7 Ways To Cook When You Lose Power
This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase via our links. See the disclosure page for more info.
Today, it’s all about 7 ways to cook when you lose power. Yes, we will all lose power at some time or another. It may be a day, three days, three weeks, or three months. You may know that September of every year is National Preparedness Month, and it’s a great time to take inventory of our own preparedness efforts.
However, this year I was packing up my home to move north, closer to family and friends, so I didn’t have time to write a post on this preparedness holiday, as it were. I’m actually updating one from September 2017.
Here’s the deal: there may be some items available today that you can use, and some that you won’t be able to use, for instance, the Sun Oven. If your location has limited sunshine, you would not want to purchase a Sun Oven, as it requires a lot of sunshine.
In Southern Utah, we typically experience around 350 days of sunshine per year. It’s a perfect place to use year-round. I have now moved to Northern Utah, but it should work fine on most days here as well. Here are my favorite cooking devices when we lose power.
7 Cooking Items When You Lose Power
1. Sun Oven
Pros:
No purchased fuel is required; only sunshine is needed. You can bake anything in a Sun Oven (sold out as of July 2025) that you can bake in your conventional oven, provided you can get the Sun Oven up to the required temperature to bake your meal. I gauge my cooking using the sun from around 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., when it tends to be at its peak. You may want to check eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
I have the most consistent sunshine during this time period where I live. No special recipes are required; if the pan fits inside the Sun Oven, you can bake it. It will pay for itself very quickly because you need zero fuel to cook a meal.
Cons:
It won’t work without adequate sunshine. Ensure you use glass baking pans or dark-colored pans. Shiny pans will reflect the heat away from the item being baked. It won’t fry chicken; actually, it will only bake, so don’t plan on using this device to fry anything for your meals.
You can use other cooking devices if you want to fry some food. Some may think it’s a bit pricey, but you may want to consider buying the Sun Oven without any accessories. If you have pans that fit inside the oven, you don’t need to buy the package that includes baking pans.
What can I cook in a Sun Oven?
- Bread
- Dinner Rolls
- Biscuits
- Casseroles
- Baked Chicken
- Roast Beef
- Pork Tenderloin
- Cakes
- Cupcakes
- Muffins
- Breakfast Casseroles
- Whatever you bake in your regular oven now (if the pan fits in the Sun Oven, it will work fine)
2. Volcano Stove
Pros:
The great thing about a Volcano Stove is the fact that you can use wood, charcoal, and propane. Please check if you decide to buy one, as there are two different adapters for using the Volcano Stove when using propane.
The unit will come with either the small propane canister adaptor or the large propane tank adaptor. I have both, but I prefer using the large adaptor. So, just check the package to see which size comes with the one you are purchasing. I love buying things I can use in emergencies, such as when we lose power or go camping.
Mine came with a zippered bag and other handy items, but the fuel fits compactly inside the larger heavy-duty bag if you want more options for transport and storage. This is a perfect camping item because you can cook on top of the picnic table if it’s sturdy. Adaptor for Volcano Stove
Cons:
The Volcano Stove must be used outside because it utilizes propane, wood, and charcoal. I suppose it’s not a con, but I want to ensure you’re aware that it’s perfect for cooking outside only. Some people may think it’s a bit pricey, but I see it this way: it can use three different types of fuel. As long as you have fuel, this is a great stove option.
What can I cook on a Volcano Stove?
- Hamburgers
- Hot Dogs
- Bread (if you use their tent)
- Steaks
- Cast iron pan: 12-inch Cast Iron Pan
- Anything you would barbecue
3. Thermal Cooker
Pros:
It uses very little fuel. Once you bring the food to a boil (I use a butane stove), use the inner pan for four full minutes, then quickly put it in the outside Thermal Cooker and lock it closed. It now functions like a slow cooker. Please don’t put frozen food in this gem, as it will not defrost and cook the food. You don’t need a particular recipe, as it works similarly to a slow cooker.
I have a few Thermal cookers. Additionally, given the current shortage of many products that require parts, I would recommend buying whatever you can now. Thermal Cooker
It’s great for frying sloppy joes, and it will keep them warm for 4-6 hours after the four full minutes of boiling. You can make chili as you do now with cooked beans and fried meat, and bring it to a boil for four full minutes. Place the inner pan inside the outer thermal cooker, set it, and forget it. It will keep it warm for 4-6 hours.
Bonus: If you make a salad, place it inside the inner pan and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, place the inner pan inside the thermal cooker and close the lid. It will keep your food cold for 4 to 6 hours. Perfect for family reunions.
It’s perfect for ball games, busy families, and traveling. It uses very little fuel. I love it for traveling and for those times we lose power.
Cons:
Avoid using a tough piece of meat, as it may still be tough after cooking in a thermal cooker. I have a friend, Kendra, who made a small pork roast that turned out delicious. However, it was a small roast, and she added potatoes, carrots, and onions.
She covered it with liquid to within one inch of the top of the thermal cooker. You need some type of stove (I use a butane one) to bring the roast, carrots, potatoes, and onions with some liquid to a boil for four full minutes.
Then, place the inner pan inside the outer thermal cooker and lock it shut. Please note that tender meat is recommended, as a heads-up. It will be cooked in 4-6 hours.
What can I cook in a Thermal Cooker?
- Small pot roasts with potatoes, carrots, and onions
- Soups
- Stews
- Chili
- Baked Chicken
- Lasagna
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Spaghetti Sauce and Noodles
- Oatmeal
- Bread
- Applesauce
- Anything you can cook in a slow cooker
4. Kelly Kettle
Pros:
I love my Kelly Kettle because you can use twigs, dry leaves, or pine cones to cook outside with this awesome stove. The fuel is practically free if you have some pinecones nearby where you live. I store them in buckets. It boils water and food very quickly. Mine came with a bag that I can use to store the unit and help protect it.
Cons:
I have to give it a con only because you can only use it outside. It won’t hold a heavy pan on top, which would make it a little unstable. However, you can make small pans of soup or boil water in just minutes.
What can I cook on a Kelly Kettle?
- Boil Water
- Make Chocolate (with heated water)
- Instant Coffee (with heated water)
- Make soups
- Heat up a cup of chili
- It has a small cooking surface, but it works well
5. Butane Stove
Pros:
I like my Butane Stove because I use it indoors. I’m a Nervous Nellie, so I crack a window. Now, the box on some butane stoves says they must be used outside. Please refer to the instructions that came with the one you purchased.
I taught many classes inside stores using a butane stove, and everything went fine. Just use your own judgment. I gave all four of my daughters one of these so that, in case of a power loss, they can still boil water or cook a meal. Butane Fuel
Cons:
I love these, so the only con I can think of is that once you run out of fuel, you can no longer cook a meal. I used one canister of butane for six weeks, cooking one meal a day. I only cooked food for two, so keep that in mind. Please remember that your pan cannot be placed over the grill plate, as it poses a safety issue.
What can I cook on a Butane Stove?
- Boil Water
- Heat a can of soup or stew
- Make Mac and Cheese
- Cook anything you would on a small burner on your stove
6. Camp Chef Stove/Oven
Pros:
The positive thing about this stove/oven combo is that I can make pancakes, bake bread, and boil water all with one unit. Keep in mind that I use only the large adapter for the larger propane tanks. The oven can accommodate a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan, ideal for lasagna or your favorite casserole. Camp Chef Stove/Oven (out of stock everywhere that I looked, July 2025)
Cons:
The only con would be that if you run out of propane, you can’t use the stove/oven combination. Without fuel, there’s no cooking or baking.
How can I use a Camp Chef stove or oven?
- Bread
- Dinner Rolls
- Casseroles
- Brownies
- Cakes
- Cupcakes
- The griddle on top: grilled cheese sandwiches
- The griddle on top: pancakes
- Anything you cook or bake in your oven or on your stove right now, as long as the pans fit.
7. Lodge 6-quart Dutch Oven
This is one of my favorite ways to get a fire going to cook a meal outside. Charcoal Chimney Starter
Pros:
You can bake bread, biscuits, or make just about any recipe you want if you have charcoal stored. You can boil water, make soups, and make peach cobbler, to name a few of my favorites. I buy charcoal briquettes without lighter fluid because they can be stored indefinitely in air-tight containers.
I prefer a Lodge 6-quart Dutch Oven because they are not as heavy for me to carry or move as an eight-quart Dutch oven.
Cons:
If you run out of fuel, you won’t be able to bake or cook anything.
What can I cook in a 6-quart Dutch Oven?
- Boil Water
- Breakfast Casseroles
- Pizza
- Peach Cobbler
- Short Ribs
- Carnitas
- Fry the Taco Meat
- Bake Chicken
- Almost everything you can cook on your stove or in the oven
Prepare Your Family For Survival by Linda
Bugging In by Raymond Dean White
Final Word
I hope today’s post provides you with a few tips on how to cook when you lose power; there are many other ways to do so as well. These are the 7 ways to cook when you lose power, I wanted to show you today. May God bless their world, Linda
with a dutch oven you can also use it over a fire and put hot ambers over the top just like charcoal so you can use it all the time
I love my thermal cooker. One of the best inventions, I have found. I also use my wood stove to cook on, in the winter.
Hi, Janet, I agree, it is one of the best inventions! You’re so lucky to have a wood stove for cooking and heating! Love it! Linda
I have 2 cookstoves. One is my cookstove that goes in the house and the other is what I call my summer Cookstove. It was probably a stove for a apartment in the day that wood cooks stoves were used regularly. I use it out on my back porch to cook on in summer. I love the way a cookstove cooks. I can cook better on that than I can on any other stove including my electric stove. I don’t like electric stoves but that is what the house was made with and I am stuck with it. You can’t compare a turkey cooked in a cookstove and a turkey cooked in a roaster or electric oven. Now I do love to use my crock pot to cook chicken in because it just makes it more juicy.
Hi Jackie, great comment! We love the store we love to cook with the most! Linda
What size Thermal cooker do you recommend? And is Saratoga Jacks the best or are other brands comparable? It’s just me but I hope to have a family someday, would it be silly to buy a small only to get a bigger one later? Also what are your thoughts on Rocket stoves? They seem similar to the Kelly Kettle as they use twigs, pine cones, etc but the one’s I’ve found on line look heavy duty and can tolerate a pan ontop. I have a big pine tree in the back yard so that makes it easy to get fuel.
Also off topic, what do you use to cover /wrap your home made portable washing machine. I finally got two made but don’t know what to cover it with to store in my garage so bugs don’t get in it. And along with that I want to make the homemade laundry detergent and ran across another recipe that has more then yours and wanted to get your thoughts. I”m not sure I need the extra ingredients so wanted your opinion. 76 ox box borax, 3lb washing soda, 4lb baking soda, 60 ox BIZ detergent booster, 2lb Foca and 3.5lb Oxyclean. it makes about 20lbs of laundry detergent.
Thanks for all the awesome posts. I’m slowly working on adding things to my storage.
Kim
Hi, Kimmy, I would recommend the larger thermal cooker because you can fill it with more or and it has a better latch. I bought a Saratoga Jacks Thermal cooker only because I got a discount at the store I was teaching classes. I have since seen several thermal cookers that look exactly the same and almost half price. I taught a class last night in fast and the stores here in Southern Utah sells an off brand and I would buy it. I love my Kelly Kettle for boiling water or making a cup or two of soup. if you put a pan on top it would tip. But some of the sets come with a rocket stove, so you score two stoves in one. As far as the recipe for the detergent, I have never heard of Foca. It sounds awesome if you don’t have to grate the bars of soap! LOL! That’s the hardest part. I forgot to mention last night I saw a rocket stove, I guess you could call it that, but I have never seen one that sturdy. It’s stronger than anyone I have ever seen. I better go get one so people can see them. It has a small plate on top for heating just a cup of cocoa, water or coffee. The stove is small but extremely well made. You can even put small pieces of two by fours through a slot. It can hold a large pot as well. The bags I buy to store my stuff in I buy on Amazon or Bed Bath and Beyond. I get two different sizes, one for two sweaters and the larger ones I store my emergency toilets and 72-hour kits. If you can see a know on my portable washer 6-gallon buckets those are clear 33- gallon garbage bags I can tie around them to keep them dust free. I’ll let you know about the stove, Linda
If you have a Ninja blender I cut the bar soap in half and pulse it a few times and it’s a fine powder (NO grating necessary!) I love the laundry soap I make I use Fels Naptha bar soap,
Hi Hazel, oh thank you, this is a game-changer!! I want to do a post on making laundry soap again, we must cut out expenses where ever possible. Great tip! Linda
Thanks so much for your quick response Linda. I’ve been working through your book and trying to get more prepared. I love your idea of storing items in the garage because in Vegas there is not alot of room inside , no basements and it is hot outside.
Thank you so much for the book and all your amazing posts, it’s an ongoing effort but I think I have a good start on my water and food, working on cooking methods (I have a sun oven, Dutch oven, 2 burner camp stove, and a small backpacker cooker that just boils water) I’ve started my first aid kit, have a commode chair and a portable toilet and now working on laundry stuff already have the portable washers. So chipping away trying to check mark off more areas.
Thanks for the inspiration and knowledge!
Kimmy
HI Kimmy, oh my gosh, you are rocking with preparedness! I love hearing this! Linda
learning to use a thermos to cook items like rice, beans, etc. just a thought
Hi Tomas, that’s a great tip. We could boil water and pour over oatmeal and cook breakfast! Then screw the lid on. Linda
GREEN SEASONS GREETINGS. WE HAVE BEEN PREPARED FOR 40 YEARS . OUR SMOKELESS HELIXTOVE TAKES ONLY 1 STICK AT A TIME INSIDE OR OUT. YOU WELL NEED TO SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ME TO SEND ALL THE SIMPLE SECRETS. MAY GOD BLESS
Kindest Regards – Dinah & Dr.Pat Howden. At 84, I’m somewhat phone-deaf so I prefer E: dhowden78@hotmail.com
Also try our 1-word GOOGLE: DRPATSAWESOMELIBRARY, 2nd page of result shows FREE Library access + download. Includes our 4,849 FREE Inventions & Discoveries in many fields; formerly countless were patented…
You can never solve a problem with the same kind of thinking that caused the problem. – A.Einstein. By implication; nor by any thinking that knowingly ignores the problem, or suppresses efforts to solve it.
Hi Dr. Pat Howden, my email address is foodstoragemoms@yahoo.com I’m going to go check all of this out. Great tips and ideas! Great comment, thank you,! Be safe. Linda
You can build a rocket stove out of cinder blocks that can support large pans. Plenty of YouTube videos on this check it out. Very inexpensive
My husband used a pipe to build a rocket stove, to heat an old propane grill works great.
Hi Janet, yes, I forgot about those, that’s a very good idea!! Thank you, Linda
Linda:
Looked at your book on amazon. It is a great price. I might ask my daughter to order it for me as my Christmas present. She also got me a brand new Canner. She didn’t buy it (will make her dad happy) she won it in a contest she does not even remember entering. I will keep the older canner because is is one of the things he bought me just before he was killed. When I use it I think of him
I meant to say it was one of the things my son bought me before he was killed. Sorry my bad.
Hi Jackie, I can’t imagine having a child (your son) killed, so sad, my friend. Linda
Hi Jackie, oh I would keep that canner as well!! Memories of loved ones get us through grief. Hugs, Linda
We could not have a regular funeral for our son because his body was so smashed up by the car accident. It took me the longest to get over the anger at the Trucker that killed him. It still bothers me when I think that he didn’t get a scratch and the police didn’t even give him a ticket for the illegal U-Turn he made that killed my wonderful son. But I know everything is in Gods timing and it was his time to go home. I would not ask that he be brought back to this horrible country we live in now.
Hi Jackie, oh this is so sad to hear. I would feel the same way. I sometimes question our judicial system for this very reason. I better not say much more because it gets me grumpy. LOL! I just can’t imagine losing a child. I’m sure the trucker feels terrible because he took a life. That would be hard to live with for sure. Yes, it is in God’s hands, but our heart still aches. Hugs, my friend. Linds
Another indoor alternative is a Sterno Cooking stove. I have the old style folding square stove, but there is a new one that is meant for backpackers. Not great for full cooking, but it can boil water and reheat canned foods, so it’s fine for short term emergencies. And since the fuel is just cans of Sterno it’s easy to use indoors safely. Useful for emergencies when it’s not safe to go outside for a while (nuclear emergency, bio terror incident, chemical spill, etc.)
I’ve tested it by reheating canned soup and canned ravioli, as well as boiling water that can be used to rehydrate freeze dried foods. Or pair it with a thermal cooker and you have even more options.
Hi DMWalsh, oh I forgot about the Sterno Cooking Stove. Great reminder! Linda
Remember the stoves we made in Scouts using a #10 can? They would burn about anything, & they were very good at keeping sparks from escaping. Dig out your old Scouting field books for more ideas.
Then there were the small folding pocket-sized hexamine stoves for heating your canteen cup in the military.
And the folding Sterno stoves, both 1 & 2 burner.
Or the Whisper-Light white gas stoves that would fold up to a very small volume.
Welders make woks from worn disc-harrows. The worn discs can also be used to make a fire basin.
Or dig a hole, burn fire wood or anything dry in the hole, place your covered Dutch oven (filled with whatever you wish to cook) down in the hole on top of the hot coals & ashes, bury your Dutch oven, come back 4 to 8 hours later, & dig up your slow-cooked meal.
Remember the stoves we made in Scouts using a #10 can? They would burn about anything, & they were very good at keeping sparks from escaping. Dig out your old Scouting field books for more ideas. Then there were the small folding pocket-sized hexamine stoves for heating your canteen cup in the military. And the folding Sterno stoves, both 1 & 2 burner. Or the Whisper-Light white gas stoves that would fold up to a very small volume. Welders make woks from worn disc-harrows. The worn discs can also be used to make a fire basin. Or dig a hole, burn fire wood or anything dry in the hole, place your covered Dutch oven (filled with whatever you wish to cook) down in the hole on top of the hot coals & ashes, bury your Dutch oven, come back 4 to 8 hours later, & dig up your slow-cooked meal.
Hi Bev and Gary, a great reminder about those stoves. Our forum helps us all think about how to do so many things. I love it! Linda
Linda,
One more cooking method, made right here in Texas, is the Deadwood Stove (they may be closed now-updated 11-16-23). I haven’t gotten mine yet, but it is on order. Check it out. You can cook on it with a pan or skillet or grill small items directly on the top grill.
Hi Harry, I have one similar to that one I bought in St. George, Utah. It was about $200.00 similar in price like the Dead Wood Stove. I bought it because it was small but works great when cooking outside with “dead wood”. It’s very heavy but I love it. Thanks for sharing that link that would be a great stove for every family. The store only had two of them and I bought one. We think the the same Harry, glad you ordered one. Linda
I’ve got several of these but rarely do I go any further than my propane bbq grill. It has a side burner and I just cook on it.
Hi Matt, that’s a great reminder for all of us. I have a stove on the side of my BBQ as well. Great tip! Linda
Another way to cook with no power: Line your kitchen sink with aluminum foil. Place one or two large candles (three wick candles work the best) in the lined sink. Take the rack out of your oven and place it over the sink. Light the candles and place a pot over the candles on the rack. It takes a while but you can heat water and soups. NOTE: lining the sink is a must to insure no wax goes down the drain. I use 3 wick candles that are in glass containers because the glass contains the wax and it would only be a problem if the glass broke – you could probably use pillar candles but with only one wick, it might not get hot enough to be efficient.
I have also used a butane stove inside. I have everything ready to go before lighting the stove. And I only heat soup and water (for tea, coffee or hot chocolate and washing up). I do use it close to a window that opens for ventilation!!
I have 3 cast iron camp dutch ovens: 12 inch, 10 inch and 8 inch. I have used them while camping using charcoal, over the fire, and hot coals from the fire.
The best thing I can say about cooking with no power – don’t wait until the power goes out to figure out your best way! Have fuel on hand – butane, propane, charcoal, sticks, candles, whatever you choose – make sure you have plenty of fuel to feed your “stove”!!!
HI Leanne, you nailed it with your comment, “don’t wait until the power goes out to figure out your best way”!! Practice as if your life depends on it. Because it will depend on your skills. Linda
Last night I was watching a YouTube video: 24 Prepping Mistakes I Made For Hurricane Helene. It was interesting that this woman had several ways to cook during a power outage but had issues with all of them!! 1) her BBQ grill was full of mold; 2) second smaller BBQ grill had a mouse nest in it; 3) her propane camp stove she gave to a neighbor who had no way to cook for herself and her 3 children; 4) her electric hot plates could not be located – she had rearranged everything and didn’t recall where she put them. Also, she had apparently had a backup plan to power them; 5) she had one burner on her propane BBQ grill that had to handle all of her cooking.
I think the takeaways here are that we need to have our preps organized to the point that we can grab what we need at a moment’s notice AND that we need to make sure everything is clean and in good working order always!! Oh, and don’t giveaway things until you have what you need figured out. For example, if I gave away my camp stove then found out I had no other way to cook, I probably would deal with the neighbor a bit differently – keep the stove at my place but have the neighbor come and cook at my house!! This woman also talked about having backups for her backups and backups for her backups!!! She did say that if you have a flashlight, have 3. I say if you have 3, have 3 more ways to produce light!!! Have more than one way to communicate. She did not have cell service so she couldn’t get in contact with her extended family to let them know they were OK. I’m not sure what other forms of communication one could have except ham radio in that situation but it is something to think about.
I’ve also noticed (because I watched her video) that more prepping videos are showing up regarding Hurricane Helene. They might be worth watching.
Last thing and this goes without saying for those of us who are old hands at preparing but needs to be said for new preppers: Practice using ALL of the different cooking methods you store. I am positive that in an emergency, I would not be able to put the butane cannister on my single burner stove!! Or might not be able to find the hose for the propane to grill!! And make sure, if you are using propane or butane that you have plenty of fuel on hand, stored properly of course.
Hi Leanne, great comment, with awesome information from someone who went through Hurricane Helene. I went to lunch with a friend last week and asked her how her food storage, water and what not were going. She was able to buy a whole lot of Daily Bread (I don’t think are open anymore, not sure) food storage for a bargain. It’s a good brand. You probably heard Thrive Life is now going out of business. There are other good brands but I have all I need for my lifetime. Anyway, I asked my friend if she had a Dutch oven and some fuel. She did not. So I delivered 12-five gallon buckets of fuel to her. In them were Briquettes (no starter fluid), raw cut 2 by 4’s, and oak hardwood charcoal. I had an extra 6 quart Dutch oven so I gave it to her. I’m old enough to be her mother and i want to know she will be okay if something happens to me. I still have so much fuel I could cook one meal day for 5 years if I had to. pLus I have the Sun Oven, they are sold out every where. I think people are starting to understand they need to get their act together to take care of their families. I sure hope so. I know I say this a lot but I’m so glad you live closer to your daughter, what blessing. Linda