COOKING IN AN EMERGENCY

Have you noticed that more organizations are recommending a wood-burning or an alcohol camp stove as a key component in their emergency bags or bug out bags?

We talk a lot about using Littlbug Stoves backpacking and enjoying other outdoor activities, but the world seems a little different having experienced a pandemic and more and more disasters. People are becoming much more proactive and are spending time thinking about how to prepare for emergencies, natural disasters, or the world going on lock down again. So we thought we would touch on some of the different options to consider when looking for an alternative for cooking without electricity or gas.

NOW MORE THAN EVER, IT'S TIME TO CONSIDER USING CAMP STOVES IN A DISASTER! 

WOOD-BURNING STOVES FOR COOKING IN AN EMERGENCY

If you are in a rural setting, semi-rural, or even suburban where you have access to biomass fuel such as trees, brush, grass, dried leaves or other potential fuel sources (remember, storm debris can also be fuel), a wood-burning camping stove, like Littlbug Senior makes a ton of sense. You don’t have to worry about stocking up on fuel that could go stale or potentially leak.

If you are unfamiliar with wood-burning camp stoves, here are a few basic points: 

• When using wood, the temperature is adjusted by the amount and size of wood or other biomass you put in the stove. Rapid cooling can be accomplished by sprinkling water on the wood fire. 
• Wood-burning camp stoves can be made of stainless steel, titanium, or other products. Pay close attention to the weight of the stove when considering purchasing. 
• Stability amongst wood-burning stoves varies. Make sure you chose one that is very stable, like Littlbug.

The Littlbug wood-burning camp stoves are very simple to assemble, use, carry, and store. It ignites quicker than a campfire because the Littlbug stove is designed like a chimney, letting twigs or sticks and air in, and smoke out.

This stove has one burner, which means one pot. It can be used to boil water, fry and even bake – but still, all on one burner. If you have a larger household or group, you may want to consider having more than one stove.

The Littlbug wood-burning stove, shown below, has received very high reviews and several endorsements from a wide variety of users, and is one of the most flexible of all when it comes to options for fuel: biomass (sticks, twigs, leaves, storm debris), alcohol or sterno. It’s truly collapsible and because it is made of stainless steel, it’s one of the lightest on the market. It has a few nice accessories to consider as well. The Littlbug Senior is a larger version of the Littlbug Junior, and can heat/cook for 2-4 people and still boasts the ability to boil water in 3 to 5 minutes using biomass materials.

ALCOHOL STOVES AND COOKING IN AN EMERGENCY 

Alcohol stoves are the perfect option for those in a more urban setting or where there is little biomass materials available. Guess what? Littlbug stoves also work with an alcohol burner! Littlbug stoves convert to become the necessary windscreen and pot support for your alcohol burner so no matter where you live, or what the potential scenario, Littlbug stoves can function as your multi-purpose, multi-fuel camp stove. It is super compact, lightweight, and easy to assemble.

If you are unfamiliar with alcohol stoves, here are a few basics:

• Round metal fuel container weighing only a few ounces. Different versions have double walls, a top with a chimney, holes punched in the sides to create a ring of flames like a gas stove. The more “designed” the heavier it’s likely to be.
• Fuel to put into the container. Denatured alcohol (toxic to drink!) is recommended, methanol (also toxic – sold as anti-freeze), ethanol. Fuels are readily found at sporting goods stores, Walmart, auto supply stores.
• Need a way to light the fuel.
• Need a stand to hold cup or pot above the flame.

Littlbug Stoves provide an incredible amount of cooking and warming power along with a stable and versatile cooking platform. Plus, the design eliminates the need for maintenance kits, spare parts, windscreens, or heat exchangers. Many other alcohol stoves can be easy to tip, which makes it critical to monitor and prevent fuel from spilling. Also, many require a shelter or windscreen to protect the flame from the wind. Plus, you have to have the right size cup or pot to fit over the stove, but not with Littlbug. The Littlbug Senior supports containers as small as a Sierra cup or as large as a 6-quart cast iron Dutch oven.

THIS IS KEY: REGARDLESS OF FUEL, BIOMASS OR ALCOHOL, LITTLBUG STOVES CAN BOIL WATER IN 5-7 MINUTES, ENOUGH TO MAKE HOT DRINKS OR SOUP FOR 1-2 PEOPLE.

COOKING WITH CLASSIC CAMP STOVES IN A DISASTER

The Classic camp stove is still a good option. Coleman is a trusted brand and available as one, two, or three-burner options, which makes it really convenient. If you purchase a three burner option, you could use a large frying pan or even a griddle. Sometimes adjusting the flame takes some careful effort. Keep in mind you need to have plenty of fuel canisters and it is much heavier than Littlbug Stoves, but it is still a good option versus nothing.

BACKYARD GRILL FOR SURVIVAL COOKING

If you have a backyard grill, whether fueled with charcoal or gas, you are already somewhat prepared for cooking in an emergency when the power is out!

Most of the gas powered grills use propane or butane. These grills can be the size to fit a steak or two, or big enough to feed a crowd. They can be on a rolling frame that holds the fuel tank and a couple of side tables, or built right into a larger backyard entertainment center.

Having a backyard grill will give you more flexibility for summer entertainment, for some camping trips, and, of course, in an emergency. All grills require some experimenting and practice before they will work exactly as you expect.

On a side note, Littlbug Stoves would make a great gift for a scout, a camper, or someone putting together a (better!) survival kit for the car!

Bottom line, make sure you have a good option to handle any potential emergency cooking needs.