Survival Cooking 101: An Overview of Gear and Fuels

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By the creator of Family Preparedness Coaching – Home Protocols For Crises And Emergencies)

Cooking and boiling water underneath any circumstance is a crucial ability. Whether or not out of doors or indoor (i.e., bugging out or sheltering in place), we should have the ability to make the most of completely different gadgets and methods to carry out these two easy but important duties.

Boiling has many makes use of: eliminating viruses, micro organism, and different waterborne pathogens, getting ready meals and drinks, sterilizing devices and child objects, and so forth. As for cooking, you don’t want me to let you know the significance of a sizzling meal for morale when instances are laborious.

On this article, I’ll cowl the commonest gadgets for cooking and boiling water at residence and open air (within the streets or the wilderness). I’ll go over the principle benefits and downsides of every, plus just a few ideas, sharing my experiences tenting, backpacking, and coaching in avenue survival or family preparedness. 

Let’s begin with just a few fundamentals.

Fireplace beginning 

Beginning (and sustaining) fires with sticks, bow drills, and ferro rods is enjoyable and rewarding (particularly in moist situations). Nonetheless, it may be time-consuming, unpractical, or downright irritating, even for skilled of us.

For now, let’s deal with confirmed strategies which might be handy and efficient no matter settings and circumstances: at all times preserve an assortment of lighters and matches at residence and in your backpack (or bug-out bag). 

Some gadgets have built-in piezo starters, which additionally work for gasoline and a few fluids however not for strong fuels. Lighters and matches work for the whole lot, interval.

Indoor vs. out of doors

At residence, we’re much less constrained by weight, measurement, and gasoline sort. For my residence preparedness grid-down simulations or when the grid truly goes down (which is occurring with growing frequency recently), I exploit a family-size tenting gasoline range (the basic Primus Atle 2-burner range) for practicality, security, and flexibility. I additionally sometimes use my liquid gasoline range (second finest) and my spirit and strong gasoline stoves for observe (and enjoyable). 

We stock our survival gear open air in a backpack, so weight and bulk matter. Nevertheless, we should additionally think about autonomy and flexibility relative to the period of our journey and different wants. 

For tenting, backpacking, or my bug-out dry-run workout routines (principally trekking journeys with tactical and strategic concerns), I rotate between the Trangia (spirit), the Siege (wooden), the Esbit (strong), and the Soto Amicus (gasoline canister) stoves, relying on which kind I really feel like taking out on the time. All of them work effectively and are dependable and discreet. 

Gas

The kind of range we use varies in accordance with the gasoline we use. Practically all stoves are designed to work with one gasoline group, which means you should use completely different liquid fuels in a range however not gasoline or alcohol and vice versa. 

Few uncommon stoves accommodate completely different fuels, similar to stick stoves, which may burn wooden, paper, strong gasoline tablets, and even liquids. Earlier than contemplating stoves, it’s useful to grasp the restrictions and benefits of various fuels.

Effectivity is paramount, so a better caloric output is fascinating. Relying on the range, you might have to maintain including gasoline to boil the water or cook dinner the meal totally. 

Under, I present a desk evaluating the principle varieties of gasoline and their vitality ranking (extra is healthier, however different traits should even be thought-about):

A couple of examples in observe: a small Trangia-style stuffed to the highest with cereal alcohol will burn for 10 to fifteen minutes, sufficient to boil 400-500ml of water in all however inclement climate. Esbit tablets are available in varied sizes with particular burning instances for every process (4g approx. 5 min. / 5 g approx. 7 min. / 14 g approx. 12 min. / 27 g approx. 15 min.). Relying on the range used, a canister of propane/isobutane combine will cook dinner three single-person meals day by day for per week. 

After all, these instances fluctuate relying on altitude and climate situations, amongst different issues. Wind and chilly would require extra time and gasoline, and vice versa. Boiling water at ambient temperature would require lots much less kilojoules than melting snow, and so forth.

The cookware utilized additionally performs a job: tenting gear made out of aluminum is thinner and thus heats up quicker than common kitchen pots and pans, that are thicker. Titanium heats even faster however doesn’t unfold the warmth as effectively, creating sizzling spots that may burn the meals (water will be boiled even in a plastic container, although). 

Alloy tenting cooking items are too skinny for highly effective, home electrical cooktops and gasoline stoves, however they work extra effectively with various stoves, as proven right here.

Flame management

The flame from strong and liquid fuels similar to wooden, Esbit tablets, or spirits can’t be regulated. You could make a fireplace hotter by including wooden or growing the amount of fluid or strong tablets, however not in the identical approach as a gasoline or liquid range, which has a valve that permits for simmering and a full flame. 

That could be a non-issue when boiling water or heating a liquid (e.g., milk or espresso), however when you’re cooking (and relying on the cookware getting used), it could undercook, overcook, or burn the meals. It might trigger sizzling spots and uneven cooking, leaving an aftertaste or sticky residue. Having some expertise helps with this.

One approach to have some management in these circumstances is to regulate the gap between the pot, kettle, or pan and the flame. One other is to make the most of a barrier similar to an iron forged between the flame and the pots, place the pots alongside the flame fairly than on prime, and management the publicity by holding the pots out and in of the flame as wanted. 

The one approach to know what works finest is thru trial and error. That’s why I at all times advise preppers to check and practice, whether or not at residence, on the streets, or within the wilderness. 

Concealment

I do lots of stealth tenting within the metropolis, on the roadside, in rural settings, and so forth. Thus, I’m at all times aware of potential signaling and attention-drawing. Fireplace and lightweight are two vital issues in these settings and conditions. 

I’m conditioned to favor blue flames, little or (ideally) no smoke, and low noise. Even at residence (indoors) I’m conscious of that. At any time when I’m doing grid-down simulations as a result of, in an SHTF, I’d need to draw as little consideration as doable, so I like to coach for that.

Fireplace from wooden, paper, plastics, or different solids (natural or in any other case) tends to burn shiny and produce a number of smoke, cackle, and ember. Photo voltaic stoves are 100% silent and smokeless however can draw consideration from above. Spirit stoves with cereal alcohol and propane gasoline often burn a blue, smokeless flame with little to no noise and after residue. Liquid and strong gasoline stoves come after and are typically inconspicuous, too.

Security

Be attentive when coping with hearth, flames, and gasoline sources. Whereas multitasking on a cooktop or gasoline range at residence could also be okay, it’s not really helpful when cooking within the wilderness or throughout a grid-down occasion (or simulation) at residence. 

Even when you’re used to dealing with various stoves and cookware, it’s a good suggestion to remain within the second and deal with what you’re doing. 

It’s quite common for individuals dwelling in lower-income buildings and homes to trigger massive fires when using “ various” strategies for cooking or heating their houses; throughout downturns, that turns into much more widespread. Be conscious of that as a result of even in case you are cautious, your neighbors is probably not as a lot. 

Now, let’s see in regards to the various kinds of stoves.

Gasoline

Excessive-quality gasoline canisters usually include 80% isobutane and 20% propane. They’re out there in numerous sizes and capacities and can work with any Lindal-valve range. 

Within the image under, I present a Japanese-made Soto Amicus tenting range with a piezo starter, my favourite after the Windmaster from the identical maker. It’s rugged, exact (it could simmer), and has 4 arms. It’s assembled with a stabilizing plastic tri-leg and an alloy windshield for improved out of doors efficiency. That’s one in every of my tenting setups; all components match inside a pair of small alloy pots.

There are tons of of fashions and designs from manufacturers similar to MSR and Soto, in addition to a wide range of knock-offs and plenty of Chinese language-made gasoline stoves. 

Household-sized propane stoves are extra vital. They often have one or two high-capacity burners with piezo igniters finest suited to bigger teams. My Primus Atle has seen lots of use and abuse throughout grid-down simulations and precise grid-downs all through the years. I can cook dinner elaborate meals on it, shortly and exactly, for as much as 10 or 12 individuals. It’s dependable and versatile.

It’s virtually like cooking on our full-size 4-burner home range, so one or two are really helpful you probably have a big household and need to be ready for something. Simply be sure you retailer sufficient gasoline as a result of although these are environment friendly, they’ll burn lots of propane.

Liquid gasoline 

These are available in principally two sorts: spirit stoves, which embrace any variation of the timeless Trangia design (which, by the way in which, can be celebrating its hundredth anniversary in 2025—you will discover an enchanting timeline of this Swedish basic right here), and the numerous Trangia-inspired DIYs discovered all over the place that make the most of some fluid or spirit as gasoline.

Within the picture above, my titanium Lixada spirit range with pot-supporting cross-members, foil windscreen, a lighter, and cereal alcohol bottle. It is a light-weight, versatile, and compact survival/out of doors cooking equipment; nevertheless, it’s restricted (it can settle for solely smaller pots and thus be finest suited to one particular person).

Some variations of spirit stoves are nonetheless extensively utilized in Europe to warmth rechauds, fondues, and raclettes. It’s a convention in Switzerland. Throughout the Seventies and 80s, when blackouts and gasoline shortages had been frequent, my dad and mom would use these to cook dinner our meals (I took that and different concepts proven right here for my new guide, Family Preparedness Coaching – Home Protocols For Crises And Emergencies).

These stoves are tiny, low-cost, dependable, and sturdy. They’ll burn something from alcohol to kerosene, gasoline, lighter fluid, even vodka, or another high-grade drink. I favor cereal alcohol as a result of it burns clear – that’s, blue flame, with out smoke – and leaves no residue (the one within the picture is mine and has been used numerous instances, nonetheless like new apart from the end).

The downsides are low capability, low-calorie output, and little to no flame management (no simmering), thus requiring extra time and gasoline, primarily to boil water. A windscreen is required open air: any transferring air will rob from the flame warmth and even extinguish it. 

The second sort is liquid gasoline stoves, which burn white gasoline saved in a refillable gasoline bottle linked to the range head by a hose. The liquid is pressurized by a hand pump, which means these stoves work effectively within the chilly, which is crucial for year-round use or excessive altitude. Liquid-fuel stoves have higher calorific capability and thus are really helpful when cooking for giant teams.

Stick (additionally known as twig stoves)

I do not know who invented one of these range; it positive is as previous because the flu, however Siege is my go-to for light-weight, versatile, purposeful, and bombproof stick stoves. I can put together a complete meal from varied meals on the Gen 4 titanium flat range; it’s an unimaginable piece of drugs. 

Toaks, Vargo, and Lixada are additionally dependable corporations providing a wide range of sorts (wooden, alcohol, and so forth.). As with all different sorts, there are a thousand variations of those designs, so I encourage you to analysis this if you’d like one.

One of these range can burn wooden, paper, cardboard, strong tablets, and liquids, amongst different issues, making it fairly versatile. Meeting and utilization require some capability, although—nothing transcendent. With some expertise, cooking, boiling, and even baking mildly elaborate meals in these stoves is feasible. 

Unique alloys similar to titanium and chrome steel make these often light-weight, sturdy, and straightforward to wash. Simply bear in mind to allow them to cool earlier than disassembling, and don’t rush issues (I’m speaking from expertise right here). Wooden produces a shiny flame and plenty of smoke, so if you wish to keep stealth with one of these range, it’s finest to make the most of strong Hexamine tablets (Esbit, FireDragon, and so forth.) or some alcohol.

Strong gasoline

Esbit is one other well-known European firm with virtually a century of custom in compact tenting and survival stoves (76 years accomplished in 2025, to be precise). They produce varied sorts and designs for his or her gasoline tablets, which additionally come in numerous sizes (for various durations). 

The Esbit Pocket is an very simple but extremely purposeful survival/out of doors range. It folds very small, holding a set of tablets inside. When open, the collapsible partitions defend from wind and help small pots, pans, and mugs. It’s manufactured from steel and can final endlessly with little to no upkeep. Although it takes endlessly to boil or cook dinner something, it could burn twigs and sticks, liquids, and small flat candles when you run out of tablets. 

Esbit, like different manufacturers, gives a wide range of stoves for strong tablets, from ultra-minimalist fashions such because the Path Designs Gram Cracker and Esbit, which weigh lower than an oz every, to finish cook dinner units with pots, windscreens, and the whole lot else for extra elaborate meals.

One draw back of the tablets is the robust odor; these unfamiliar with the gasoline tablets have a tendency to search out it bizarre initially, although I’ll admit to changing into used to the scent. In reality, it brings good reminiscences of journeys and adventures, so I got here to understand it. Additionally, these tablets is probably not readily discovered or out there, and the price per kilojoule is excessive relative to different fuels similar to propane or alcohol.

Photo voltaic

It might appear ironic that, dwelling in a tropical nation with greater than 250 sunny days per 12 months on common, the one range I’ve but to personal is a photo voltaic oven. I’m planning to buy an American-made Solar Oven for my dad or mum’s home within the countryside (my bug-out place of kinds) this or subsequent 12 months, although.

Regardless that I’ve no direct expertise with an industrialized photo voltaic oven, I’ve tried a few improvised photo voltaic ovens and may attest that they work—so long as there’s sufficient daylight. This utterly invalidates them for dinners and wet or cloudy days. You additionally should know learn how to assemble and place them for more practical use.

The Solar Oven is a beast, with a built-in thermometer and even sun-focusing indicators—and a worth to match. At $500, it’s fairly an funding, however there are cheaper and extra sensible choices, such because the Haines 2.0, for lower than a fifth of that sum. It comes with a transparent pot, which improves its efficiency, and the collapsible oven weighs solely 29 ounces.

Lastly, the Copenhagen Photo voltaic Cooker is a straightforward, cheap, light-weight, and compact photo voltaic range effectively suited to particular person out of doors actions. It’s made out of vinyl panels lined with extremely reflective surfaces and weighs solely 21 ounces. I’ve improvised related from reflexive cardboard to aluminum foil, and if completed proper can work to an extent.

Photo voltaic stoves’ upsides are simplicity (although you’ll be able to have it as complicated and costly because the Solar Oven) and security (additionally relative: you will get it flawed and overcook and even trigger burns and fires). The draw back is apparent: they solely work within the presence of photo voltaic gentle. 

Conclusion and remaining ideas

You don’t need to strive all varieties of stoves, nevertheless, the extra you strive (and personal), the extra versatile you’ll grow to be. Although most of those stoves and their assortment of fuels run for little, it’s doable to search out something lately, so some manufacturers and fashions can price a fairly penny. 

I’m continually switching and experimenting between these gadgets for my indoor and out of doors actions. One weekend, I’ll take my Trangia for tenting; the subsequent, my Esbit or Siege, or the Soto, and even the old fashioned however nonetheless dependable (and enjoyable) campfire: a gap within the floor with some stones and a tripod made out of sticks.

Additionally, at residence, I rotate between completely different stoves for grid-down simulations,  relying on the necessities (amount of individuals, meal sorts, and so forth.). More often than not, although, I exploit the Primus for comfort and capability. It’s additionally safer, due to its measurement and options.

I’ve offered my decisions and encourage you to analysis different manufacturers and look into the numerous alternative ways to improvise all however essentially the most complicated stoves (gasoline, gentle, or these requiring hoses and valves and high-pressure gasoline, as an illustration). I really like a little bit of DIY, much more so throughout crises and different SHTFs; tons of of YouTube channels, web sites, and blogs present directions on improvisations. 

What sort of range do you employ on the transfer? What about at residence? Do you will have recommendation or solutions for off-grid cooking? Have you ever tried any stoves that you simply didn’t like?

Let’s focus on it within the feedback part.

About Fabian

Fabian Ommar is a 50-year-old middle-class employee dwelling in São Paulo, Brazil. Removed from being the super-tactical or extremely skilled navy survivor sort, he’s the typical joe who since his youth has been concerned with self-reliance and out of doors actions and the sensible aspect of balancing life between an enormous metropolis and rural/wilderness settings. Because the 2008 world financial disaster, he has been coaching and serving to others in his space to grow to be higher ready for the “fixed, slow-burning SHTF” of dwelling in a third world nation.

Fabian’s e book, Avenue Survivalism: A Sensible Coaching Information To Life In The Metropolis , is a sensible coaching methodology for widespread metropolis dwellers primarily based on the life-style of the homeless (real-life survivors) to be extra psychologically, mentally, and bodily ready to take care of the tough actuality of the streets throughout regular or tough instances. He’s additionally the creator of The Final Survival Gear Handbook.

You possibly can comply with Fabian on Instagram @stoicsurvivor