When the power goes out, it can be a little problem or a big one, depending on why it happened, when it happened, and how long it lasted. Even though we can’t control those things, there are some things we can do to make the problem smaller. One of them is learning how to cook without electricity.
Here are some ways to cook without using electricity that can help you when the power is out or if you want to live without being connected to the power grid.
Use A Camp Stove Or BBQ Grill
If you’ve got a camping stove or a BBQ grill with propane, that’s great news. You can use these to cook inside (make sure it’s well-ventilated) or outside. Just read the instructions carefully before using them.
If you don’t have electricity, there are different types of camping stoves you can use, like folding steel stoves and portable butane stoves. Check out all your choices and make sure you have one ready in case the power goes out.
Use A Gas Stovetop
If you’ve got a gas stove and there’s no gas leak, you can still cook when the power is out. Just use a match to light the stove, and use the knobs to control the flame.
Cook Over An Open Fire Pit
If you’ve got a fire pit and some wood, you can cook food right over the flames or hot coals. It works well for things like hot dogs, kebabs, and hamburgers that you can grill.
Cooking With Candles
You can cook without electricity by using candles. Candles give off enough heat to cook small things like eggs or grilled cheese sandwiches.
To cook with candles, you need a surface that can handle heat for your food. You can use a metal tray on top of some candles. Another way is to make a simple stove by stacking bricks and putting a metal grill or grate on top. After setting up your heat-safe surface, light the candles and put your food on it.
Try A Solar Oven
A solar oven is like a box with clear sides that catches sunlight and uses it to make food hot. These ovens can get as hot as 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so they’re good for cooking all sorts of things, like casseroles or roasted chicken. Just make sure to put the solar oven where it gets direct sunlight for the best cooking.
Make A Hobo Stove
You can cook in an emergency using a hobo stove, which is easy to make with just a few things.
To make one, put a can of Sterno or another fuel in the middle of a big piece of foil. Fold the foil up around the can to make a three-sided box, and poke some holes in the bottom for air.
After that, put your pot or pan on the stove and light the fuel. The hobo stove gives off enough heat to cook food in an emergency.
Use A Kelly Kettle
Kelly Kettles are a kind of portable stove you can use for cooking when there’s no power.
They’re made of stainless steel and come with a built-in water tank. To use one, fill the tank with water and put it over a heat source like a campfire or stove.
The water boils, making steam that cooks the food in the kettle. Kelly Kettles work well for making noodles, rice, oatmeal, and other dry foods. You can also use them for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. When there’s no power, a Kelly Kettle can be a useful thing to have in your kitchen.
Cook With Your Car Engine
In an emergency, you can use your car engine as a makeshift stove.
Here’s how: find a flat spot to park your car. Open the hood and take out the oil dipstick. Pour a quart of oil using a funnel into the opening.
Place a metal can or pot under the opening and secure it with something heavy, like a rock. Start your car and let it run for a few minutes. The engine’s heat will make the oil boil, turning it into a makeshift stove for cooking.
Remember to check the oil level and add more if needed. Also, make sure you have enough gas for the whole process, and turn off your car when you’re done cooking!
Use Your Wood Stove
A wood stove is really useful when the power goes out. It gives off heat and can also be used for cooking.
You can get creative and cook almost anything on your wood stove during a power outage. So, if the power goes out, no need to worry—your wood stove has got you covered!
Use An Earth Oven
When the power is out, you can cook with an earth oven. These ovens are easy to make and work with wood, charcoal, or other fuels.
To make one, dig a hole in the ground and line it with rocks or bricks. Start a fire in the oven and let it burn for a few hours to heat the rocks. Once they’re hot, clear out the coals and ashes. Put your food on a metal grate and lower it into the oven.
Cover the oven with more hot rocks and dirt to keep the heat in. Let the food cook for a few hours before checking. When it’s done, your meal will be hot and ready to eat!
During a power outage, you can still cook without electricity. Just be creative and use methods like the earth oven. So, if the power goes out, no need to worry—grab your camp stove or solar oven and start cooking!
You may also like:
An Insanely Effective Way to Build a 5 Year Food Stockpile (Video)
10 Civil War Foods Every Homesteader Should Know And Try
Foods You Should Never Buy And Always Make At Home
How To Grow An Endless Supply Of Potatoes
