Emergency kit for cooking

During an emergency, you don't want to be completely dependent on ready-made snacks when you are without power or gas for days. But how do you make sure you can cook even during an emergency? What products do you need and what all should you pay attention to when putting together an emergency kit for outdoor cooking? Keep reading to learn about the essentials.

Cooking during an emergency

Heat source

In the absence of gas or electricity, a burners, stove or wood stove are suitable options. Just make sure you have enough fuel!

Fire starter

A fire starter includes items like matches, lighters and firesteels. A reliable way to ignite your heat source is essential.

Suitable pot or pan

You’ll also need an outdoor pan or pot that’s safe to use over any heat source. Cast iron, carbon steel or aluminium is ideal, as these materials handle high temperatures well. Do keep the weight of the pan in mind. Cast iron, for example, is much heavier and therefore less suitable if you’re not using the pan at home.

Fireproof cutlery and cookware

Metal spoons, tongs and spatulas are heat-resistant and more durable than plastic ones. Also make sure you have a sturdy chopping board and a good knife. Check out FULL WiNDSOR's cutlery, for example.

Water or a water filter

Clean water is essential for drinking, cooking and washing your dishes. Make sure you have enough safe drinking water or a reliable water filter.

Food

Choose products with a long shelf life such as rice, pasta and dried beans. Also remember to bring herbs, spices and oil for extra flavour and nutritional value.

Accessories

Other outdoor kitchen accessories might also come in handy, like a wind shield to protect your fire, detergent to clean your cookware and heat-resistant gloves to prevent burns.

Cooking at home or on the go?

Which items you need depends on whether you stay in one place or are on the move. At home, you have the luxury of space, so weight is less of an issue. A five-kilo cast-iron Dutch oven is no problem in that case. But if you're travelling around, you'll want something compact and lightweight, like a titanium or aluminium pan. The number of people also matters. Cooking just for yourself? Then a small pan will do. For a family, you'll need something bigger.

Which heat source will you choose?

A good heat source is the foundation of your emergency kit. Do you have a gas cooker at home? Great, but what if the gas supply stops? Or do you cook electric or on induction? Then, during a power cut, you are dependent on alternative ways of cooking. Therefore, choose an alternative heat source such as a gas burner or a stove. Remember that some burners require specific fuel, so stock up plenty!

Burners

A burner is a good option if you need to survive in one place for a few days. Some gas burners are lightweight, but at some point you will run out of gas, and carrying more than 2 or 3 gas bottles is often unrealistic.

Stove

A stove that runs on, for example, charcoal or wood is ideal for long-term use. You can choose between a large stove for your home or a compact version you can easily take with you. Be aware that a charcoal or wood-fired stove gives off smoke and odour.

What type of pan?

Make sure you have a suitable pan or pot to cook in. Not every pan is suitable for use over an open flame. A pan made of cast iron or sheet steel is suitable for use over an open flame but can also simply be used on an induction hob. However, they are less suitable for carrying around due to their weight. Avoid pans with a non-stick or other coating as they can be damaged or give off harmful vapours at high temperatures.

Cast iron

A cast-iron pan or Dutch Oven is an excellent choice for cooking over an open fire. The material is extremely durable and can withstand high temperatures without damage. A major advantage of cast iron is its excellent heat retention, which keeps food warm for longer. However, the downside is that cast iron is heavy, making it impractical for mobile use. You also need to maintain the pan properly by storing it dry after use and occasionally oiling it to prevent rust. It also takes a while for cast iron to heat up properly, which makes it less suitable for use on a gas stove.

Carbon steel

A carbon-steel pan is a more lightweight alternative to cast iron, and it can also handle high temperatures. This makes carbon steel ideal for frying and searing over an open fire. However, it is a bit more prone to rust and requires regular maintenance to prevent corrosion.

Like cast-iron pans, carbon steel pans must be properly dried and oiled after use to avoid rust. That said, carbon steel pans generally rust more quickly if not properly cared for. Another thing to keep in mind is that carbon steel pans can warp with sudden temperature changes.

Lightweight stainless steel or aluminium

Stainless steel or aluminium pans and cooking sets are an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight and durable option. Lightweight stainless steel and aluminium pans heat up quickly, making them fuel-efficient. They require little maintenance and won’t rust, but they can dent or warp more easily with heavy use, as these pans are often quite thin. They also retain heat less effectively, so food cools down more quickly.
By considering the characteristics of these different pans and materials, you can decide which one best suits your situation and needs.