How to Use the Mellerware Biltong King and Why It’s the Best Choice for Homemade Biltong

February 20, 2025

How to Use the Mellerware Biltong King and Why It’s the Best Choice for Homemade Biltong

Introduction

For biltong lovers, there’s nothing better than making your own batch at home. The Mellerware Biltong King Drying Cabinet takes the hassle out of traditional drying methods, providing the ideal controlled environment for perfect results. Whether you're new to biltong making or a seasoned pro, this guide will show you how to use the Biltong King effectively and why it’s a must-have for any home biltong enthusiast.

Mellerware Biltong King Drying Cabinet

Why Use a Biltong Drying Cabinet?

Making biltong the old-fashioned way can be tricky. Factors like humidity, temperature fluctuations, and airflow can all impact the drying process. A biltong drying cabinet eliminates these challenges by offering:

Consistent drying conditions for even results.
Protection from dust and insects, ensuring hygiene and food safety.
Faster drying times with controlled airflow.
Year-round usability, no matter the climate.

The Mellerware Biltong King has been designed with all these benefits in mind, making it the best option for home biltong makers.

How to Use the Mellerware Biltong King

1. Prepare Your Meat

Start with a good cut of meat such as silverside or topside beef. Trim excess fat and slice into strips about 1cm thick. Marinate with your preferred biltong spice blend, ensuring an even coating. Let the meat rest for 12-24 hours in the fridge to allow the flavours to develop.

2. Set Up the Drying Cabinet

Assembling the Mellerware Biltong King is quick and easy. Once set up:

Insert the three hanging rods and attach the nine durable meat hooks.
If drying fruits or vegetables, place them on the included drying shelves.
Ensure the removable base plate is in place for easy cleaning.

3. Hang Your Meat

Use the hooks to suspend your meat strips inside the cabinet, ensuring they are spaced out to allow for good airflow.

4. Start the Drying Process

Plug the unit into a New Zealand-standard power outlet (no adapters needed).
Switch on the built-in 240v fan to maintain steady airflow, preventing stagnation and moisture buildup.
The 60W light fitting helps control moisture and prevent spoilage.
Close the cabinet door and let the drying process begin!

5. Monitor and Adjust

Biltong typically takes 4-7 days to dry, depending on your desired texture. If you like it softer, check after 4-5 days. For drier biltong, leave it for 6-7 days.

6. Store and Enjoy

Once your biltong has reached the perfect consistency, remove it from the cabinet and store it in a breathable container or paper bag. Vacuum-sealing is ideal for long-term storage.

Why the Mellerware Biltong King is the Best Choice

Unlike makeshift drying setups, the Mellerware Biltong King is designed specifically for home biltong making. Key advantages include:

Even Drying – The fan-driven airflow ensures consistency.
Moisture Control – The light fitting reduces excess humidity.
Multi-Purpose Use – Not just for biltong, but also great for drying jerky, droëwors, fruit, and vegetables.
Compact and Efficient – With dimensions of 47cm x 31cm x 31cm, it holds up to 3kg of wet meat per batch without taking up too much space.
Easy to Assemble and Clean – The removable base plate makes cleaning effortless.