Owner of Bobaas Donkies, Johan Maritz, has over 30 years of experience working in the general steelwork industry, primarily producing security gates, entrance gates, fencing, burglar bars, and other steel products. 

Looking for a highly durable, and affordable off-grid water heating solution, Johan initially designed and created the BBD prototype in  2018, and since then, the original design was only changed twice. The positive feedback and response from clients pay testimony to the effectiveness, and great quality of the product! 


What is a donkie?

Bobaas Donkies Wood-Fired Water Heaters represent a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, offering an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and reliable solution for hot water needs. As we strive towards a more sustainable future, these heaters stand as a beacon of what is possible when we embrace the past to inform our present and future practices. By choosing Bobaas Donkies, we invest not only in our own comfort and savings but also in the health of our planet. Warm up to the idea today, and let Bobaas Donkies lead the way to a greener, more resilient future.

Because we are committed to creating high-quality products, we place a lot of emphasis on the manufacturing process, and since maintaining a very high standard of customer service is also a top priority, we go to great lengths to ensure customer satisfaction.

How does it differ from other products?

Whereas conventional storage water heaters use a variety of fuels, including electricity or gas, our water heating technology uses wood only, and when used with a geyser blanket, it can result in less dependency on grid energy, and subsequently, huge monthly savings on your electricity bill. Remember, you only need a small fire, which means a small amount of wood!

It is recommended that the unit be placed outdoors. A simple foundation (such brick/paving or a concrete slab) can be laid to secure the installation of the unit. The foundation can also be raised, for more convenience when making a fire. Bobaas Donkies is recommended to be used as a ‘stand-alone’ unit and it is highly recommended that a qualified/certified plumber do to the installation, for safety purposes. It is essential that every installation complies to SANS 10254, just like any other electrical, gas or solar geyser. 

With a Bobaas Donkie, you can have warm water in half an hour (30 minutes), and really hot in 45 minutes with the minimum amount of dry wood pieces (for the device with a 100-liter capacity). 

Warning: Never touch the surface of the unit while in operation, as it will become very hot. The unit should only be operated by an adult.

Disclaimer & Product warranty

All units manufactured and sold by Bobaas Donkies are intended for the specific purpose of water heating. Note that the surface of the unit will become very hot when in operation, and it might cause injury when accidentally touched. The unit should only be operated by an adult.

Bobaas Donkies is not responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses (direct or indirect) that occur as a result of poor, faulty or incorrect installation of the unit, accidental touching of the hot surface, or while using the wood-burning water heater for household purposes or using the product differently than the way it was intended to be used.

No specific claims, representations or warranties, whether express or implied, are made by Bobaas Donkies as to the safety, reliability, durability and performance of any of our units.

Our limited Warranty covers any defects in workmanship for a period of 12 months. During this period, Bobaas Donkies will repair/replace – at its sole option – any defective unit returned to us by the original purchaser.

This Warranty does not cover problems that arise from misuse, abuse or problems with the installation.


Quality Testing

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.