our Thaba Nchu factory has been pressing steel and firing enamel since 1977. Long before Tiger non-stick. Long before Sapphire aluminium sets. Enamelware was the original Big5 product line — the daily-use plates and mugs that filled South African kitchens, mining canteens, B&B breakfast tables, and braai weekends.
The product line is intentionally simple: take quality steel (0.4mm+), shape it, fire enamel onto it at over 800°C, finish with a rolled rim. Same process today. Same Thaba Nchu factory. Same SA workers.
What's in the New World Range Today
Category
Notable Products
Plates
Dinner plate, deep / soup plate, rice plate, side plate
Mugs & Cups
Standard mug, large mug, espresso, child mug, camping cup
Most enamelware sold in SA today is imported — thinner steel, single-coat enamel, weaker handles, chips within months. We still make it the original way:
Steel sourced locally where possible
Double-coat enamel on most product lines
Rolled rims on all plates and bowls
Riveted handles on all mugs (not just spot-welded)