When the electricity goes out, how long do you think you and your family can last on cold meals? A day? Maybe two? Before you get to that point, consider this: What if you had various alternative cooking methods in place? Hot meals not only satisfy our hunger but also lift our spirits.
In this piece, we’ll delve into several options you might want to consider – some I’ve tried and loved, and some still on my to-do list.
Putting Your Off-Grid Cooking Equipment to the Test
Upon acquiring a new survival tool, do you test it out or just stash it away for future use? I must admit, I’ve done both. Preppers, including myself, have a reputation for collecting the latest survival tools. While we might have numerous ways to cook without electricity, the allure of a new gadget often proves irresistible.
But here’s the thing: it’s crucial to test these methods. In high-stress situations, it’s not the ideal time to be deciphering how to assemble a complex cooking device.
Cooking Methods My Family Uses
For us, our alternatives for power-free cooking include:
- Solar oven with a helpful guide to get started.
- Rocket stove.
- Volcano Cooker with an oven tent.
- Butane stove burner.
- Campfire.
- Wonder oven.
- Sterno Alcohol Stove.
- Tent stove in-line oven.
- Coleman stove.
- BBQ grill (charcoal or propane powered).
- Dutch oven with charcoal storage tips.
- Apple box oven.
- And if really necessary, our microwave paired with a generator.
While we haven’t tried the Coleman Camp Oven yet, it seems like an interesting addition, especially for baking when camping.
Other Potential Power-Free Cooking Methods
Though I haven’t personally tried the following, they might be worth your consideration:
- Portable Power Stations for small appliances.
- Kelly Kettle.
- HERC Oven – uses tea lights for cooking. Here’s a review of it.
- Fondue Pot – look for these at thrift shops!
- Kerosene Stove – strictly for outdoor use.
- Wood-burning stove.
- Esbit Fuel Tab Folding Pocket Stoves.
- Toilet Paper Tuna Torch – an intriguing makeshift heater. Don’t forget a can opener!
- Buddy burner.
- Reflector Oven.
- Swedish Torch Fire – check out this entertaining tutorial.
- Outdoor Percolator for coffee enthusiasts.
Make sure to have kitchen tools compatible with these methods, and if you can cook from scratch, even better!
How Many Off-Grid Cooking Methods Should You Have?
Having more than one alternative cooking method is ideal. Also, ensure they rely on different fuel sources.
Are you and your family well-acquainted with the methods you’ve chosen? If the primary preparer of meals in your home is unavailable, someone else should be able to take over.
Spring and summer provide an excellent opportunity to experiment with these tools. Consider hosting weekly backyard cookouts using a different method each time. Gather recipes, and make it a fun learning experience.
Dedicated Dutch Oven Cooking
I came across a woman who, wanting to master her Dutch oven, pledged to use it daily for a year. She documented her journey, becoming a veritable expert in the process. Her adventures are a goldmine of Dutch oven recipes and tips. Check out Toni’s Dutch Oven adventure.
How do you like to cook when the power’s out? I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations! Share them below.
