When the power goes out, you have several options for preparing meals:
- find a restaurant with power (This may not always be possible especially in widespread disasters.)
- use a grill, hibachi, rocket stove, Dutch oven, or camp stove (This must be done outside and can require special cookware except for the camp stove.)
- use a solar oven (This can only be used during the day and when there is sun.)
- prepare “heat only” foods (like canned soup, stew, chili) or “just add water” foods (like instant soup or oatmeal) using a canned heat stove
- prepare raw foods or canned foods that do not need heating
- prepare easy-to-cook meals on a one burner butane stove
All options are viable (except maybe #1!) if prepared for adequately. Choose more than one option to always have a way to cook since the length of the power outage, the time of day, and the weather can all affect which method you use.
Option 2 is easy if you are used to grilling outdoors and/or camping. If you aren’t used to cooking outdoors, choose a method and practice using it with family and friends.
Option 3 takes practice but is not difficult. The biggest disadvantage is that you must have enough sun.
Option 4 is easy and inexpensive. Canned heat stoves can be purchased, with fuel, for $15 to $20 and can be used indoors. They hold a 2-quart saucepan or a small to medium skillet. A can of Sterno brand cooking fuel will last 45 minutes to 2-1/4 hours depending on the size of the can.
Option 5 is a short-term option that most people will tire of quickly unless you have some good no-cook recipes.
Option 6 has several advantages. 1) The butane stove will accommodate larger size cookware than the canned heat stove. 2) Normal kitchen cookware can be used because it’s just like cooking on a gas stovetop. 3) The butane stove can be used indoors with good ventilation. 4) The gas flame is easier to regulate than canned heat and is hotter. These advantages allow the preparation of recipes, rather than just heating up canned foods, thus giving more variety to menus while the power is out. Finding recipes that require only 20 minutes, or less, cooking time will conserve fuel.
When choosing recipes and can sizes, keep in mind that leftovers cannot be stored if the power remains off and there is no ice to cool and store the leftovers safely.