About us
Bringing the Taste of South Africa to the World: The Kalahari Khabu Story
Our Mission
At Kalahari Khabu, we are passionate about bringing the traditional South African art of biltong making to people around the world. With roots deeply embedded in South African heritage, our mission is to share the skills and joy of making biltong with expats and enthusiasts globally.
Who We Are
Kalahari Khabu is a global provider of premium biltong making equipment. Founded by South African expatriates living in New Zealand, our company aims to cater to the needs of South African expats and biltong lovers worldwide. Our products include household biltong chambers, commercial biltong chambers, and biltong slicers, designed to suit both personal and business needs.
Our Products
1. Household Biltong Chambers:
Perfect for home enthusiasts, these chambers allow anyone to create high-quality biltong in their own kitchen.
2. Commercial Biltong Chambers:
Designed for larger-scale production, these chambers are ideal for businesses looking to offer authentic biltong to their customers.
3. Biltong Slicers:
Our slicers ensure perfectly sliced biltong every time, making the preparation process easy and efficient.
Global Reach
We proudly serve customers around the world, with warehouses strategically located in the USA, Canada, UK, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. This global presence ensures that we can deliver our products quickly and efficiently to biltong enthusiasts everywhere.
Our Commitment to Quality
Quality is at the heart of everything we do. From the materials used in our equipment to our customer service, we are committed to providing the best possible experience for our customers. We understand the importance of maintaining the traditional methods of biltong making while incorporating modern technology to enhance the process.
Target Audience
While our primary audience consists of South African expatriates living abroad, we are also dedicated to introducing the delicious taste of biltong to a wider audience. Foreigners are increasingly becoming aware of the great taste of biltong, appreciating it as a uniquely South African delicacy. Just as champagne is French and Parmesan is Italian, biltong is truly South African, and we are excited to share it with the world.
Join Us on Our Journey
We invite you to join us on our journey to make biltong a household name worldwide. Explore our range of products, learn the art of biltong making, and enjoy the rich, flavorful taste of this South African delicacy.
Mooi, man!
That's South African for “good on ya” or “way to go”!
At Kalahari Khabu we supply everything you need to create and savour your very own mouth-watering biltong; plus, an exciting range of essential accessories, as well as delicious spices and delectable sauces – guaranteed to fill your friends with biltong envy and make your braai buddies jealous.
Ready to start your very own biltong adventures? Then grab your apron, whet your appetite, sharpen your knives and dive into our online treasure trove of gadgets and goodies here:
Frequently Asked Questions
We accept Visa & Mastercard, Stripe, Afterpay, Apple Pay, Bank Transfer.
Equipment Spares can be found HERE.
Your Kalahari Khabu equipment includes a warranty which covers the working parts of the unit. Contact us via email and we will send you your required replacement parts.
In order to take advantage of your 12 months guarantee you will need to send us confirmation that the equipment was received and the date and time of receipt.
In the event of major faults on Industrial Equipment we offer cover on the labour costs for the repairs. However, this is subject to a personal consultation, a report from the repair technicians, and after a full quotation has been obtained outlining the cause of the problem and the cost for the repairs.
You can use your tracking number to check the progress of your delivery.
Check the domestic shipping costs on checkout for local orders, however industrial and international orders are subject to a quotation.
Humidity is the silent enemy that can attack your biltong even after you have successfully made it. To achieve perfect biltong every time, you must ensure that air is consistently moving over the product throughout the drying process. Homemade units often struggle in high humidity areas due to insufficient airflow, leading to disappointing results. For instance, Kimberley, South Africa, has a relative humidity (RHH) of 29%, whereas Auckland’s RHH is 80%. If you rely on a simple plastic box in high humidity, you will likely be disappointed with your biltong.
To avoid this, consider investing in a professional biltong chamber with adequate ventilation and humidity control. Once your biltong has completed its drying cycle, it’s crucial to handle it properly to maintain its quality. Immediately after drying, you should either consume the biltong, store it in a brown paper bag in the fridge, or vacuum seal it for later use. Never leave biltong in the open air if you are in a high humidity area, as this will quickly compromise its texture and flavor.
By understanding and managing humidity, and ensuring proper airflow and storage, you can enjoy successful biltong making every time.
When it comes to making biltong at home, Kalahari Khabu offers three versatile household biltong chambers: the KK11, KK12, and KK16. Each unit is designed to provide optimal drying conditions, allowing you to create high-quality biltong and other dried goods with ease.
KK11 Biltong Chamber
The KK11 is perfect for small batches and fits snugly into any kitchen. It features a 24-hour timer, 10 stainless steel trays, 5 hanging rods, and 36 stainless steel biltong hooks. This unit can handle up to 5 kg (11 lbs) of wet biltong. With external dimensions of H 43 cm, W 35 cm, and D 40 cm, it’s compact yet powerful, operating quietly at 45 decibels. The KK11 is ideal for those new to biltong making or for occasional use.
KK12 Biltong Chamber
For larger batches and extended drying capabilities, the KK12 offers a 96-hour timer, 12 stainless steel trays, 5 hanging rods, and 40 stainless steel biltong hooks. This chamber can process up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of wet biltong. Its dimensions are H 50 cm, W 35 cm, and D 40 cm, making it slightly larger but still suitable for most kitchen spaces. The KK12 is a great choice for enthusiasts who make biltong more frequently.
KK16 Biltong Chamber
The KK16 is designed for serious biltong makers and small businesses, with a capacity to handle up to 25 kg (55 lbs) of wet biltong. It includes a 96-hour timer, 16 stainless steel trays, 6 hanging rods, and 48 stainless steel biltong hooks. With dimensions of H 67 cm, W 57 cm, and D 46.5 cm, this unit is best suited for larger spaces like a bar, garage, workshop, or even a business setting.
Versatile and Efficient
All three units have a temperature range from 20-90 degrees Celsius (68-194 degrees Fahrenheit), making them suitable not only for biltong but also for drying snap sticks, fruit rolls, herbs, and more. They feature an airflow speed of 1000 rpm, ensuring consistent drying. Additionally, these chambers operate efficiently with an 800-1500W power setting and maintain a low noise level of 40-45 decibels.
Tips for High Humidity Areas
In high humidity areas, airflow is crucial for making biltong. Once your biltong is ready, store it in a brown paper bag in the fridge to maintain its quality. Humidity can quickly ruin your hard work if you leave biltong out in the open.
By choosing the right Kalahari Khabu biltong chamber, you can ensure successful biltong making every time, tailored to your specific needs and space.
Making your own biltong box at home can be a fun and rewarding project. Here are some basic instructions to help you get started:
Materials Needed:
– Wooden box or wooden panels to construct a box
– Computer fans (2-3)
– Light bulb and socket (60W)
– Mesh or screen for ventilation
– Hooks or rods for hanging biltong
– Power drill and screws
– Electrical tape and wires
Instructions:
1. Construct the Box:
– If you’re starting with wooden panels, assemble them into a box with a front door for easy access. Ensure the box is sturdy and well-constructed to hold the weight of the biltong.
2. Install Ventilation:
– Cut holes on the sides of the box for the computer fans. These will ensure proper airflow. Install the fans using screws and connect them to a power source.
3. Install the Light Bulb:
– Drill a hole in the top of the box for the light bulb socket. Install the light bulb and secure it in place. The light bulb will help maintain a consistent temperature inside the box.
4. Create Hanging Space:
– Install hooks or rods across the top of the box for hanging the biltong. Ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for proper air circulation around each piece of biltong.
5. Add Mesh for Ventilation:
– Cover any ventilation holes with mesh or screen to keep insects out while allowing air to flow freely.
6. Wiring and Safety:
– Connect the fans and light bulb to an electrical source. Use electrical tape to secure any exposed wires and ensure everything is safely connected.
7. Testing:
– Test the box by turning on the fans and light bulb. Ensure there is good airflow and the temperature inside the box is suitable for drying biltong (around 20-25 degrees Celsius).
Video Tutorial:
For a visual guide on building your own biltong box, check out this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmPYUECzftI
By following these steps, you’ll have a functional homemade biltong box ready to create delicious biltong. Enjoy the process and happy biltong making!
Biltong is a traditional South African dried meat snack, typically made from beef or game meat. It is seasoned with various spices and air-dried, resulting in a flavorful and chewy treat.
The best cuts for making biltong are usually silverside, topside, or rump. These cuts are lean, which helps in the drying process and ensures a tender end product.
The drying process for biltong typically takes between 3 to 4 days, depending on the thickness of the meat strips and the humidity and temperature of the drying environment.
Common biltong spices include coriander seeds, black pepper, salt, brown sugar, and vinegar. Some recipes may also include garlic, chili flakes, or other spices for additional flavor.
Yes, you can make biltong without a dedicated biltong maker by using an oven, dehydrator, or even a DIY biltong box. However, using a biltong maker can provide more consistent results.
Biltong should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. It can also be refrigerated or frozen to extend its shelf life.
Yes, biltong can be made from various meats, including beef, game meats (such as deer or kudu), chicken, and even fish. Each type of meat will have a slightly different flavor and texture.
Biltong is ready when it has a firm, dry exterior and a slightly tender, chewy interior. The drying time can vary, so it’s important to check the texture and taste as it dries. Squeeze it between your thumb and index finger to find the consistency you love.
Vinegar is used in biltong preparation to add flavor and act as a preservative. It helps to tenderize the meat and inhibit the growth of bacteria during the drying process.
To switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit on your biltong chamber, press and hold the temperature icon for 3-5 seconds. This will toggle the temperature display between the two units.
Introducing cold air or meat into the biltong chamber can cause temporary temperature fluctuations as the thermostat works to stabilize the environment. Additionally, outside ambient temperature can influence readings, especially if there are significant temperature differences. Independent hygrometers or temperature units might show slight variances due to their sensitivity and calibration differences.
Our biltong chambers are designed to maintain optimal conditions for curing, ensuring that your biltong process is completed efficiently. Minor temperature variances are normal and should not affect the overall curing process. The built-in system in our chambers effectively manages the environment to deliver high-quality biltong. If you experience significant discrepancies or need further assistance, please contact our support team. We are here to help you achieve the best results with your biltong making.
