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Our Product:

At Bobaas Donkies, we understand that every customer’s needs are unique. That’s why we now offer our wood-fired water heaters in two premium material options: Mild Steel (Fully Galvanized) and Stainless Steel (304). 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly heater that still offers excellent performance and corrosion protection, our Mild Steel (Fully Galvanized) range is the perfect fit. It’s ideal for inland areas, farm installations, or households with clean, low-chlorine water. If you want the ultimate in durability and resistance - especially in coastal areas, salty or chlorinated water systems, or high-demand settings - our Stainless Steel (304) range is worth the investment. It delivers long-term peace of mind with minimal maintenance. 

 
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Why should I choose Bobaas Donkies?

  • In an age where sustainability and efficiency are paramount, Bobaas Donkies Wood-Fired Water Heaters stand out as a testament to innovative thinking grounded in time-honored traditions. Combining rustic charm with modern functionality, our wood-fired water heaters offer a compelling solution for all.


  • Bobaas Donkies, a name synonymous with quality and ingenuity, has simply revived the art of wood-fired heating. Long before electricity and gas became the standard for home heating, wood-fired systems (donkeys) were the heart of many households. By embracing this traditional method and infusing it with contemporary design and technology, we bring a reliable and sustainable heating solution into the 21st century.


  • If you’re looking for a budget-friendly heater that still offers excellent performance and corrosion protection, our mild steel (Fully Galvanized) range is the perfect fit. It’s ideal for inland areas, farm installations, or households with clean, low-chlorine water.
  • If you want the ultimate in durability and resistance - especially in coastal areas, salty or chlorinated water systems, or high-demand settings - our Stainless Steel (304) range is worth the investment. It delivers long-term peace of mind with minimal maintenance
    General Information

    Condensation is a common phenomenon that typically occurs when cool outside air strikes a hot chimney pipe, cooling it and causing the water vapor to condense.


    Condensation happens because of the temperature difference, and, in some instances, it may appear like a water leak, but in actual fact, it is only a temporary effect. We recommend a geyser blanket to help retain the heat and help with condensation.


    In colder climates, and especially during the winter, it may be a little more challenging to completely prevent condensation from taking place, but you can try to regulate the combustion air, by making sure the chimney pipe is free of debris or any potential obstruction, and by maintaining a small fire throughout the day. Proper care and maintenance of the unit is important. Removing ash from the firebox after use, and cleaning the chimney pipe every now and again, will prevent the build-up of debris, and it will ultimately prolong the life of the unit.


    Every effort is made to ensure our units are manufactured to the highest standards. We also test every unit before it leaves our premises, to ensure that there are no problems that may impact negatively on its functionality and efficiency.


    We are confident in saying that any water that is ‘leaking’ down the inside of the chimney after starting the fire is likely caused by condensation, which will eventually clear on its own as long as you keep a small fire going.


    However, if water is continuously running down the chimney for no apparent reason, please give us a call.



    🔩 Material Options

    1️⃣ Mild Steel Units (Galvanized Inside & Outside)

    Our mild steel units are manufactured from high-quality steel and fully galvanized by a SABS-approved Galvanizing Company, on both the inside and outside surfaces.

    Benefits:

    • Strong and durable construction
    • Corrosion protection through galvanizing
    • Cost-effective solution
    • Ideal for general household and outdoor use

    These units offer excellent value for money while still maintaining the high build standards Bobaas Donkies is known for.

    2️⃣ Grade 304 Stainless Steel Units

    For clients seeking superior corrosion resistance and long-term durability, we offer Grade 304 Stainless Steel units.

    Benefits:

    • Excellent rust and corrosion resistance
    • Longer lifespan
    • Ideal for coastal or high-moisture environments
    • Premium, low-maintenance option

    If you’re looking for a budget-friendly heater that still offers excellent performance and corrosion protection, our Mild Steel (Fully Galvanized) range is the perfect fit. It’s ideal for inland areas, farm facilities, or households with clean, low-chlorine water. If you want the ultimate in durability and resistance - especially in coastal areas, salty or chlorinated water systems, or high-demand settings - our Stainless-Steel range is worth the investment. It delivers long-term peace of mind with minimal maintenance. Grade 304 Stainless Steel is a trusted industry material known for strength, hygiene, and longevity.


    📏 Available Unit Sizes

    We manufacture various unit sizes to suit different water capacity needs — from smaller household units to larger family or commercial installations.

    Each size category is priced accordingly, depending on:

    • Material choice (Mild Steel or Stainless Steel)
    • Tank capacity (litres)
    • Configuration

    For detailed pricing, please refer to our pricing page or contact us directly for a quotation.


    🔥 How the Heater is Designed

    Each wood-fired water heater consists of:

    🔥 Firebox

    • Engineered to use the minimum amount of dry firewood
    • Efficient airflow design for optimal combustion
    • Strong bottom plate to withstand high temperatures

    💧 Water Tank

    • Cylindrical tank designed for even heat distribution
    • Available in different litre capacities

    🌪 Chimney Pipe System

    • A vertical chimney pipe runs through the water tank
    • Acts as a built-in “element”
    • Ensures fast and efficient heat transfer
    • Maximizes heating performance while minimizing wood usage

    🛡 Safety & Installation

    Please note that we do not offer installation services. While each unit is supplied with a comprehensive instruction booklet to guide customers through the installation process, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified plumber before proceeding with any DIY installation to ensure compliance, safety, and correct setup.


    Every unit includes:

    ✔ 400 kPa Safety Valve
    ✔ Installation instruction booklet
    ✔ Professional build quality
    ✔ Designed for easy plumbing connection

    The 400 kPa Safety Valve ensures safe pressure regulation during operation.


Beyond functionality, Bobaas Donkies Wood-Fired Water Heaters add a rustic, aesthetic charm to any home. The sight of a wood fire and the gentle crackle of burning logs create a warm, inviting atmosphere that electric heaters simply cannot replicate. These units are thoughtfully designed to complement a variety of home styles, from traditional cottages to modern eco-homes, blending seamlessly into their surroundings while serving as a focal point of both beauty and utility.

Every unit sold comes with a a 400 kPa Temperature & Safety Pressure Valve as wood-fired heaters can create high pressure due to rapid heating. It is therefore important to NEVER overheat or over-stoke the fire. Over-stoking means adding too much wood in an attempt to make the fire burn hotter, faster and more intensely than necessary. If your TP valve has 

Having said that, Bobaas Donkies is also committed to continuous improvement and innovation.

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Galvanizing & Rust

How long will a mils steel (galvanized) Bobaas Donkie wood-fired water heater last?

  • Our wood-fired water heaters are manufactured from mild steel and then hot-dip galvanized after fabrication by a SABS-approved galvanizing factory.
  • The galvanizing process coats the mild steel with zinc both inside and outside the unit, which gives the steel a protective barrier against rust and corrosion. Hot-dip galvanizing is widely used because zinc protects the steel beneath it and significantly slows down corrosion in normal service conditions.
  • In practical terms, the lifespan of the galvanized coating depends heavily on water quality and operating conditions.
  • Factors such as pH, mineral content, chlorides, salts, and how frequently the unit is used all affect how quickly zinc is consumed. In neutral or reasonably balanced water, galvanized steel can give many years of service, but in aggressive water conditions the coating can be used up faster.
  • That is why NO honest manufacturer can give one exact lifespan that applies in every installation.

 

Will my water turn brown after prolonged use?

  • Most likely not. Regarding brown water: galvanizing itself does not normally turn water brown. Brown water is usually associated with iron rust or sediment, not fresh zinc. Zinc in water is more likely to affect taste or appearance at higher levels than make the water look rusty-brown.
  • With newly galvanized products, it is also normal for the zinc surface to settle and develop a stable protective patina over time. This is part of how galvanized steel resists corrosion. As long as the water chemistry is not unusually aggressive, the galvanized coating helps protect the tank and delays the onset of rusting.

 

Our practical guidance to clients:

  • Our hot-dip galvanized water heaters are designed to offer substantially better corrosion resistance than uncoated mild steel, but their actual lifespan will always depend on the quality of the water and the conditions in which it operates.
  • In normal use, clients can expect long service life, but where water is very acidic, highly saline, or otherwise corrosive, the coating may deteriorate sooner. Brown water is not something galvanizing that normally should cause; if discoloration occurs later in the product’s life, it is more often a sign that the protective zinc layer has been depleted in places, and the underlying steel has started to corrode.

 

Galvanizing vs powder coating

  • Unlike powder coating, which mainly protects only the outside surface, hot-dip galvanizing coats both the inside and outside of the steel with a protective zinc layer. This makes it far better suited to a product that is constantly exposed to water, heat, steam, and outdoor conditions.
Powder coating may improve appearance, but galvanizing provides much better long-term corrosion resistance and overall durability.

How It Works:

Once the unit is fully installed and properly connected:

  1. Make a small fire on the bottom plate inside the firebox.
  2. Gradually build it up to a medium-sized fire using dry firewood only.
  3. NEVER burn anything other than dry firewood.
  4. Open the cold water inlet to allow the tank to fill.
  5. As the fire burns, the chimney pipe transfers heat into the water tank.
  6. The water heats up gradually and efficiently.
  7. Once the desired temperature is reached, the hot water can be used for:
    • Bathing
    • Cleaning
    • Outdoor tubs
    • Household use
    • And more


No electricity. No complicated systems. Just reliable, cost-effective hot water.


Our Products

Prices: mild steel units (fully galvanized)

75l unit – R5 500

125l unit – R6 500

150l unit – R7 500

250l unit – R8 500

Tub Heater – R7 500

Jacuzzi Splash Pool Heater – R9 500


Prices: Stainless Steel Units (Grade 304)

75l unit – R12 000

125l unit – R14 000

150l unit – R16 000

250l unit – R20 000

Jacuzzi Heater – R22 000


Feature / Benefit

Mild Steel (Fully Galvanized)

Stainless Steel (304)

Corrosion Resistance

Good – protected by hot-dip galvanizing

Excellent – resists rust in harsh & coastal environments

Durability

Long-lasting with proper care

Extremely long-lasting, even in corrosive conditions

Best Suited For

Inland areas, low-chlorine water

Coastal areas, chlorinated pools, salty or harsh water

Appearance

Galvanized silver finish

Sleek polished stainless steel finish

Maintenance Needs

Periodic checks for wear on coating

Low maintenance – retains finish for years

Cost

More affordable option

75l unit – R5 500

125l unit – R6 500

150l unit – R7 500

250l unit – R8 500

Tub Heater – R7 500

Jacuzzi Splash Pool Heater – R9 500

Higher initial cost, longer lifespan

75l unit – R12 000

125l unit – R14 000

150l unit – R16 000

250l unit – R20 000

Weight

Slightly heavier

Slightly lighter for its strength

Heat Performance

Same heating efficiency as stainless

Same heating efficiency as galvanized

Value for Money

Excellent entry-to-mid range choice

Premium investment for long-term peace of mind

PAYMENT:

Payment Options:

At Bobaas Donkies Water Heating Solutions (Pty) Ltd, we aim to keep our payment process simple, transparent, and convenient for our clients.

💳 No Deposit Required

We do not require a deposit on standard orders.

However, a deposit may be required for:

  • Orders of two (2) or more Grade 304 Stainless Steel units

This is due to the higher material cost and production planning involved.

💰 Accepted Payment Methods

We accept the following payment options:

  • EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
  • COD (Cash on Delivery)
  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card
  • Scan to Pay

📌 Important Payment Policy

Please note:

✔ Full payment must be received and cleared
✔ No unit will leave our workshop without full payment.


This policy ensures smooth transactions and protects both our business and our clients.

For any payment-related queries, our team will gladly assist you.

How To Order:

Order Now:

We generally keep stock of our galvanized mild steel units. However, during peak periods (such a wintertime), stock may be temporarily unavailable. In such cases, manufacturing lead times are approximately 7–10 working days, depending on current production volumes and workload.


Orders can be placed telephonically, via WhatsApp, by email, or directly through our website for your convenience.

Delivery Options:

We offer flexible delivery solutions to ensure your Bobaas Donkies wood-fired water heater reaches you safely and efficiently.

1️⃣ Nationwide Delivery – The Courier Guy

We arrange nationwide delivery through The Courier Guy.

  • Delivery is for the client’s account.
  • We obtain a courier quote based on the unit dimensions, weight, and delivery distance.
  • The courier cost is then added to your quotation or invoice.

This option allows us to deliver anywhere within South Africa in a reliable and professional manner.

2️⃣ Local Delivery – Within 100km of Nigel

We also offer direct delivery within a 100km radius of Nigel.

  • Flat rate between R500 and R1,000
  • Cost depends on:
    • Distance from Nigel
    • Number of units being delivered

This is a convenient and cost-effective option for clients located near our workshop. For delivery outside these parameters, please contact us for a custom arrangement.

Units can also be collected from our workshop in Nigel.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

David Niebuhr :  Wow, very impressed with the quality product. A great venture, and very relevant to our challenges in South Africa. You can gladly support them.

What Our Customers Say

Lizette Le Roux : Thank you so much for the prompt response to all my questions. One of the best investments we had made. As a guesthouse owner we are always worried about enough warm water for all the guests when we are fully booked.
The Bobaas Donkie is feeding our electric geyser with water, when the water in the donkie is warm we have 400L of warm water. More than dubble the amount we used to have.
Thank you so much Bobaas Donkies.

What Our Customers Say

Sonette Engelbrecht : This Donkie from Bobaas Donkies was one of our Best Buys !! We'll definitely get more from them as they are really so efficient. With only a few pieces of wood you can create your own "Sauna" 🛀 in less than 30min.