Co-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.

As more and more people are seeking alternative, more affordable ways to enjoy endless hot water (absolutely guilt-free) in their homes, there is also a need to reduce our carbon footprint while cutting expenses, and that is exactly what Bobaas Donkies stand for! We want our clients to feel the warmth of savings with every drop of hot water, and the best way to achieve this, is by harnessing the power of nature. Not only is a wood-fired water heater the perfect way to navigate challenges associated with loadshedding, load sharing and power cuts, but it can also help you reduce your monthly electricity bill!

First and foremost ... what is a Bobaas Donkie?

A Bobaas Donkies wood-fired water heater, commonly known in South Africa as a ‘donkie or donkey boiler’, is a simple yet powerful way to heat water without electricity. It uses firewood as fuel to heat a water tank made of mild steel, delivering hot water to your shower, bath, jacuzzi, or even your splash pool - the natural, off-grid way.

At Bobaas Donkies, we manufacture high-quality, fully galvanized wood-fired heaters that are designed to last. Whether you're living off-grid, need backup during load shedding, or simply prefer a more rustic, reliable hot water solution - our units get the job done.

How do our units 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.

Here's how it works

o Build a fire underneath or inside the built-in combustion chamber, known as the firebox.

o The flames heat the metal tank, which in turn heats the water inside.

o Hot water rises to the top, ready to be used via gravity-fed pipes or storage tanks.

No electricity. No fancy tech. Just a solid, time-tested solution that works - anywhere, anytime. Whether for your home, farm, lodge, or bush getaway, a Bobaas Donkies wood-fired water heaters brings the comfort of hot water wherever you are.

Whether you're living off-grid, need backup during load shedding, or simply prefer a more rustic, reliable hot water solution - our units get the job done.

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.

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.

Read our Disclaimer & Product Warranty Here