Biltong Box FAQ
Everything you need to know about using, placing and getting the best results from your Biltong Box. Built for proper homemade biltong and designed to perform reliably in Australian conditions.
Lights & Airflow
Does the Biltong Box come with a light?
Yes. The Biltong Box now includes a light.
Traditionally, a light was used to help create airflow through warmth, but our design uses a dual-fan airflow system, which does that job far more effectively. The light is included more as a nod to tradition than as a necessity.
Would the Biltong Box work better with a light?
Not really. Because the box already has strong, consistent airflow from two fans, the light adds very little in practical terms.
It is there because it is a nice traditional touch, not because the unit depends on it to perform properly.
Are other designs with lights better?
Not necessarily. In older-style boxes, the light was placed at the bottom so warm air would rise and escape through vents, helping pull fresh air through the cabinet.
Some modern boxes place the light at the top, which makes much less sense. In our design, the fans already handle airflow efficiently, so adding heat is largely unnecessary and can simply waste energy.
Does the light cook the biltong?
No. The small amount of heat from the light is not there to cook the meat.
Biltong is traditionally best made in cooler, drier conditions, which is one reason it has long been associated with winter drying. Good airflow matters far more than added heat.
Placement
Where should I keep my Biltong Box?
A kitchen counter is a great option, but any clean, dry indoor space will work well.
The ideal spot is out of direct sunlight and away from excess moisture.
Can I keep the Biltong Box outside?
We do not recommend it. While some people may have success outdoors, rain, direct sunlight, dust and changing weather conditions make it far less reliable.
For best results, keep it indoors.
Can I keep the Biltong Box in the garage or shed?
Yes, as long as the space is clean and dry. A tidy garage can be a perfectly good place to make biltong.
Just avoid damp or dusty areas.
Can I keep the Biltong Box in the bathroom?
No. Bathrooms are not suitable because of humidity and general hygiene concerns.
Biltong is best made in a dry, clean environment with stable airflow.
Capacity & Size
How much biltong can I make?
We now offer three sizes, so you can choose the right setup depending on how much biltong you want to make and how often you plan to run a batch.
| Model | Best For | Wet Meat Capacity | Final Yield | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Medium | Solo makers / weekly batches | 2–3 kg | ~1–1.5 kg | Perfect for keeping a steady personal supply without overdoing it |
| The Large | Families / small households | 4–5 kg | ~2–2.5 kg | Ideal balance of capacity and consistent airflow |
| The Big Boss | Serious biltong enthusiasts | 8–10 kg | ~4–5 kg | Built for bulk batches without sacrificing quality |
Which size should I choose?
If you are making biltong mainly for yourself or smaller weekly runs, the Medium is a great fit.
If you want a strong all-rounder for family use, the Large gives you that sweet spot of capacity and airflow.
If you are the kind of person who never seems to have enough biltong in the house, the Big Boss is built for bigger batches and serious output.
Value & Cost
How much can I save by making your own biltong?
Making your own biltong can be far more cost-effective than buying it retail, especially if you make it regularly.
Your exact savings will depend on the cut of meat you choose, current spice prices and how often you make a batch, but homemade biltong usually gives you better value over time while also giving you full control over flavour, texture and quality.
Why not just buy a food dehydrator instead?
A food dehydrator is built for fast drying, which works well for fruit and snacks but is not ideal for traditional biltong.
The Biltong Box is specifically designed to dry meat in a way that suits the texture and flavour people actually want from proper homemade biltong.
Other Foods
Can the Biltong Box dehydrate other foods?
It can, but it has been specifically designed to make biltong and dry meat exceptionally well.
While you could experiment with other foods, that is not its main purpose and it is not marketed as a general dehydrator.
Does the Biltong Box come with a dehydrating tray?
No. If your main goal is drying fruit, herbs or other non-meat foods, a dedicated dehydrator is usually the better choice.
We prefer to focus on what this unit does best: making excellent biltong.
Protection & Hygiene
Does the Biltong Box protect against bugs and flies?
Yes. The design helps protect your meat while it dries.
Air moves through the unit via the fan system, while the enclosed cabinet design makes it difficult for insects to get inside. It is built to keep the meat protected while maintaining proper airflow.
Is it hygienic for indoor use?
Yes, provided normal food handling practices are followed and the unit is used in a clean, dry area.
Like any food preparation process, results depend on good hygiene, sensible placement and proper meat handling from the start.
Shipping
Do you ship internationally?
Not by default. We currently focus on Australia to keep things simple, reliable and cost-effective.
That said, we have shipped internationally before, including to the USA, Canada, Thailand and the UK, and may still be able to help on request.
If you are outside Australia, please contact us to discuss options. International freight can be expensive, and any import duties or taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.
Safety
Who is responsible for safe use of the product?
The Biltong Box should be used responsibly and with normal food safety practices in mind.
Users are responsible for selecting suitable meat, handling it hygienically, and using the product in a safe indoor environment.
Why Choose Our Biltong Box?
Why is this the best Biltong Box available?
Our Biltong Box has been developed over years with one clear goal: quality first.
We have refined the design, airflow, materials and production process to create a unit that performs reliably in Australian conditions while still delivering the traditional biltong experience people are chasing.
That means better consistency, better drying control and better homemade biltong.
Will this replace my local South African butcher?
Probably not — and that is not really the point.
You will still want good spices, quality meat and the occasional comparison run against your favourite butcher. The real win is being able to make your own excellent biltong whenever you want, because the world simply needs more biltong.