I have cooked with thermos bottles. I brought water and rice to a boil, then added to the thermos and capped it. Give it a shake and in the morning or evening you will have a cooked meal. This method also works with those beans you thought to pre-cook and dehydrate. No one can smell that you are cooking.
I would recommend a head lamp too. Great for reading/crossword puzzles..coloring..etc..to keep your mind occupied. Its so quiet when it snows.Also i bring in my solar lights at night to help with walking inside my house..rechargable daily!
I use a cookie sheet on my stove top and put a brick on each outside edge of sheet and then take my oven rack out of my oven and place on top of bricks. Buy catering sterno for safe indoor cooking and us candles I buy at thrift stores for 50 cents to a dollar . The larger candles last longer. We are bugging in because of our age.
I would add foil to my purchases. I buy a roll of foil every week at Dollar Tree. I cover foods that I'm frying to prevent splatters. I reuse the foil to wrap leftovers. Love your videos, Chef Prepper.
@@lusnorthernhome3410 Splatter screens have to be washed, not a good idea if water is not available. Whereas, foil can be used to prevent splatters and can be used again to wrap up left over food. Not to mention, foil can be re-cycled. Not being a smart a$$, just trying make things easy and simple. I do appreciate your comment. Thank you.
Years ago my husband and I got a tire rim from a scrap yard and a round grill (from charcoal BBQs) We buried it in the ground 3/4 of the way in, added large stones. We also found a metal garbage can lid to put on top in case it rained. We have used wood to burn and cook our meat in our backyard until snowfall.
I've been picking up metal cooling racks, non-electric fondue pots, and other types of metal fondue stands at my local thrift store for about two years. I've also picked up some "sterno" holders, and tea lights. I've amassed quite a selection, so I have extras to give to unprepared friends! I also save and recycle Star Olive glass jars: the larger to store dry goods, the smaller to turn into emergency Crisco candles. They will burn a long time, and will heat up a small pot of soup or beans in a pinch. Probably would need to use two to get a good, rolling boil going; or to fry something. Haven't tried it yet. Thanks for the info. Also, save any of your cooking oils that may have gone rancid, it can still be used as fuel to cook with.
Here's some tried and true advice from someone who has real life experience with a grid down situation. (Texas freeze out 2021) DO NOT BUY THE DOLLAR TREE CAN OPENER!! It either can't or won't half the time open most canned foods. Or it breaks. Just don't bother. Spend money on a better made can opener. If you find yourself in a grid down situation you will be thanking me. As far as everything that Chef Prepper has listed in this video, I can attest that it works! You can still cook up a good meal these items and be able to heat water for a good cup of tea. It may take a bit,but it can be achieved!
I'd rather sit that can of sterno in the middle of a dutch oven - soup pot or even a loaf pan and use one of those cans of tuna to boost the sterno closer to the cooking rack/grate if needed. To me, using the sterno in a more confined space would also provide a source of heat in colder weather. If you go with the loaf pan, you can then invert a clay flower pot and continue to burn for radiant heat.The pot would rest easily over the sides of a loaf pan. Hope that helps.
@@ChefPrepperwhat about a wooden spoon, or another UA-camr showed about making a utensil of sorts by cutting an empty can and making a slit in a stick and then attaching the can piece to the stick with twine.
I pick up stomach meds sometimes Like tums or generic pepto bismol. I'm sure ones tummy will bother them from time to time . Especially under stress with shtf.
Rather than shortening the lifespan of canned goods, by having them close to your heat source, I'd use empty cans turned upside down. No need to put me in any draws; I have what I need already. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada
Hello JonTanOsb, Good idea. I was concerned about that too, but so far they haven't got to hot, but still empty cans would be a good way to go. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Great reminder: keep it simple - and one doesn’t need to spend a fortune to cook! As always a reminder to always keep a bucket of water on hand and a window open when cooking indoors
@@RichardT2112 Salt is even safer - Flour works, but it can also create an explosion under various circumstances. One improvised trick done in Europe back in WWII, was to set a bag of flour on top of a small explosive (think tuna can sized under a 5lb bag of flour) to create an air-fuel explosion. (basically a mini Thermobaric bomb) Personally, if I didn't have a proper fire extinguisher, is to go with dirt, sand, or salt to put out a grease/oil fire... something that's not flammable. Even a towel to smother it is actually better...
I really like the Boy Scout stove. Use a side cutting can opener (safe opener) so you can reuse the lid. Clean a tuna can. Cut cardboard with the corrogation running up and down so that you can roll it up and insert it inside the tuna can. Make sure to have at least 1/4" clearance so you can put the lid back on. Melt paraffin and pour it into the can with cardboard. Leave enough cardboard above the paraffin level so that it acts like a candle wick. Great indoor capable little stove.
Hello ColdWarPrepper, Thank you for watching and the stove idea! I have been thinking about trying such a stove. I think I will after reading your comment! Thank you again.
This is an interesting concept; however, I would never put canned food next to a heat source. That canned heat will not get hot enough to cause the cans to explode, but the warmth will reduce the shelf life of the canned food if you use this set-up repeatedly. That is why you store canned foods in a cool pantry and not in an attic, garage or storage shed. Instead, I would find some dry bricks to stack under that cake rack rather than using cans of food. Good luck heating that heavy cast iron skillet with just one small flame. You will need at least three flames under that skillet to eventually get it hot enough to cook scrambled eggs or make pancakes or a grilled cheese sandwich. I have been cooking with cast iron for more than four decades and that little flame will not be enough. I would plan ahead and buy a one-burner butane stove and a dozen butane cylinders to have for safe and fast, indoor, grid-down cooking. And I would use a regular non-stick skillet, with a lid, for fast heating and easy clean-up. I would save the cast iron for cooking diced potatoes and bacon over campfire coals if I did not have a working oven to use that skillet to make cornbread.
Hello Gonefishing, Good ideas and advice. I was able to fry spam on a cast iron griddle using alcohol in a sardine can stove a couple of videos ago, but a butane stove is an immense upgrade in quality. Thank you for watching and commenting!
@@ChefPrepperwhen my kids were little we had a coleman camping stove with a butane feul cylinder. ID MAKE A BIG BOX OF MAC N CHEESE and add chopped broccoli, chopped squash, carrots, canned veggies all previously cooked any kind of meat we had already cooked( which I did the day before bad weather was to hit. Burgers, ground beef, spaghetti noodles, Mac n cheese, polska kielbasa , chicken. Then we had hard boiled eggs, pre cooked bacon, so I'd throw together, sloppy Joe's, spaghetti, tacos, bacon egg and cheese grilled sandwiches chili sometimes. Anything to heat quickly and save fuel.we had frozen water in containers we kept in a cooler to avoid melting ice.❤
I save my chicken, beef and tuna cans for emergencies. They come in handy to make heat sources to warm or cook with. It's also good to save old Jars to use for cooking and food storage. Also vegetables cans with lids. When you use the kind that give you a clean cut from the side. They can be used for so many things. Like storage, used under your rack to keep rack above heat source, can also be used to heat small amounts of water or used to cook with if you use the larger cans. Like the LG pentio beans. Just keep them put aside for use. They will be lighter than pots and pans. I also like to keep all sizes of zip lock bags. They can be used to store food. The old used ones can be used to store food scraps or other waste to prevent orders. Saving some of these items will keep people from spending money that can be used on other needed items.
same in my southern section of NY State!! w/o electric propane needs matches... then if not ready...run out... keep a big cracker tin full of them or gallon glass jar.
Thanks for reminding me to buy a can opener. As I live in the country and heat and cook with propane and am a former camper (too old for all that now) and a retired nurse - the only thing I will need to get is the opener - - - I did buy one while prepping during quarantine but I can't find it - DUH - told ya I am OLD. Thanks
I just made an emergency kit for my Nomad Life upcoming. I did not find antibacterial ointment at Dollar Tree either. I want to share that Rose's Express, Dollar General, and Family Dollar stores are decent options. Between all of these I put together my kit. I would suggest adding silicon oven mitts because of the amount of heat, which might help prevent severe burns. It is great to see another fellow thrifty human showing us how to use everyday items. ❤
Hello Krislarsen, Funny you should mention that, I just broke the handle on a similar dollar store can opener a couple of days ago. Thank you for watching!
I prefer the heavy ones from Dollar General..the knock off old school swing away// as the plain openers from $ stores you are so correct open nothing!!!
@@murlepeterson6028 I think the steel that they use isn't heat treated at all so that would make sense. Or perhaps it's such a mild steel that heat treating wouldn't work.
Not all dollar tree but I can name 17 ways to cook. Electric, propane, butane, Coleman fuel, wood, charcoal, candles, wax, Crisco, grease, solar, cooking oil, waste oil, newspaper, cardboard alcohol and chafing fuel. Just wanted to mention all these to help. Many need the equipment but you might find these at yard sales. During the ice storm here in Maine I crumpled up newspaper and cooked a delicious steak on a collapsible grill, accidently grabbed Cajun spice instead of steak spice and it was the best steak ever.
Hello, Amaineac, I haven't used all of those, but am working on it. Sounds like you are able to improvise when you need to. Thank you for watching and sharing.
Interesting slant! Never thought about hot/cold bag. I would add Betty Crocker scissors - several pairs. AS for tea lights, better deals at the dreaded Walmart or even Hobby Lobby when there,s a sale.
Hello FriendsDriftInn Thank you for watching, commenting and the good advice! Yeah, those Dollar Tree tea lights don't seem to be the best value or the best in quality.
You need good ventilation when using alcohol as your fuel. May I suggest "heet" in the yellow bottle. It's in the automotive department of any store or you can get it at a gas station. It's for use in your car but it will burn cleaner in your stove. Alcohol will leave black on the bottom of your pan. That's bad. Red flame and black smoke is carbon. "Heet" burns pretty clean blue flame and no black stuff. I would also suggest watching TimCan The Jig Man. 👍🧡✝️🇺🇸🧡👍
Hello Water, Yeah, Heet seems to be the best alcohol fuel (I think so anyway) and is what I typically use in my Alcohol Stove, but wasn't available at the Dollar Tree. Thank you for watching and the good advice.
These prepper videos are fantastic as I wouldn’t have a clue what to do. I have learned so much from you guys. I think most of us are expecting something at some point as things are so unstable. I appreciate the time and effort you take to do these to teach us City folk who are clueless. ❤
You are so kind to put this out! There are alot of people that absolutely do not know what to do in a power out/ grid down situation. I know several that continuously ask me what they would do.
Hello Heatherjames, Thank you and you are welcome! Unfortunately many people don't know how easy it is to get prepared with just a little time and effort. Help them if you can.
Hello Judiehavard, That is a concern. Using a similar set up I haven't had a problem yet with that, but I will be checking more closely. Thank you for watching and the good advice.
@@ChefPrepper First time with your channel; much appreciate your reality and helpful approach. Looking forward to watching some of your other videos! Regarding the comments on the cans of food as legs ... empty cleaned cans filled with water, just a little closer to the heat source, might allow the water to heat and be used for so many other things. Of course, access to water source would be necessary. Thank you & God's blessings on you & yours. 🙏
Good ideas. Your Dollar Tree definitely has more items than mine does-or maybe I just need to look harder. Happy Rosh Hashanah to you and Mrs Chef Prepper and to all of our brothers and sisters here as well. Blessings in Christ. 👍🙏🙌
I find I may need to slip into different Dollar Trees when I am running errand. I don’t always buy stuff but they may have something my closets Dollar tree does not have.
@@wannellalawson4001 Maybe some of those Aldi food cooler/insulation bags could be set aside for future power outages? The ones we buy to take frozen/refrigerator items home from the store.
For a portable go bag kit, you can put several of those tea candles in the long metal pencil tins they usually sell in the school/stationary supply section. You can add some matches and the cut up strike board or a mini bic. Use 2 tealights in the middle. Good for a metal camping cup, stunt foil fashioned cooker, or 2 of the small to medium stainless steel bowls from the DT kitchen section held together with a couple of binder clips. These sit on top of the pencil case pretty well without the need for an extra stabilizer or grate.
Pampered Chef sells a conversion electric/your heat choice tabletop grill. I have used mine with wood for fuel. I have also used sterno cans. Very stable and safe. Comes with the grill grate and a smoker lid. I love mine. ❤
I actually made a similar rig on the fly when the Texas snow storm hit in Dec/Jan 2021. Primary fuel was sterno. Secondary fuel was Tea lights. We normally have these the items. Now for baking, I have 2 ideas but I plan to watch your video. The thing I learned during week long the electrical outage, 1) no city power means no city water pumps work. Store clean drinking/cooking water. 2) use grey water for toilet flushing 3) wear a stocking cap over your head when sleeping. It help prevent from getting the sniffles.
Hi Les and Chef Prepper Family! I'd add a clear lid to the list. When I cook on the stovetop, I put the lid on to concentrate the heat in the pan. Wet things steam a little. Or should that be stew more? I'm probably anticipating the baking part. I've done some cooking, so, I hope to transfer those techniques to using the Grid-Down kitchen. Thanks for creating this series. I hope you and yours enjoyed your celebration.
When making this kit itself it might be good to buy one bag of the rice sold and some beans, even if its just one meal it will be a good test to see how well this thing work sand get you use to it, rice is pretty simple to cook and the beans or lentils will be a good meal even if its just a test!
This is all good stuff, I purchased a grill rack that folds out over a small fire at Wal-Mart, I think it was $20.00. My thought is to use it in my fire place.
I keep and reuse the empty Sterno gel cans. I can add replace the gel and cook that way. Also can add perlite to the empty Sterno can, then add denatured alcohol in it. The Perlite helps the burn time of the alcohol last longer.
I have hot hands and feet product from Walmart.. they activate when you open it. I also have wrapped them in plastic wrap to keep them from shifting. Glad Cling and Seal cost more but it's a whole lot better when you're freezing and HAVE to stay warm..it has a slew of uses.Dry Matches/Candle wicks..Keep your Knee Warmers and socks tucked into your sweatpants overnight...I even used some last year to help my tobbagin in place..(slipped cotton balls inside my ears under it too) it's all about getting thru the power outages... oh yeah..put glad wrap in freezer or snow and it's easy to tear off what you need..doesn't stick to itself at all
Interesting setup. Forgive me if other people have mentioned my ideas, but I'd forgo the medical gear (if the store had them) and oven mit. Excuse this assumption (and my own feelings about burn cream aside), but one would think the med items are already present in one's first aid kit. Likewise, I've never been in a kitchen that didn't have at least one mit already, even a rag improvised for that use. Maybe use the freed up funds to buy more of what you got or some of the more expensive items you passed over?
good to see , personally we've set up for a bit more permanent or durable offgrid set up but its cost a few way mores than your set up there , but this would make a great throw in a box and the car for when your away from home
The hot cold bags can be used as a Faraday Cage to store electronics. Make the sure the bag is sealed well, and the electronics are wrapped with three layers of bubble wrap.
I would have picked up several cookie sheets. Can make a wind break around you homemade stoves. Also could put some of the cooked food on then in the hot ba Or could use as a lid over a pot or skillet to steam something.
I would take my potholders from the kitchen and save the money, also I would use my cookie racks from the inside of the house. There is more that you could have saved.
Hi Teresahoye, Yeah, the more you already have, the less for a starter kit and the more you can invest in more fuel or better equipment. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Hello 2jedismom, Those sardines are pretty good! I don't like those possums to much, they don't mix well with chickens, lol. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Hello, KathyJacksonSanDiegoRealEstate, A Sterno Stove and fuel is a great option and nothing wrong with doing just that. I don't have a reason not to do that, but trying make folks aware of multiple options to choose from. I have and like Sterno Stoves and Fuels. They are great for emergency cooking. Thank you for watching!
Try to get a safety manual can opener as it cuts the top off cans and gives you a lid at the same time. Those may cost more than $1.25. Seeing your can opener also has a stabby bottle opener so that's a bonus. The stabby bottle openers make more sense, imo, than the flip open kind.
That stabby bottle opener is to open cans of liquid. Condensed milk, broth, tomatoe soup, tomatoe sauce will easily pour out with a hole punched on both sides of the can.
I bought the cutest hot pad there but it did NOT have much insulating fabric and it got tooooo hot to use. I’d get a better one or even perhaps a glove in the automotive or repair section. It might do a better/safer job.
Thank You Chef!!!! Excellent content,and well thought out. Good to have "detail by checklist" to help run you off grid kitchen run smoothly!!!!! Just a thought!! Take care & God Bless..❤️😉🤝👍👍
Also I watched a video on katzkradul of a tea light stove she bought . I believe a cheap small toaster oven could be converted. And Jnull0 has a few ideas on a real oven he rigged up outside to bake in, and a few other ideas.
I have 3 dollar type stores within minutes of me. Take $20 every week and hit one for canned goods. That adds up very quickly to stores. Usually spend a little more. When I use an item. I buy 2 of them next time. Adds up stores even quicker. Need to buy metal shelves not as the plastic ones are bowing in middle.😂
We can make Ghee very easily NOW. It keeps for a long time. Butter in a baking pan. Oven 220F for 2-3 hours (you can also do it on the stove top) - I'm lazy though LOL. Strain over mason jars with a cheese cloth or coffee filter. There are many YT videos how to do it. BE CAREFUL FOR IT IS HOT! HOT! HOT For BURNS oil of oregano is awesome too.
Not sure if yours has them but my local store has the metal mesh desk accessories , storage cups, pencil holders ( fits a tuna can) and a 2.5 x 11.225 organizer ,
Hello BigggRoss, I think they had them and I have been playing around with ideas about how to use them as an improvised stove. I like doing such things. Thank you for watching, commenting and the ideas.
@@ChefPrepper I was thinking that the organize would be a good screen for cooking fish fillet on. Seems like they work as a wind screen which surprised me.
Put unsweetened applesauce on 1st & 2nd degree burns. My husband was cutting hot food that just came out of the oven. The side of his hand touched the edge of the pan and immediately blistered up (2nd degree burn). We got a carton of applesauce and gooped it on the burn, & then wrapped it loosely with gauze and covered it with a plastic grocery bag and tape. We left it 2 days. When we unwrapped it and washed it, there were no more blisters. His hand wasn’t even pink.
Anti bac ointment: I had an injury and I wished I figured this out sooner because I ended up healing faster - Neosporin is watery, I had to redress offen. Walgreens has the equivalent product, exact same active ingredients but a thicker solid composition similar to Vaseline, it stayed on the wound better. I feel a fool because I went with the name brand just because it was so well known but when the store ran out I had to try the store brand and it was 100 times better. Life lesson for me, judge book by its famous cover .
Hello Dianedellarocca, It would really depend on how long the outage would be and how many people you are going to be cooking for and whether or not you will be cooking from scratch or just primarily using heat and eat food. But, for two people, three meals a day, I would want one canister per week with a couple extra just in case. But, that is really just a guess on my part, but I think it is a good starting point. I would try cooking the type of meals that I would be cooking during such times to get a good idea of the number of cans to have on hand. I hope that helps.
as long you got honey in you're home , you got anitbacterial already if you got a small cut on the finger or where ever, put that on the wound, as long its raw honey
Forget the "pot holder" use a doubled up/flolded up T Shirt, or towel, to hold/grip hot things instead. Buy food such as a can of fish/tuna/sardines foil or another essential item instead. Foil your windows at night so your light doesn't draw unwanted company!
I have cooked with thermos bottles. I brought water and rice to a boil, then added to the thermos and capped it. Give it a shake and in the morning or evening you will have a cooked meal. This method also works with those beans you thought to pre-cook and dehydrate. No one can smell that you are cooking.
Thanks for the good info and idea!
Thanks for sharing 😊
Great idea❤
I would recommend a head lamp too. Great for reading/crossword puzzles..coloring..etc..to keep your mind occupied. Its so quiet when it snows.Also i bring in my solar lights at night to help with walking inside my house..rechargable daily!
Good ideas! Thank you.
For burns you can use honey, it heals the burn and it’s antibacterial, plus it never goes bad.
Thank you! Good advice and most already have it on hand!
Tea bags are great for congestion and it has tannins for burns
@@Kathy-g3ialso great for tooth pain, saw on another channel when her son had issues with teeth being pulled. Dentist told to use tea bags
I have to point out that most of the time the honey you find at the dollar store is not real honey so be careful and read the lables everyone!
@@shadowstorm657 👍
I use a cookie sheet on my stove top and put a brick on each outside edge of sheet and then take my oven rack out of my oven and place on top of bricks. Buy catering sterno for safe indoor cooking and us candles I buy at thrift stores for 50 cents to a dollar . The larger candles last longer. We are bugging in because of our age.
Good ideas!
Thrift stores are great!
I would add foil to my purchases. I buy a roll of foil every week at Dollar Tree. I cover foods that I'm frying to prevent splatters. I reuse the foil to wrap leftovers. Love your videos, Chef Prepper.
Hello Charlottecmgh,
Thank you, I am glad you like our videos!
Thank you also for watching, commenting and the good advice!
You can cook in coals with heavy duty foil.
Maybe a splatter screen.
@@lusnorthernhome3410 Splatter screens have to be washed, not a good idea if water is not available. Whereas, foil can be used to prevent splatters and can be used again to wrap up left over food. Not to mention, foil can be re-cycled. Not being a smart a$$, just trying make things easy and simple. I do appreciate your comment. Thank you.
@@lusnorthernhome34101❤
Years ago my husband and I got a tire rim from a scrap yard and a round grill (from charcoal BBQs) We buried it in the ground 3/4 of the way in, added large stones. We also found a metal garbage can lid to put on top in case it rained. We have used wood to burn and cook our meat in our backyard until snowfall.
Great idea!
Nice❤
Great idea! A lot of folks could use your idea!
Thank you for sharing with us!
I've been picking up metal cooling racks, non-electric fondue pots, and other types of metal fondue stands at my local thrift store for about two years. I've also picked up some "sterno" holders, and tea lights. I've amassed quite a selection, so I have extras to give to unprepared friends! I also save and recycle Star Olive glass jars: the larger to store dry goods, the smaller to turn into emergency Crisco candles. They will burn a long time, and will heat up a small pot of soup or beans in a pinch. Probably would need to use two to get a good, rolling boil going; or to fry something. Haven't tried it yet. Thanks for the info.
Also, save any of your cooking oils that may have gone rancid, it can still be used as fuel to cook with.
Hello Rainbocatz,
Very good advice and information!
Thanks for sharing 😊
I had old butter in fridge and it works like Vaseline coated cotton balls and alcohol but did cause black smoke so I wouldn't use indoors..
Here's some tried and true advice from someone who has real life experience with a grid down situation. (Texas freeze out 2021)
DO NOT BUY THE DOLLAR TREE CAN OPENER!! It either can't or won't half the time open most canned foods. Or it breaks. Just don't bother. Spend money on a better made can opener. If you find yourself in a grid down situation you will be thanking me.
As far as everything that Chef Prepper has listed in this video, I can attest that it works! You can still cook up a good meal these items and be able to heat water for a good cup of tea. It may take a bit,but it can be achieved!
AGREE!! better to spend more at Dollar General or other places for the swingaway style or real one of same brand!!!
Hello TheGrumpyOldWitch,
Yes that can opener is not the highest quality. Would only have it as a backup.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
As a are placement for burn cream you can use the aloe gel found in the toiletries isle.
Hello Michellem,
Good idea, not sure why I didn't look for it.
I'd rather sit that can of sterno in the middle of a dutch oven - soup pot or even a loaf pan and use one of those cans of tuna to boost the sterno closer to the cooking rack/grate if needed. To me, using the sterno in a more confined space would also provide a source of heat in colder weather. If you go with the loaf pan, you can then invert a clay flower pot and continue to burn for radiant heat.The pot would rest easily over the sides of a loaf pan. Hope that helps.
Good idea!
Thank you for watching and the ideas to try out!
I used flat rocks over a candle for radiant heat, worked perfectly for me.
Spatula my friend is considered the million dollar tool in food service management. Love your content BTW.
Hello Bigbri,
Thank you! I am glad you watch and like our videos!
What would we do without those spatulas!
@@ChefPrepperwhat about a wooden spoon, or another UA-camr showed about making a utensil of sorts by cutting an empty can and making a slit in a stick and then attaching the can piece to the stick with twine.
I pick up stomach meds sometimes
Like tums or generic pepto bismol.
I'm sure ones tummy will bother them from time to time .
Especially under stress with shtf.
GREAT IDEA!! to get items as such for an ER Kit!! of course keep aware of dates on packs
It's good to keep backing soda. It's good for so many things, like upset stomach, putting out fires and also cleaning.
I have an old fashioned fondo pot, 😊 ive used to make coffee and heat foods in. Thanks for the ideals.
You are welcome! And thank you for the idea!
That tray / grate / can / fuel grate set up is right up my alley for inside the house.
Hi again Wmluna,
Yep, that set up works really well for me. I think you will like it.
Thank you for commenting!
Outrageous blessings on you for sharing these helpful things ❣️ Thank you❣️
Rather than shortening the lifespan of canned goods, by having them close to your heat source, I'd use empty cans turned upside down.
No need to put me in any draws; I have what I need already. :)
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Maybe fill said empty cans with clean sand.
@@TUKByV1 Sure, if you have that about in an emergency. Gravel would work, too. But not in an upside down tin. :)
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Hello JonTanOsb,
Good idea. I was concerned about that too, but so far they haven't got to hot, but still empty cans would be a good way to go.
Thank you for watching and commenting.
In school one time we used a coffee can and a candle to make pancakes 🥞
Hello Billybongthorton,
Sounds interesting. Candles work in a pinch for sure.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
need to teach more of this in school working it into the basic studies !! great school or such as scouting idea or community groups too!!
They don’t sell much coffee in tin cans now! Mostly plastic!😡
Great reminder: keep it simple - and one doesn’t need to spend a fortune to cook!
As always a reminder to always keep a bucket of water on hand and a window open when cooking indoors
The bucket of water is great - as long as you're not cooking with oils.
(sand or dirt is better for that)
@@jkg6211 💯 agree. Thought the same thing after posting it myself. Flour works too in a pinch.
@@RichardT2112 Salt is even safer - Flour works, but it can also create an explosion under various circumstances.
One improvised trick done in Europe back in WWII, was to set a bag of flour on top of a small explosive (think tuna can sized under a 5lb bag of flour) to create an air-fuel explosion.
(basically a mini Thermobaric bomb)
Personally, if I didn't have a proper fire extinguisher, is to go with dirt, sand, or salt to put out a grease/oil fire... something that's not flammable.
Even a towel to smother it is actually better...
Hello Richard,
Simple can be good and cheap.
Thank you for watching, commenting and good advice!
@@jkg6211 Baking Soda will put out the grease fire.
I really like the Boy Scout stove. Use a side cutting can opener (safe opener) so you can reuse the lid. Clean a tuna can. Cut cardboard with the corrogation running up and down so that you can roll it up and insert it inside the tuna can. Make sure to have at least 1/4" clearance so you can put the lid back on. Melt paraffin and pour it into the can with cardboard. Leave enough cardboard above the paraffin level so that it acts like a candle wick. Great indoor capable little stove.
Hello ColdWarPrepper,
Thank you for watching and the stove idea!
I have been thinking about trying such a stove. I think I will after reading your comment!
Thank you again.
This is an interesting concept; however, I would never put canned food next to a heat source. That canned heat will not get hot enough to cause the cans to explode, but the warmth will reduce the shelf life of the canned food if you use this set-up repeatedly. That is why you store canned foods in a cool pantry and not in an attic, garage or storage shed. Instead, I would find some dry bricks to stack under that cake rack rather than using cans of food.
Good luck heating that heavy cast iron skillet with just one small flame. You will need at least three flames under that skillet to eventually get it hot enough to cook scrambled eggs or make pancakes or a grilled cheese sandwich. I have been cooking with cast iron for more than four decades and that little flame will not be enough.
I would plan ahead and buy a one-burner butane stove and a dozen butane cylinders to have for safe and fast, indoor, grid-down cooking. And I would use a regular non-stick skillet, with a lid, for fast heating and easy clean-up. I would save the cast iron for cooking diced potatoes and bacon over campfire coals if I did not have a working oven to use that skillet to make cornbread.
Hello Gonefishing,
Good ideas and advice.
I was able to fry spam on a cast iron griddle using alcohol in a sardine can stove a couple of videos ago, but a butane stove is an immense upgrade in quality.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
I'm thinking empty cans same height would work too
@@ChefPrepperwhen my kids were little we had a coleman camping stove with a butane feul cylinder. ID MAKE A BIG BOX OF MAC N CHEESE and add chopped broccoli, chopped squash, carrots, canned veggies all previously cooked any kind of meat we had already cooked( which I did the day before bad weather was to hit. Burgers, ground beef, spaghetti noodles, Mac n cheese, polska kielbasa , chicken. Then we had hard boiled eggs, pre cooked bacon, so I'd throw together, sloppy Joe's, spaghetti, tacos, bacon egg and cheese grilled sandwiches chili sometimes. Anything to heat quickly and save fuel.we had frozen water in containers we kept in a cooler to avoid melting ice.❤
Instead of cans with food in it for rack. Save 4 empty cans you eat. Clean and add them to your preps. Like soup cans.
I save my chicken, beef and tuna cans for emergencies. They come in handy to make heat sources to warm or cook with. It's also good to save old Jars to use for cooking and food storage. Also vegetables cans with lids. When you use the kind that give you a clean cut from the side. They can be used for so many things. Like storage, used under your rack to keep rack above heat source, can also be used to heat small amounts of water or used to cook with if you use the larger cans. Like the LG pentio beans. Just keep them put aside for use. They will be lighter than pots and pans. I also like to keep all sizes of zip lock bags. They can be used to store food. The old used ones can be used to store food scraps or other waste to prevent orders. Saving some of these items will keep people from spending money that can be used on other needed items.
After the snowpocolypse we had here a few years ago, I learned my lesson to be well prepared! Thanks for the info...
same in my southern section of NY State!! w/o electric propane needs matches... then if not ready...run out... keep a big cracker tin full of them or gallon glass jar.
You are welcome! And thank you for watching!
Thanks for reminding me to buy a can opener. As I live in the country and heat and cook with propane and am a former camper (too old for all that now) and a retired nurse - the only thing I will need to get is the opener - - - I did buy one while prepping during quarantine but I can't find it - DUH - told ya I am OLD. Thanks
You are welcome! And thank you for watching and commenting!
Never too old!
Check your disaster bag. It will always be in the bottom.!
I just made an emergency kit for my Nomad Life upcoming. I did not find antibacterial ointment at Dollar Tree either. I want to share that Rose's Express, Dollar General, and Family Dollar stores are decent options. Between all of these I put together my kit. I would suggest adding silicon oven mitts because of the amount of heat, which might help prevent severe burns. It is great to see another fellow thrifty human showing us how to use everyday items. ❤
Thank you for watching and the good advice!
You should do a bend test on the can opener because I've gotten can openers from the dollar store that literally could not open the weakest can.
Hello Krislarsen,
Funny you should mention that, I just broke the handle on a similar dollar store can opener a couple of days ago.
Thank you for watching!
I prefer the heavy ones from Dollar General..the knock off old school swing away// as the plain openers from $ stores you are so correct open nothing!!!
@@murlepeterson6028 I think the steel that they use isn't heat treated at all so that would make sense. Or perhaps it's such a mild steel that heat treating wouldn't work.
Word
I went to kroger and paid $20 for QUALITY . Never regret it. Get the big handle their worth it.
I’m so happy I found you. With what’s going on in the world we never know when the grid will go down.
Hello Mightymommom,
I am glad you found our channel and welcome to our channel community!
Not all dollar tree but I can name 17 ways to cook. Electric, propane, butane, Coleman fuel, wood, charcoal, candles, wax, Crisco, grease, solar, cooking oil, waste oil, newspaper, cardboard alcohol and chafing fuel. Just wanted to mention all these to help. Many need the equipment but you might find these at yard sales. During the ice storm here in Maine I crumpled up newspaper and cooked a delicious steak on a collapsible grill, accidently grabbed Cajun spice instead of steak spice and it was the best steak ever.
Hello, Amaineac,
I haven't used all of those, but am working on it. Sounds like you are able to improvise when you need to.
Thank you for watching and sharing.
You are very welcome.
@@ChefPrepper
Interesting slant! Never thought about hot/cold bag. I would add Betty Crocker scissors - several pairs. AS for tea lights, better deals at the dreaded Walmart or even Hobby Lobby when there,s a sale.
Hello FriendsDriftInn
Thank you for watching, commenting and the good advice!
Yeah, those Dollar Tree tea lights don't seem to be the best value or the best in quality.
I buy the Hobby Lobby 6 hour tea lights for 5.99 a pack.
You need good ventilation when using alcohol as your fuel. May I suggest "heet" in the yellow bottle. It's in the automotive department of any store or you can get it at a gas station. It's for use in your car but it will burn cleaner in your stove. Alcohol will leave black on the bottom of your pan. That's bad. Red flame and black smoke is carbon. "Heet" burns pretty clean blue flame and no black stuff. I would also suggest watching TimCan The Jig Man.
👍🧡✝️🇺🇸🧡👍
Hello Water,
Yeah, Heet seems to be the best alcohol fuel (I think so anyway) and is what I typically use in my Alcohol Stove, but wasn't available at the Dollar Tree.
Thank you for watching and the good advice.
These prepper videos are fantastic as I wouldn’t have a clue what to do. I have learned so much from you guys. I think most of us are expecting something at some point as things are so unstable. I appreciate the time and effort you take to do these to teach us City folk who are clueless. ❤
Hello Katiemacnish,
I am glad you find our videos helpful!
Thank you for watching!
Keep learning! People will be depending on you!
Great job trying to help people out showing them how to do stuff
Thank you. And thank you for watching and commenting!
You are so kind to put this out! There are alot of people that absolutely do not know what to do in a power out/ grid down situation. I know several that continuously ask me what they would do.
Hello Heatherjames,
Thank you and you are welcome!
Unfortunately many people don't know how easy it is to get prepared with just a little time and effort.
Help them if you can.
I would add parchment paper and foil.
Good idea!
That flame is going to heat the food in all those cans. And possibly burn or make the labels fall off. Use bricks in the corners of something else.
Hello Judiehavard,
That is a concern. Using a similar set up I haven't had a problem yet with that, but I will be checking more closely.
Thank you for watching and the good advice.
It would definitely reduce the shelf life.
@@ChefPrepper First time with your channel; much appreciate your reality and helpful approach. Looking forward to watching some of your other videos!
Regarding the comments on the cans of food as legs ... empty cleaned cans filled with water, just a little closer to the heat source, might allow the water to heat and be used for so many other things. Of course, access to water source would be necessary.
Thank you & God's blessings on you & yours. 🙏
Great video thanks for sharing most people overlook the dollar stores for good preps...
Hello Libertycoins,
You are welcome and thank you for watching!
I really like the simplicity of your items that you use.
Hello Charleswtuggle,
Thank you sir! And thank you for watching and commenting!
Good ideas. Your Dollar Tree definitely has more items than mine does-or maybe I just need to look harder. Happy Rosh Hashanah to you and Mrs Chef Prepper and to all of our brothers and sisters here as well. Blessings in Christ. 👍🙏🙌
Hello Floridagirl,
That was a pretty well stocked Dollar Tree.
Happy Rosh Hashanah to you and blessings to you.
always can kick it up a bit or some times just as cheap @ Family Dollar or Dollar General also .. best to you on finding supplies!
I find I may need to slip into different Dollar Trees when I am running errand. I don’t always buy stuff but they may have something my closets Dollar tree does not have.
I think maybe I would have picked the two pack of silicone hot pads instead of the oven mit. Those are thin but great ideas!!.
I was thinking the same thing.
And in a pinch you can use them to carry small amounts of water.
Great tip! Thank you!
Good ideas. I like being prepared for emergencies.
When my power went out for 40 hours freezer bag from dollar tree. Did not worked
@@wannellalawson4001 Maybe some of those Aldi food cooler/insulation bags could be set aside for future power outages? The ones we buy to take frozen/refrigerator items home from the store.
For a portable go bag kit, you can put several of those tea candles in the long metal pencil tins they usually sell in the school/stationary supply section.
You can add some matches and the cut up strike board or a mini bic.
Use 2 tealights in the middle. Good for a metal camping cup, stunt foil fashioned cooker, or 2 of the small to medium stainless steel bowls from the DT kitchen section held together with a couple of binder clips.
These sit on top of the pencil case pretty well without the need for an extra stabilizer or grate.
Hello Wmluna,
Thank you again for watching!
And the good advice. That would make a nice fire kit!
I understand the pencil case and candles, but I can’t picture the function of the bowls with the case. Am I over thinking?
@@karenallen1730 You're just creating a small covered pot (to help things boil / cook faster).
They also happen to balance well on the narrow case.
Pampered Chef sells a conversion electric/your heat choice tabletop grill. I have used mine with wood for fuel. I have also used sterno cans. Very stable and safe. Comes with the grill grate and a smoker lid. I love mine. ❤
I actually made a similar rig on the fly when the Texas snow storm hit in Dec/Jan 2021.
Primary fuel was sterno.
Secondary fuel was
Tea lights.
We normally have these the items.
Now for baking, I have 2 ideas but I plan to watch your video.
The thing I learned during week long the electrical outage,
1) no city power means no city water pumps work. Store clean drinking/cooking water.
2) use grey water for toilet flushing
3) wear a stocking cap over your head when sleeping. It help prevent from getting the sniffles.
Hello, Spammy,
Good advice! I am glad you were able to improvise when you needed to!
Most practical vedio ive ever seen God is good
Hi Les and Chef Prepper Family!
I'd add a clear lid to the list. When I cook on the stovetop, I put the lid on to concentrate the heat in the pan. Wet things steam a little. Or should that be stew more? I'm probably anticipating the baking part. I've done some cooking, so, I hope to transfer those techniques to using the Grid-Down kitchen.
Thanks for creating this series. I hope you and yours enjoyed your celebration.
Hello D7Cooper,
Lids do make cooking a little quicker, especially with alternative stoves and fuels.
We did enjoy and thank you.
When making this kit itself it might be good to buy one bag of the rice sold and some beans, even if its just one meal it will be a good test to see how well this thing work sand get you use to it, rice is pretty simple to cook and the beans or lentils will be a good meal even if its just a test!
This is all good stuff, I purchased a grill rack that folds out over a small fire at Wal-Mart, I think it was $20.00. My thought is to use it in my fire place.
I keep and reuse the empty Sterno gel cans. I can add replace the gel and cook that way. Also can add perlite to the empty Sterno can, then add denatured alcohol in it. The Perlite helps the burn time of the alcohol last longer.
Ty for updating me on Dollar Tree items , I’ll definitely be adding the quick flames to my stash !!!
Try to get the gel version, not the liquid if you can.
I’m sorry I missed this until just now. Thank you for the education. 😊
You are welcome!
I have hot hands and feet product from Walmart.. they activate when you open it. I also have wrapped them in plastic wrap to keep them from shifting. Glad Cling and Seal cost more but it's a whole lot better when you're freezing and HAVE to stay warm..it has a slew of uses.Dry Matches/Candle wicks..Keep your Knee Warmers and socks tucked into your sweatpants overnight...I even used some last year to help my tobbagin in place..(slipped cotton balls inside my ears under it too) it's all about getting thru the power outages... oh yeah..put glad wrap in freezer or snow and it's easy to tear off what you need..doesn't stick to itself at all
Hello Kjp,
Good ideas! Thank you for watching and the good information!
@@ChefPrepper thank-you for putting out such vital information for us..
I recommend buying 5 big boxes of matches , 5 lighters and 5 of each medical preps especially the 100 count wipes.
Interesting setup. Forgive me if other people have mentioned my ideas, but I'd forgo the medical gear (if the store had them) and oven mit.
Excuse this assumption (and my own feelings about burn cream aside), but one would think the med items are already present in one's first aid kit. Likewise, I've never been in a kitchen that didn't have at least one mit already, even a rag improvised for that use.
Maybe use the freed up funds to buy more of what you got or some of the more expensive items you passed over?
good to see , personally we've set up for a bit more permanent or durable offgrid set up but its cost a few way mores than your set up there , but this would make a great throw in a box and the car for when your away from home
Hello Dimboolabladeworks,
More permanent would be better and something for everyone to work on for sure.
Thank you for watching!
The hot cold bags can be used as a Faraday Cage to store electronics. Make the sure the bag is sealed well, and the electronics are wrapped with three layers of bubble wrap.
Very good valuable video!
Thank you very much!
God bless your heart!
Steel wool and 9 volt battery for starters. 😊
I would have picked up several cookie sheets. Can make a wind break around you homemade stoves. Also could put some of the cooked food on then in the hot ba Or could use as a lid over a pot or skillet to steam something.
Good ideas!
Great video! I hope you enjoyed Tabernacles nothing better then enjoying time with our creator and family!
Hello Johnmal,
Thank you!
Yeah we enjoyed the Tabernacles very much! And there isn't anything better.
I also keep a camping type coffee pot.
Very good idea!
I love Altoids and save the tins . Makes awesome alcohol stoves. Easy to drill
Oil lamps give light as well as heat.
I would take my potholders from the kitchen and save the money, also I would use my cookie racks from the inside of the house. There is more that you could have saved.
Hi Teresahoye,
Yeah, the more you already have, the less for a starter kit and the more you can invest in more fuel or better equipment.
Thank you for watching and commenting.
Mmm! I love sardines! I have a bunch of them. I put the cans out in the yard when I’m done so my wild backyard opossum can enjoy the oil!
Hello 2jedismom,
Those sardines are pretty good!
I don't like those possums to much, they don't mix well with chickens, lol.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
is the oil capable of being burned, could it heat a meal if you used some type of toilet paper roll cardboard wick?
My first time here. A wealth of information! Thanks!
Hello Loisreed,
You are welcome!
Thank you for joining us and welcome to our channel!
Thanks for the shopping list why not just by a sterno stove off Amazon?
Hello, KathyJacksonSanDiegoRealEstate,
A Sterno Stove and fuel is a great option and nothing wrong with doing just that.
I don't have a reason not to do that, but trying make folks aware of multiple options to choose from.
I have and like Sterno Stoves and Fuels. They are great for emergency cooking.
Thank you for watching!
Try to get a safety manual can opener as it cuts the top off cans and gives you a lid at the same time. Those may cost more than $1.25. Seeing your can opener also has a stabby bottle opener so that's a bonus. The stabby bottle openers make more sense, imo, than the flip open kind.
Hello Bettyir,
I will check out that can opener.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
That stabby bottle opener is to open cans of liquid. Condensed milk, broth, tomatoe soup, tomatoe sauce will easily pour out with a hole punched on both sides of the can.
Sorry, that shabby thing is to pop off canning lids. I thought you were talking about the sharp part of a can opener.
I bought the cutest hot pad there but it did NOT have much insulating fabric and it got tooooo hot to use. I’d get a better one or even perhaps a glove in the automotive or repair section. It might do a better/safer job.
Hello Nolacockerham,
Good idea! And thanks for the info!
TRUE on $ store pads !!
Thank You Chef!!!! Excellent content,and well thought out. Good to have "detail by checklist" to help run you off grid kitchen run smoothly!!!!! Just a thought!! Take care & God Bless..❤️😉🤝👍👍
Hello User-gn,
You are welcome!
Thank you for watching and God's blessings to you!
Also I watched a video on katzkradul of a tea light stove she bought . I believe a cheap small toaster oven could be converted. And Jnull0 has a few ideas on a real oven he rigged up outside to bake in, and a few other ideas.
I will check it out and thank you for watching and sharing!
@@ChefPrepper no problem
Use a old cooking pot as a grill
I’ll stop by this week to Dollar Tree to pick up those Hot/Cold bag. Thanks for the video.
Hello Marybethhughes,
You are welcome and thank you for watching and commenting!
I have 3 dollar type stores within minutes of me. Take $20 every week and hit one for canned goods. That adds up very quickly to stores. Usually spend a little more. When I use an item. I buy 2 of them next time. Adds up stores even quicker. Need to buy metal shelves not as the plastic ones are bowing in middle.😂
Hello User-iv4io3im2k,
Sounds like a very good plan. I have some plastic shelves that are bowing too.
Thank you for watching!
Thank you for the video. I'm going to see what my Dollar Tree has.
Hello Roroe,
You are welcome! And thank you for watching and commenting!
We can make Ghee very easily NOW. It keeps for a long time.
Butter in a baking pan.
Oven 220F for 2-3 hours (you can also do it on the stove top) - I'm lazy though LOL.
Strain over mason jars with a cheese cloth or coffee filter. There are many YT videos how to do it.
BE CAREFUL FOR IT IS HOT! HOT! HOT
For BURNS oil of oregano is awesome too.
Thank you and thanks for sharing!
Not sure if yours has them but my local store has the metal mesh desk accessories , storage cups, pencil holders ( fits a tuna can) and a 2.5 x 11.225 organizer ,
Hello BigggRoss,
I think they had them and I have been playing around with ideas about how to use them as an improvised stove. I like doing such things.
Thank you for watching, commenting and the ideas.
@@ChefPrepper I was thinking that the organize would be a good screen for cooking fish fillet on. Seems like they work as a wind screen which surprised me.
is'nt there a paint/ finish on them make it unsafe ?? @@ChefPrepper
Good vid. Might have mr Andrew Jackson talk to Dollar Tree next week and use purchase as a short term or grab and go mini kitchen.
Baking soda if you have a flare up
Anything that saves money nowadays is a good idea.
Hello Crashutopia,
Oh yeah, I agree completely!
Thank you for watching!
Have you looked at the cooker made from a tuna can and cardboard rolled into the container and wax poured over it.
Haven't tried it yet, but I am going to.
Utility's , no forks etc ./, also a pair of plyers for moving hot stuff ., a mylar wind shield
Good ideas! Thank you for watching and the ideas!
Put unsweetened applesauce on 1st & 2nd degree burns. My husband was cutting hot food that just came out of the oven. The side of his hand touched the edge of the pan and immediately blistered up (2nd degree burn). We got a carton of applesauce and gooped it on the burn, & then wrapped it loosely with gauze and covered it with a plastic grocery bag and tape. We left it 2 days. When we unwrapped it and washed it, there were no more blisters. His hand wasn’t even pink.
Good advice and I am glad to hear of a good outcome!
For burns, I prefer an aloe plant. Low maintenance and grows most places.
Good option. Thank you!
Store WATER
Most imp of all
Thank you for the video chef!!!....happy cooking!!
Hello Brucelarson,
You are welcome! And thank you for watching and commenting.
what about the crisco and flame for long term light, but maybe cooking?
I think Crisco would work as a DIY fuel/stove and for light/heat. I am going to try it out in a video soon. Good idea and thank you for watching!
We use to cook on a number two can
Hello Valariecrockett,
Sounds like you know how to improvise!
That's good and a rare thing in our day and time!
Awesome ideas. Thank you so much
Hello Tammylainen,
You are welcome! I am glad you liked the video And thank you for watching and commenting!
Anti bac ointment: I had an injury and I wished I figured this out sooner because I ended up healing faster - Neosporin is watery, I had to redress offen. Walgreens has the equivalent product, exact same active ingredients but a thicker solid composition similar to Vaseline, it stayed on the wound better. I feel a fool because I went with the name brand just because it was so well known but when the store ran out I had to try the store brand and it was 100 times better. Life lesson for me, judge book by its famous cover .
Can't judge those books by their cover.
Thank you for sharing your experience and info!
Realy neat thankyou .
You are welcome and glad you enjoyed it
Amen
Coconut oil works for but cream
Burn cream
Have you ever tried a box oven
Smart.
We love that store
😄👍Good Stuff, Great Tips
I have a propane single burner how many green cans would u think would be good for a long time outage
Hello Dianedellarocca,
It would really depend on how long the outage would be and how many people you are going to be cooking for and whether or not you will be cooking from scratch or just primarily using heat and eat food.
But, for two people, three meals a day, I would want one canister per week with a couple extra just in case. But, that is really just a guess on my part, but I think it is a good starting point.
I would try cooking the type of meals that I would be cooking during such times to get a good idea of the number of cans to have on hand.
I hope that helps.
as long you got honey in you're home , you got anitbacterial already if you got a small cut on the finger or where ever, put that on the wound, as long its raw honey
Hello Jacktimmermans,
Yeah, that raw honey is good stuff!
Thank you for watching and good advice!
a jar of vaseline for wound care and possibly make a fire (petrolium)
Will work for both!
Forget the "pot holder" use a doubled up/flolded up T Shirt, or towel, to hold/grip hot things instead.
Buy food such as a can of fish/tuna/sardines foil or another essential item instead.
Foil your windows at night so your light doesn't draw unwanted company!
Thank You for sharing. I just subscribed to your channel I see alot of helpful info and idea's. God Bless
Thank you for subscribing and welcome to our channel!
I am glad you find it helpful and God Bless you and yours.
Have you tried the Buddy Burners?
Burn cream? Most doctors I know say never use stuff like that because it traps heat and does more damage.