[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Cooking during an SHTF event (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 7/26/2011 11:08:04 AM EDT
| Im trying to think of what I want to use for cooking during an SHTF event. I want to plan for the power being out. What are you guys doing to prepare for this? What are your plans for cooking during the SHTF? |
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Im trying to think of what I want to use for cooking during an SHTF event. I want to plan for the power being out. What are you guys doing to prepare for this? What are your plans for cooking during the SHTF? Hmmm, I am still working on this. I have used my fireplace when the electricity has gone out. I have also built a wood-fired brick oven in my backyard that I cook in occasionally. I want to get a few thermal cookers, and some Lodge Campfire dutch ovens too.... |
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Depends a lot where you live: city, country, apartment, house, etc.
For instance, if you live in an apartment without a balcony or patio, might be a little difficult to use a charcoal grill. We cook outdoors a lot now. Wood fired grill. However,we have an assortment of Coleman grills (white gas and propane) and a few G.I. cook stoves. You might look into a Coleman propane grill, this will give you the convenience of a regular gas stove. Propane is easy to store long term. Coleman also sells an oven attachment to use with the grill. |
| For my personal situation because I move a lot its hard for me, but I was thinking of those little propane tanks that you can get in two packs at Walmart and also using my homemade alcohol stoves to heat water. The poster above me reminded me of thermos cooking and is something that I wanted to do also. |
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We have a three-pronged approach: 1. NG stove. 2. Multifuel backpacking stove (MSR Whisperlite with spare diesel jet). 3. Barrel-type smoker/grill for burning charcoal or wood. Soon to add a propane grill with a NG conversion. The Whispelite burns Coleman fuel well, smokes a bit with gasoline, and won't burn really crappy 3rd-world biodiesel. I keep a spare rebuild and repair kit for it. |
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For my personal situation because I move a lot its hard for me, but I was thinking of those little propane tanks that you can get in two packs at Walmart and also using my homemade alcohol stoves to heat water. The poster above me reminded me of thermos cooking and is something that I wanted to do also. In that case, buy a multifuel Coleman stove (Coleman fuel and gasoline burner). Then, buy the propane conversion and adapters to run small bottles or a 20lb bottle. |
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Quoted: Quoted: We finally bought a wood burning cook stove. $325 on craigslist OK, now that is a SWEEEEEEEEEEET looking stove. Thanks, Now my wife wants one.....  Thanks! http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/atq/2509270064.html http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/atq/2489033315.html http://austin.craigslist.org/atq/2507770858.html I LOVE This one: http://austin.craigslist.org/atq/2455170904.html |
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Im trying to think of what I want to use for cooking during an SHTF event. I want to plan for the power being out. What are you guys doing to prepare for this? What are your plans for cooking during the SHTF? mostly the following. 1. coleman dual fuel stoves. 2. kerosene heater, ( top makes a good stove) 3. propane camping stoves, 4. propane bbq grill... 5. if it gets real bad, ill use my firepit, and burn wood, sticks, and such. we have a sawmill 1/4 mile from me, and i could probably get endless wood scrap, plus woods all around. i have wanted to acquire a wood burning stove. just to store. so if its a long term shtf, i could cut a hole in a wall and install it for heat, and cooking. wife wont go for it now, but if she was freezing her ass off, her attitude would change. nice to have in reserve. |
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Whatever I can get my hands on or presents itself to me.
I live on the edge of hundreds of acres of woods and farm fields. 13 acres of woods we own, so fire pit with a big ass flat rock in the middle is my go to. I would use grill or camp grill etc but if it is a long term problem it will only be a short term solution, so I will probably save those for a "last supper" or something. |
| I'm in the process of chopping up and sealing an old propane grill into a solar oven. Other than that, our in home stove/oven is propane. We have a propane grill, charcoal / wood grill / smoker, and a wood box stove in the basement. I check CL every week to try to find a wood cook stove..that "wood" be the sht* |
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MSR Pocket Rocket stove for boiling water and single-pan cooking. Quieter than the multi-fuel stoves –– nice if I need to keep a lower profile. Fuel canisters are now available at my local Wal Mart, but I bought a case of them from Moutain Sports for just over $3 (I think) each last year.
I picked up one of these cheap gas grills and an adapter hose (which lets me use the tabletop grill attached to a 20lb propane cylinder) at last year's end-of-summer sale. I think I'm going to build a proper outdoor barbecue for charcoal grilling. For now, I have a portable no-name charcoal grill. |
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During the recent tornadoes in Alabama we were without power for 10 ays or so. We used our coleman stove, primarily, but I am also a thrift store junkie and I have been picking up those "Emergency" charcoal grill kits for a couple bucks each. They actually worked really well for my family of four to make coffee, then breakfast. We would use the coleman for dinner.
Spoon |
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Quoted: Yep, the 'nadoes is why I bought the wood burning stove mentioned above. She is now permanent.During the recent tornadoes in Alabama we were without power for 10 ays or so. We used our coleman stove, primarily, but I am also a thrift store junkie and I have been picking up those "Emergency" charcoal grill kits for a couple bucks each. They actually worked really well for my family of four to make coffee, then breakfast. We would use the coleman for dinner. Spoon |
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During the recent tornadoes in Alabama we were without power for 10 ays or so. We used our coleman stove, primarily, but I am also a thrift store junkie and I have been picking up those "Emergency" charcoal grill kits for a couple bucks each. They actually worked really well for my family of four to make coffee, then breakfast. We would use the coleman for dinner. Spoon We were only out of power for 6 days. We dug out the old camping gear; propane stove and propane griddle. I had two full grill bottles of propane so one went to the neighbors for their grill and the other got hooked to the "tree" so we could run both the stove and the grill without swapping hoses. My wife sacrificed a pie plate to rig up a dutch oven and she was able to bake cookies as well as make pancakes on the griddle and misc foods on the stove. We went through all the food in the upright freezer as it thawed; basically from top to bottom. We never really got into the canned goods. Our neighbors were mainly using gas or charcoal grills. We had one family down the street who did not have any way of cooking so we had them over to dinner every evening as well as one of two other sets of neighbors. Overall, it went well. Another week and we would have needed more propane though. We didn't have any interruption of water service. If it had gone out, we'd have left and gone to visit family. |
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I can't even imagine firing up the gas grill or Charcoal grill and throwing on a couple steaks and letting the smoke go towards one of my neighbors houses that did'nt prep and they are starving and not ate for days. I have a feeling that I would be raided and maybe shot while I didnt have my guard up.
Be careful cooking outside, thats just asking for trouble if the SHTF and people are going hungry. I suggest to cook inside and use the microwave alot, if the SHTF. |
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I can't even imagine firing up the gas grill or Charcoal grill and throwing on a couple steaks and letting the smoke go towards one of my neighbors houses that did'nt prep and they are starving and not ate for days. I have a feeling that I would be raided and maybe shot while I didnt have my guard up. Be careful cooking outside, thats just asking for trouble if the SHTF and people are going hungry. I suggest to cook inside and use the microwave alot, if the SHTF. I expect if you are even considering cooking outside the microwave probably isn't working.......... 
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Quoted: Quoted: I can't even imagine firing up the gas grill or Charcoal grill and throwing on a couple steaks and letting the smoke go towards one of my neighbors houses that did'nt prep and they are starving and not ate for days. I have a feeling that I would be raided and maybe shot while I didnt have my guard up. Be careful cooking outside, thats just asking for trouble if the SHTF and people are going hungry. I suggest to cook inside and use the microwave alot, if the SHTF. I expect if you are even considering cooking outside the microwave probably isn't working.......... |
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Been on a buying spree this spring and summer for this very reason. Bought two Weber Smokey Mountain smokers. Two Weber Kettles, bought two Coleman stoves, four coleman lanterns. Buying one more coleman stove and lantern tomorrow. I've also stocked up on dozen of cannisters of all different kinds of spices. Now all I need to do is buy a ton of white gas and I'll be good to go!  |
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Im trying to think of what I want to use for cooking during an SHTF event. I want to plan for the power being out. What are you guys doing to prepare for this? What are your plans for cooking during the SHTF? I was without utiolties for 4 days after the Loma Prieta quake in '89. We cooked over an open fire in the fire pit in the back yard. It was kinda like a campout.
Fun memory, by hindsight. Wasn't so fun then. |
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The outdoor gas grill has gotten my family through quite a few hurricanes down in Florida with the power out. Last time if I remember right it was out for 10 days. Wood stoves are a hell of a thing to have though I've never owned one personally. Had friends that have had them. Cooking really depends on the surroundings. Used the fireplace quite a few times too, but I've learned over the years outdoors camping how one pot can do so much. If all else is not there, a good fire and the biggest, flattest stone you can find is always a makeshift cooking surface supported by other rocks over a fire. If it comes down to a long term outdoor or no power life, than there really is so much in steel grating and mesh out there that can be used over a fire to cook off of. You just gotta go scrunge it. |
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We have a propane stove hooked up to the house's 500gal tank. For camper/mobile use we have something similar to this:  This thing really puts out the heat, something like 25K BTU per burner if you need it. ETA: Link http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/search_catalog_command.cmd?fromProductSearch=true&item1=IK-519734 We've also got a couple of backpacking stoves, alcohol rigs, a couple of dutch ovens, a fire pit w/ grate, ... -Slice |
| I've got two propane tanks (Blue Rhino - what, 20#?) that I rotate in through so I always have a full one for the grill. I think next time I'll get a third so I always have two full. I also have one of the little grills that run on the blow torch propane canisters and an old Coleman camp stove that runs on white gas. I was thinking about this very issue and I'm good for a week without power when it comes to cooking. Other aspects of the power outages need resolution, but at least I can cook it. |
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A portable butane burner, intender for outside catering, etc., can be purchased extremely CHEAP. The can be found on Amazon for less than $20 (with super saver shipping if your total order is over $25). The butane fuel canisters are much easier to store than liquid fuel - the canisters are a bit expensive to ship but can still be had for around $2/each shipped if you buy a dozen.
They are not really intended for indoor use, but I really cannot see the harm of using them for a short time indoors. There is really no difference between these and a natural gas stove burner in operation - just the fuel source difference. The benefit is in the winter, or when you want to keep a low profile (opsec), you can cook indoors which you can do with a grill. |
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Here at the house we've got a couple of Coleman propane stoves with about a month's worth of propane as well as some alcohol stoves with a good amount of fuel. Also, we have a firepit with a modest supply of wood (and woods behind us), mostly used for backyard BBQs.
For longer term at the BOL we have a large propane stove with a couple of 20# tanks and this kerosene stove and oven combo with enough kerosene for several months of cooking. Also a Coleman and regular BBQ pit there. Our food will be cooked during SHTF. |
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I'm a fire freak, which means I have more stoves of different types and fuel stored than a department store.
Most people have the means to cook when the power goes out and don't even know it. About anything that burns work from a candle to a BBQ grill. Fuels can be wood to that can of "Oh heck, this burns in your cabinets." Actually the average modern American has our settler ancestors beat on this topic hands down without even trying. All they have to do is think about it. For someone getting started the little one burner propane stoves for $20 is great buy. Buy some small tanks, store them, then buy yourself a fill hose for your propane grill tank. Most outages are short term so that works quite well. Doubling up on your fuels is never a bad idea. You have a heater that works on this, its a natural to have a stove that works on that. Even a oil lamp makes a fair stove in a pinch. In fact, Dietz makes a stove model. Multi-fuel stoves allow you to use, just like it says, multiple fuels so in winter you can save your kerosene and use your gasoline. Those inexpensive fire pits are great for a night just lounging by a fire but throw a dutch oven or grill over it, and katy bar the door on what you can cook. I have stoves I bought on sale and never lit a match to them. Tj |
| this will sound a little lame. but when i was in the army, the guys were not allowed hot plates, for cooking in the barracks . they would take a clothes iron, turn it upside down between two boots, and make a stove out of it, to cook ramen, and mak and cheese... worked great. |
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I too remember the handy-dandy grilled cheese maker that doubled as a clothes pressing device. We said fuck em' and got a electric griddle/and the Phillipinos in the room next door got a rice maker and a wok. Between the two rooms, we'd get together and make a fine feast! Quoted: this will sound a little lame. but when i was in the army, the guys were not allowed hot plates, for cooking in the barracks . they would take a clothes iron, turn it upside down between two boots, and make a stove out of it, to cook ramen, and mak and cheese... worked great. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Now all I need to do is buy a ton of white gas and I'll be good to go! Lets see, 2000lbs at about 7lbs/gal that would be about 285+ gals......... and I thought I was doing pretty good with 10gals.  Ok, you got me beat in gallons. So far.  Went to look at a $10 Coleman Stove tonight, got there and the guy met me at his door. He said he felt bad. Said the stove didnt look as good as he thought. He said he found one his uncle had. Would sell it to me instead for $10. It looked brand new. I asked how much for both? $15? I said SURE! He said don't leave yet, I have a lantern around here somewhere. Do you want it too?  He threw in a few small one pound LP's, a heat buddy? And a REAL NICE Coleman Lantern for $15 more. I gave him $16.  Hey, I'm a nice guy!So, wanted to buy one old one for $10, ended up with two and a beautiful lantern, plus... for $30. And you should see the lantern and newer "looking" stove. They're both from 1969 and have the boxes they came in. SCORE!  |
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Now all I need to do is buy a ton of white gas and I'll be good to go! Lets see, 2000lbs at about 7lbs/gal that would be about 285+ gals......... and I thought I was doing pretty good with 10gals.
Ok, you got me beat in gallons. So far.
Went to look at a $10 Coleman Stove tonight, got there and the guy met me at his door. He said he felt bad. Said the stove didnt look as good as he thought. He said he found one his uncle had. Would sell it to me instead for $10. It looked brand new. I asked how much for both? $15? I said SURE! He said don't leave yet, I have a lantern around here somewhere. Do you want it too?
He threw in a few small one pound LP's, a heat buddy? And a REAL NICE Coleman Lantern for $15 more. I gave him $16. Hey, I'm a nice guy!
So, wanted to buy one old one for $10, ended up with two and a beautiful lantern, plus... for $30. And you should see the lantern and newer "looking" stove. They're both from 1969 and have the boxes they came in. SCORE!
Nice story..... We need pictures.
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An alcohol fueled stove can be made from a couple of soda cans; no moving parts and fuel is dirt cheap. I have used mine indoors during power outages, just set it on top of the kitchen stove.
How to: http://www.thesodacanstove.com/stove/ |
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We finally bought a wood burning cook stove. $325 on craigslist https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CUruzFO9oMQ/ThO75SV9WzI/AAAAAAAAIZA/RVgTQGkX5jc/s640/IMG-20110705-00018.jpg WOW!!! Nice grab! Those are super expensive in the Lehmans catalog. |
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I have an old propane stove top built into a kitchen cabinet drawer, makes car camping nice and easy. It is an apartment sized stove top with 3 burners I think. I have on outdoor propane grille with a side burner and that side burner can be used for cooking small stuff just like it was an alcohol stove or something and cook a lot of meals a bit at a time. Need to redo the main part of the propane grille again, going to just pull everything out and redo it since it is old and icky and just needs redone. Will have spare parts on hand once I redo it properly. As mentioned you can cook on kerosene heaters and what not and if it is winter I will be doing so. I generally have at least a perking coffee pot sitting on my kerosene heater. I have more fuels and little camping stoves or chafing cans or sterno cans around as well. I also have big coleman camping stoves. If this is a super extended outage I will revert to cooking on wood outside and I have a wood heat stove that would be installed for heat if I start getting to where I might run out of propane. One thing I always keep in mind is that work has some huge generators to run things at work and we have to feed 2400 inmates along with staff so I have meals at work and even in bad weather or whatever I am expected to come to work. |
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I've got two propane tanks (Blue Rhino - what, 20#?) that I rotate in through so I always have a full one for the grill. I think next time I'll get a third so I always have two full. Around here, there are TONS of the 20# with the old style valve laying around. In the woods, along the road, etc Get them for FREE, trade for a (almost  ) full one at Blue Rhino (they don't care if it's the old style, I've asked).
When it's empty, refill at local RV place for way cheaper. Can build a pretty good stockpile this way, for cheap. I ALWAYS have 6-8 full.Once I get down to that, I haul the empties in to refill. I hauled a few loads of junk to the county landfill the other day, and as always, there were 50+ propane cylinders off to the side, 20- 100'ers# . Even if you don't know the guys (I do ) a cold drink or a $5 will get you some.
We cook outside 3-4 days per week, year round, on a gas grill anyway. Also have multiple camp stoves, fire ring, wood cook stove,etc, so we're set. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Now all I need to do is buy a ton of white gas and I'll be good to go! Lets see, 2000lbs at about 7lbs/gal that would be about 285+ gals......... and I thought I was doing pretty good with 10gals. Ok, you got me beat in gallons. So far. Went to look at a $10 Coleman Stove tonight, got there and the guy met me at his door. He said he felt bad. Said the stove didnt look as good as he thought. He said he found one his uncle had. Would sell it to me instead for $10. It looked brand new. I asked how much for both? $15? I said SURE! He said don't leave yet, I have a lantern around here somewhere. Do you want it too? He threw in a few small one pound LP's, a heat buddy? And a REAL NICE Coleman Lantern for $15 more. I gave him $16. Hey, I'm a nice guy!So, wanted to buy one old one for $10, ended up with two and a beautiful lantern, plus... for $30. And you should see the lantern and newer "looking" stove. They're both from 1969 and have the boxes they came in. SCORE! Nice story..... We need pictures. Go figure, two months ago I didn't own a thing with the Coleman label on it.  I couldn't find stove #4. Not sure where I put it.  The cream of the crop. These two were built in 1969. The guy I bought them off of inherited them from his uncle. Then sold them to me for $25 for the pair. I can't imagine why he would sell something like these. His loss, my gain.  Look at this, 1969 and it looks brand new. Still had the box the stove came in and the storage unit for the lantern. Lantern even has a safe on the bottom.  Did I mention my wife now has this look on her face... She gets it though. She's behind my prepping 110%!!! |
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ahh women..... She has the look because you bought them? or because you are posting pictures?
Super nice scores, though. Your display is a little fancy. It's called gear porn...my second favorite porn.... I like gear porn too, I was just referrring to the nice wood furniture and quilted cover he has everything displayed on
My SHTF cooking combo - 1966 Sears branded coleman stove w/matching lantern: 
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Quoted: Never saw the Sears version before, very cool! Almost NATO SHTF gear!! Quoted: Quoted: ahh women..... She has the look because you bought them? or because you are posting pictures?Super nice scores, though. Your display is a little fancy. It's called gear porn...my second favorite porn.... I like gear porn too, I was just referrring to the nice wood furniture and quilted cover he has everything displayed on My SHTF cooking combo - 1966 Sears branded coleman stove w/matching lantern: http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4429/searscolemans.jpg Yeah, the quilt cover is to protect the cherry wood. She'd KILL me if I scratched it at all. Thus the look... Now she wants me to sell the excess. I said... what excess??? |