When the power goes out, many cooking devices will likely not work, like microwaves, electric stoves, and other electric cooking devices. A wise homeowner will plan in advance with some options for cooking if the lights flicker out. Even if you have a backup generator, the load is likely going to be too high to run a microwave or an electric stove even with a very large generator.
For homes with propane or gas service the ovens and stove top should continue to work as long as fuel is available. Keep in mind some electronic ignited stoves require a kitchen match to get started when the power is out.
An easy option is a propane fueled folding camp stove. These come in a wide variety of different features with costs ranging from around $50-$300. Most of these units are for outdoor use only. These stoves use different types of fuel containers, so you want to be sure that you purchase enough fuel in advance so that you are able to cook for a period of time during an emergency.
Many already have a gas or charcoal grill which is an excellent source of additional cooking capacity. The key, of course, is to make sure plenty of fuel is stored. You don’t want to find out you’ve only got a little left in your tank when needing to cook a supper. The additional tanks don’t cost a lot of extra money and are a great way to provide long term fuel for emergency cooking. Just be sure to refill the tank when they are empty.
Butane cooking devices are also an excellent option. And, most are safely used inside with proper ventilation, but read the instruction manual. When purchasing fuel use only fuel stored with a CRV (countersink release vent) which allows gas to escape the container in the event of exposure to high heat. Whenever operating any cooking device make sure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector to provide safe use for your family.
In most areas where fuel is available an open campfire is an additional option. Generally, the better working devices on an open fire are cast iron. Part of the challenge is to keep a “balanced heat” because it is easy to burn part of the food while leaving other parts uncooked or cold. A good idea is to practice campfire cooking several times before an emergency - just for the fun.
A volcano stove provides the versatility of being able to burn propane, charcoal or wood. These units fold up for easy storage. Unlike some of the camp stoves with multiple burners these not only provide a cooking surface but they’re great for cooking with a Dutch oven, or meals that can be all cooked in one pot or pan. And, of course, you can always add a second one for additional cooking capacity.
A solar cooker uses free energy from the sun, providing an advantage of not needing to store any fuel. Of course, in some climates where it’s dark and cold these may not work consistently. However, there are excellent options to add to your backup cooking possibilities.
Having some canned food on hand makes emergency preparations much easier. Opening a can of soup, stew, or other product requiring a minimum effort heating makes an easier meal. A good plan is to keep at least 2 to 3 weeks minimum of canned food available, even if it’s not your first choice. A few cans of spaghetti are easy to prepare in a pinch.
Having the food and cooking devices is a great start but you want to be sure you have other equipment necessary that you may not use in your kitchen every day. You will need to have good kitchen gloves to avoid getting burned when you’re working around a different heat source. Also, make sure you have some cooking utensils that will work with your new emergency cooking circumstance.
Isaiah wrote about the cedars of Lebanon: “It is used as fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it.” (Isaiah 44:15 NIV) While as Christians we only worship God as the “giver” of our supply let us be good stewards in preparing these tools. And, let us be thankful He has given us one or more of these options which may be used for backup cooking to keep a fire going for our family and others as needed for basic survival.
Take the time to assemble and practice with these devices because you don’t want to be getting out an instruction booklet when the kids are screaming and hungry. And….make sure you test your devices before an emergency occurs!
Learn more how to become a ReadyChristian helping your family prepare spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically to help others in crisis of all kinds.
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