Question about outdoor cooking
Posted by analogliving71@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 53 comments
so i survived hurricane helene and one topic came up for the next natural disaster. What is everyone using for a cook top that can be used for pots and pans? I have a charcoal grill already and while it worked for this, controlling heat was an issue, as well as physical space when grilling too. I know about a coleman camp stove but it has some limitations in terms of size and total BTU output. What i was thinking about were options around a two burner setup hooked to propane. Something simple and cheap. Any suggestions?
newarkdanny@reddit
Propane grill
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
more than i need actually. i have gotten rid of every one i have ever had as i just don't like them over charcoal. just looking for simple, reliable & relatively inexpensive 2 burner that i can hook directly up to an LP tank and pack away when done with the ability to move around easily. I have an old coleman (non propane/butane) one that i could use BUT it has some serious limitations
OlderNerd@reddit
Not trying to be argumentative here, but I LOVE my propane grill. I just used it last night. Let it preheat for 5 minutes, cooked burgers for about 10 minutes, turned it off. No smoke, no waiting for charcoal to burn down, no dousing the coals later, no running out of briquets.
mcapello@reddit
I've never been able to get them hot enough.
OlderNerd@reddit
Interesting. I had exactly the opposite problem. I had to actually move the burgers off from over the burners because it was flaring up and basically charring the outside and the inside wasn't getting cooked.
mcapello@reddit
I've had that happen too, but only on grills where the grease on the bottom catches on fire because they haven't been cleaned. Oddly enough the best chicken wings I've ever made were recovered from a grill fire I had to shut down -- somehow managed to cook them perfectly.
But other than catching on fire, gas grills don't get any hotter than my gas range in the house. Which I guess makes sense considering they're basically burning the same fuel source.
OlderNerd@reddit
Sorry that I can't let this go. If the gas range gets hot enough to cook food, how can a gas grill not get hot enough? What are you cooking?
FYI, the flare ups happen from the grease dripping down from the burgers not from Grease that was there before. The same thing happens with charcoal. I was just pointing out if it gets hot enough to burn the grease and it should be plenty hot enough to cook food
elm122671@reddit
Actually I had this happen. When I was new to grilling, I didn't have anyone to teach me. I had to use common sense, etc. But I didn't clean the drip pan of my grill. The bottom did indeed catch fire. It almost set my deck on fire.
mcapello@reddit
No, it's okay, these are very important questions!
Obviously it gets hot enough to cook food, but like I said, I could say the same thing about my range in the house, a microwave, or even a hot plate.
For me the point of cooking on a grill isn't to avoid food poisoning from eating uncooked meat, it's to give meat a texture and flavor I can't get at lower temperatures.
Where I notice this most is with chicken and steak. The chicken is always juicer and more tender, and the ability to get a good sear on a steak and the level of rareness I like in the center is easier at higher temperatures. I'm not really a food person so I don't technically know what's going on, but I think it's all about temperature. For me, good meat on the grill is all about high temperatures and short cooking times, and I haven't been able to get that with gas.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
i wish i did my friend. i always think i want to go back to propane but then i am like nope. i prefer the taste of food with charcoal.
OlderNerd@reddit
It's OK. Maybe my taste buds aren't as sensitive. I put enough stuff on my burgers that they could be cooked over a blowtorch and I wouldn't know the difference.
notquitepro15@reddit
Single burner that attached to my grill propane tank. I always keep ~1.5 small tanks on hand
gadget850@reddit
I have:
Swmp1024@reddit
No smoker?
Shilo788@reddit
I don't think you ready.
gadget850@reddit
What else do I need?
Radiant_Lychee_7477@reddit
Relevant fire extinguishers.
Interpersonal skills for managing anyone around who might approach or attempt to work with a source of heat.
BigMain2370@reddit
Can't wait to show this list to my wife so she won't be mad at me for all the crap I buy.
gadget850@reddit
LOL. I really did not realize how much cookery I had. And I did not count the 3 propane heaters. Or that I have access to the Scout shed a mile down the road.
OnTheEdgeOfFreedom@reddit
What are you cooking that a coleman propane camp stove isn't giving you enough heat?
I also like my father's Coleman white gas stove, which also runs on regular gasoline, but then I'll eventually have to clean it out.
Icy-Ad-7767@reddit
Bbq run on propane with a side burner ( ya I’m a heretic)
davidm2232@reddit
Pots and pans I would use a burner. For large things, a turkey cooker would work great
premar16@reddit
I used to have a charcoal grill and a fireplace. But now I have moved and have to look into new ways to cook in my apartment.
AmosTali@reddit
Camp Chef outdoor oven, two burners up top and a functional, temp controlled oven below.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
the two burner camp chef is a prime candidate for me. have a couple of different models in mind if i can convince myself to spend the money on something that will hopefully rarely be used
ARGirlLOL@reddit
How about a rocket stove, a cast iron pan, a cast iron pot and a kettle. Some people sound like they are hosting a neighborhood picnic and what’s most important is to impress the Jones’s.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
now that is an interesting idea. i didn't think about those. Thank you for this. something else to consider
TheBearded54@reddit
For Milton I already have a nice Monument 5 burner grill. I just got my tank refilled prior and bought an extra one. I didn’t lose power for long so I didn’t need to use it besides just wanting to grill some stuff.
During Irma a few years back I had a little Charbroil propane grill, it did well when I needed it. Mostly what I did was just use it to boil water for Mac n cheese, to cook frozen veggies and I just grilled my meat. Did the job well.
I personally think 2 tanks of propane is good enough for me to cook plenty, I just put my pot or pan directly on and try to cook simple things. Things that need to just be warmed I just kept a close eye on, once I felt it was hot enough I’d run it another 60 seconds then take off.
For Milton I did pick up a camping stove that connects to those green canisters of gas, then I bought a handful of those tanks. I go camping so I’ll eventually go through them. I mostly just grabbed it because I didn’t know how my electric would do during the storm since I’ve only been here 14 months.
One suggestion is one of those Webber foldable grills, I think Coleman also makes one. Then you can just hook to propane and get started.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
Thank you.
11systems11@reddit
I have a side burner on my propane grill that works great, along with a butane stove with plenty of butane canisters. In a pinch, I have a grill to put on top of my solo stove that I can use.
Cute-Consequence-184@reddit
This is overkill but I was raised a prepper on a partially off-grid homestead.
I have a vintage Fire King 2 burner propane stove. I originally got it for canning. It runs on a 20lb propane tank with a special hose. it can hold two 6 quart Dutch ovens or a Dutch oven and a large cast iron pan or the Coleman oven and a Dutch oven or pan or just 2 large cast iron pans I have a 14x14 double sized griddle that will also fit over the two burners.
(If you can only get one thing and it isn't an old RV stove, then get a 2 burner propane camp stove.)
I have a new Coleman camp oven.
I have an antique "ovenette" that can go over an open fire or over any stove. It was a gift from my old baby sitter who only had a wood stove in get kitchen. She used it to bake biscuits on her wood stove
I have an antique 2 burner white gas stove and 1 gallon of fuel (I just bought it at a yard sale last week). It is weaker than a propane stove and a bit smaller so the pans need to be a bit smaller. My 14x14 double sided griddle will fit over this also.
1 have a tiny "solo" style stove that will fit under a cast iron cooking grate. It will burn almost any wood. It will only heat one pan. But it was cheap and not originally bought for cooking.
The cast iron cooking grate can go over an open fire and is large enough for a 12 quart Dutch oven.
I have a collapsible cooking thing for small wood with a fire grate over it. It opens up into a V where the logs go. It doesn't have a name or brand. Large enough for a 12 inch cast iron pan or a large Dutch oven.
I have a small biomass stove that can also use a fuel tabs, alcohol or several pieces of charcoal. I have had it for about 15 years and it works great when you only need a small meal. It did up to palm sized. Great for camping and in emergencies.
I got a vintage 3 burner propane RV stove this summer after a lady removed it from her canning kitchen. It is now in my canning kitchen. It runs on a 20lb propane tank. It will hold two pans and a Dutch oven or any combination. It also has a 3 rack oven. It will heat my large canning pots. The older RV stoves are usually 14x14 and my double sided griddle fits perfectly.
celephia@reddit
First: gas stove and fireplace 2nd: regular propane grill/griddle 3rd: portable propane camp grill and portable single burner propane stove 4th: I can build a fire and i have a large collection of cast iron skillets.
Kwyn-10@reddit
Coleman Road-trip grill has been pretty clutch for me during these power outages. I bought a converter to have it run off of a regular propane tank. They have optional griddle, grates, and circular cook tops.
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
For cooking, you have a couple of options. First, I really like the GS-3400P Dual Fuel Stove but the GS-3900PB is even better for the additional money. It's ability to use both Butane and Propane make it adaptable to your needs. It even uses the same 1lb Green Propane Cans as the heaters mentioned. I personally prefer propane over butane because butane stops working properly past the freezing point.
I would recommend you check my recent post about preparing for a Power Outage.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
Thanks. Really looking for a dual burner one for use with a full on LP tank.
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Then you want either this or this with an adapter hose.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
the first is on my list. the second i won't consider for the same reasons i dismiss the coleman camp stove.
TheSensiblePrepper@reddit
Good luck in your decision.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your suggestion. it is a path i am considering
Wild_Hoverfrog_3@reddit
Propane will run out. Stoves break. Learn to cook over a fire.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
already know how to do this and remember i am not necessarily looking from a prepping standpoint but thought this sub could give me helpful answers. The main reasons as i stated in my post were something like a propane two burner is easier to control heat with than an open fire, or charcoal grill. and it needs to be a simple design, which most should be to limit any possible breakages
OlderNerd@reddit
It's OK. Some people are prepping for the end of the world where all fuels will run out. But just for temporary natural disasters, propane is good.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
yeah. end of the world is a whole other conversation but when you live where i do and face tornadoes and hurricanes its good to have other options.
Shilo788@reddit
I know how to, but really having a camp stove is so much easier. Some stuff I prefer to cook on a fire but to have to do it all the time is time consuming .
BigMain2370@reddit
Simple, cheap, packs small, but camp stoves are too small and too low of btu? I have plenty of recommendations, in general, but... idk, man. Tell me the btu, packed size, and size of what you need to cook, I guess?
I think a camp stove is going to be the best option, and most are between 10k and 25k per burner. Higher btu doesn't always mean it heats faster, though.
Most fit the same size pots and pans as a normal stove.
If you're looking to have a massive loaded stock pot and 4x the btu of a normal stove, you'll want a turkey fryer.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
yeah this is the style i am looking for but i want a dual burner. https://www.amazon.com/GasOne-Single-Burner-Propane-Stove/dp/B071ZM8YVC
I may just bite the bullet and buy a camp chef model though its far more than i ever wanted to spend for something that just won't be used except in an extended power outage situation
Shilo788@reddit
I own 2 camp chef camping ovens with a 2 burner cook top and a small oven. It's run on propane and I like it so much at my cabin I bought one for the house as we often has power outages. It doesn't do high heat well in the oven. Not good for bread or biscuits, things that need 400 or 450 Temps but it can do casseroles, cakes, roasts. Much more versatile than a grill.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
The explorer 14 is one i have looked at but for its use case for me that cost is a little more than i want to spend for a simple two eye burner. Worst case i may still end up getting that though if my searches don't yield what i am looking for
pretzelsRus@reddit
No suggestions right now. Glad you are ok. Will be following for info.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
Thank you. its been an interesting 2+ weeks
ommnian@reddit
I have a double propane burner that I use to can on. And, we also have a 3 burner and a couple of 2 burner white gas stoves we camp with.
analogliving71@reddit (OP)
any specific suggestions?
MagicToolbox@reddit
My propane grill has a side burner for exactly this reason. I've never needed it - I'm not sure if I have even ever used it. The backpacking and car camping stoves have been sufficient so far.