Our cover story for this edition features the work of everyone’s favourite fireplace manufacturer, Thermo Fires, particularly their wood-burning braais and fireplaces. Read all about the fabulous benefits of a live crackling fire or warm indoor braai as we head towards winter.
By: Thermo Fires
Pictures: Thermo Fires
As the temperatures drop and the nights grow darker, there’s no denying the allure of a crackling wood fire. For centuries, gathering around the fire has been a universal human experience, fostering a sense of community, camaraderie, and connection to one another. These wood-burning fires have been a source of warmth, comfort, and community, bringing people together in a way that’s both intimate and inviting.
But let’s be real – traditional open woodburning fires are a hassle. They’re messy, inconvenient, and even hazardous. That’s where Thermo Fires comes in – an effective solution that combines the timeless charm of a wood-burning fireplace and the flavour of a traditional braai, with the convenience, safety, and efficiency of modern technology.
So what sets Thermo Fires apart from other solutions on the market? Their commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their business, from stunning designs to exceptional customer service. Built to last, their products are crafted using only the finest materials and construction methods. So confident are Thermo Fires in their quality that they are the only company to offer a 20-year warranty on their fireboxes.
Local is great
Founded 21 years ago with just R25 000, a dream, and a dedicated team determined to make the business a success, Thermo Fires has grown into a trusted name. Today, their commitment to quality is reflected in their slogan: Leadership through Quality.
As a proudly local company, Thermo Fires is deeply rooted in the community. Choosing Thermo Fires means not only investing in a superior product, but also supporting local jobs, innovation, excellence, and economic growth.
Attention to detail
Thermo Fires products are designed to be both functional and beautiful. The team of skilled artisans and machinists are dedicated to their craft, taking pride in every product that leaves the factory.
From design concept to the final product, everything is done in-house at their factory in Brackenfell, in the Western Cape. Their creative designs are engineered to provide maximum efficiency, and convenience. But it’s not just about function – Thermo Fires’ products are also stunningly beautiful, ranging from sleek and modern, to traditional designs that will complement any decor.
Benefits

Unlike traditional open wood-burning fireplaces which can be hazardous, Thermo Fires’ fireplaces has safety features such as heat-resistant glass and secure fuel storage, so you can enjoy the warmth and ambience of a wood fire without the risks.
And let’s not forget about the environmental benefits. In addition to their safety and convenience benefits, Thermo Fires glass fireplaces also offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional open woodburning fireplaces. By incorporating heatdistribution technology and energy-efficient designs, Thermo Fires minimise the number of wood logs you need, reducing carbon emissions and saving you money. This makes them an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners who want to enjoy the warmth and ambience of a wood fire without compromising their values. Plus, with no smoke, ash, or air pollution to worry about, Thermo Fires wood-burning fireplaces are a healthier choice for you and your family.
In addition to their safety, convenience, and environmental benefits, Thermo Fires woodburning fireplaces also offer a range of health benefits. By providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and calmness, improve mood and overall well-being and even alleviate your symptoms of the winter blues.
Ranges on offer
- Slimline and corner freestanding fireplaces
Thermo Fires Slimline Fireplaces are wall-standing units available in four sizes. The Corner Fireplaces – unique to Thermo Fires – were designed to fit neatly into an unused corner of a room, radiating heat at 90 degrees while offering a clear view of the flames from all angles. Both ranges feature convection channels and an adjustable air intake and come with stainless steel insulated flue kits. - The Blaze Range
The Blaze range features a stunning design that is highly popular. It is available as a four-sided glass unit, perfect as a room divider, a three-sided wall-standing unit, and a two-sided left- or right-handed corner unit. Additionally, it can be custom-ordered as a three-sided built-in fireplace. - Also available are the ever popular eight-sided glass Octagon Fireplace, and its cousin, the half octagon Flat Back unit.
- Built-in fireplaces
Available in two different models and in six different sizes, as well as double-sided units. All built-in and insert fireplaces are manufactured with convection channels and a damper unit, and are also available with a glass door with adjustable air-intake. This gives you total control over the amount of oxygen allowed into your fireplace, which in turn controls how hot or fast the fire burns, how much heat is radiated into the room, as well as how much wood is burned.
- Glass doors
If you are looking to upgrade your existing brick or steel fireplace, Thermo Fires offers glass doors manufactured custom to fit most types of fireplaces, in different sizes. This will improve the heat output of your fireplace, reduce the amount of wood you use, and give your unit an immediate updated look.
…they are the only
company to offer a
20-year warranty on
their fireboxes.
The braai beckons
Thermo Fires also offers you one of the most extensive ranges of indoor and outdoor braais, designed to elevate any braai area. From their unique grid-hook design to the grade 304 stainless steel grids in their braais, you will be the envy of your friends. All units across our many ranges are available in mild steel, 3CR12, 304 stainless steel or a combination of materials, i.e. a black-sprayed 3CR12 braai with a brushed 316 stainless steel façade.
Founded 21 years ago with just R25 000, a dream, and
a dedicated team determined to make the business a
success, Thermo Fires has grown into a trusted name.
Ranges on offer
- Professional range of built-in braais
This range has been designed with modern, clean lines coupled with convenience. When closed, the single door makes a statement, no matter your design aesthetic, whether mild steel (black) or brushed stainless steel. When the door is opened but not needed, it slides neatly out of the way underneath the ashpan, but can be easily pulled out to be utilised as a workspace. This range is also available as Spit Braais, Combination Braais and Freestanding Braais.
- DeLuxe braais
After many years on the market, the deLuxe braai has gathered a following and is still firmly in the heart of the South African braaier. Thermo Fires has, however, also updated this unit with its double doors. With “locking” knobs on the doors, you will no longer have to listen to the rattle of your braai doors when the wind is blowing outside.
- Combination braais
Thermo Fires’ uniquely extensive range of combination braais – a single braai incorporating a wood-burning and a gas BBQ section – gives you the freedom to choose whether to braai on wood or gas, when you have a bit of time to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, or if you just want to get dinner on the table. Available in an amazing 19 different sizes and options, from 1 200mm to 2 250mm wide.
- Freestanding braais
Don’t want the mess of building? Thermo Fires freestanding braais are available in a choice of pedestal or cabinet, standard with 2.4m flues, turbo cowl and ceiling plate. Thermo was the first company to manufacture a freestanding braai with double-skinned sides to keep the outside cooler to the touch, preventing serious burns from accidental touching.
- Insert braais, ashpan/table-top braais or frames and doors
Whether you’re upgrading your existing brick braai or prefer a more compact option, Thermo Fires has the perfect solution. They custom-manufacture three types of braai door sets, ranging from traditional to modern. They are also the only company in South Africa to offer a counter-weighted slide-up door frame set.
If you’re seeking a high-quality fireplace or braai that will offer years of warmth and enjoyment, Thermo Fires is the ideal choice. Perfect for any homeowner looking to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere, their commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures their products exceed expectations. Contact them today to learn more and begin transforming your indoor or outdoor living space.
Thermo Fires
021 200 7660
info@thermofires.co.za
www.thermofires.co.za