Whether it’s a natural disaster, an EMP, or a cyberattack that leaves you without power for lengthy periods of time, it’s wise to invest in off-grid kitchen supplies.

Here’s a list of must-have off-grid supplies to set up a totally functioning outdoor kitchen that rivals the one in your home.

Stove

The first off-grid kitchen supply should be a stovetop that will work without utility connections so you can boil water and cook food.

For example, you may want to simply invest in a butane burner, which is one stovetop burner that works using butane fuel.

Or you can invest in stoves specifically designed for outdoor, off-grid cooking.

Here are two options:

• VESTA Self-Powered Stove & Space Heater by InstaFire: The VESTA works as both a space heater and a stove using canned heat.
• Inferno PRO Outdoor Biomass Stove by InstaFire: This camp cooking stove can boil water in three minutes! It is fueled by biomass and is heat-controlled via a battery or USB-powered fan (no electricity needed).

Oven

Believe it or not, you can bake outdoors without electricity.

The Ember Off-Grid Oven by InstaFire is the first and only self-powered indoor and outdoor oven you can fuel with almost any flammable material.

Self-powered by biomass, you can use wood chips, sticks, leaves, charcoal, or even canned heat to bake.

Should the power be out for an extended period, the Ember is lightweight and easy to transport.

Pots and Pans

Cast iron was originally used in America for cooking in the hearth or directly over the fire, which means it is ideal for outdoor kitchen use.

Not only can you use a cast iron skillet directly over a campfire, but you can also place your cast iron skillet on your stovetop, oven, or grill.

[Related Read: Cook with Cast Iron like the Settlers]

Every off-grid kitchen also needs quality pots and pans. Since you plan to use these pots and pans outdoors, you want to go with stainless steel.

There’s a reason stainless steel is the go-to choice for backpackers. It’s lightweight, but durable.

Water Filtration System

When cooking, it is imperative to keep your hands clean and your space clean.

How are you going to do this outdoors – especially if your water is contaminated due to a natural disaster?

The best option is to invest in the Alexapure Pro. This water filtration system can function as your water supply and sink (when paired with a bucket).

Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

After a disaster takes out power, one of the first things people miss is their morning cup of coffee.

You can avoid being coffee-less by investing in a Stainless Steel Coffee Maker.

As long as you have a stovetop, water, and coffee, you can create a tasty cup of coffee no matter the circumstances.

If you have the Inferno PRO Outdoor Biomass Stove by InstaFire, you can boil your water in just 3 minutes. No more waiting for the fire to get hot!

Tea Kettle

Along with the coffee maker, you should also consider investing in a stainless steel tea kettle.

Even if you don’t drink tea, it will come in very handy whenever you need to boil water.

Since most emergency food requires boiling water, you will get plenty of use out of the kettle.

Another benefit is that it whistles when the water is boiling, so you don’t have to rely on a timer.

Can Opener

You would be surprised to learn how many people store emergency food and forget the can opener.

Since many non-perishables are canned goods, this is a must-have item in every home.

It is especially important for an off-grid, outdoor kitchen as you will need to open cans without power.

Manual Hand Mixer

Even though you have a beautiful KitchenAid Mixer, you still need a manual hand mixer for those times when the power goes out.

In an off-grid kitchen without electricity, you will be able to continue to mix items as needed.

Similarly, it is wise to also keep a hand crank food processor in your off-grid kitchen for quick and easy chopping of vegetables. 

Mechanical Timer

While we strive to be self-reliant, many of us can admit we rely on our stovetop timers for cooking.

Again, this won’t be of any use without electricity.

Take this mechanical timer and place it in your off-grid kitchen storage bucket.

Multi-Use Food Buckets

Bulk emergency food buckets should never be thrown away! Their large size, sturdiness, and durability make them ideal for many uses in your off-grid kitchen.

Here are a few ways to use them when you are cooking off-grid:

• Seating stools
• A manual dishwasher
• Trash can
• Compost bin
• Storage for kitchen utensils, dinnerware, odds and ends

Sprout Trays

In your off-grid kitchen space, leave room for a sprouting tray.

Not only is this a good environment for growing sprouts, but you will also have quick and easy access to fresh herbs and vitamins as you cook.

Solar Lighting

During a power outage, you will need to cook all your meals outdoors – including dinner.

This is why it is important to invest in solar lighting for your off-grid kitchen area.

If you don’t plan to install outdoor solar lighting, you should at least have solar lighting gear to use when the time comes.

Additionally, you may want to consider installing solar panels in your off-grid kitchen.

If you don’t have many appliances that require electricity in your off-grid kitchen, you will require less wattage from solar panels to power the entire off-grid kitchen space.

Hand Warmers

Did you know you can use hand warmers to keep food warm? Simply place the hand warmers with the food inside insulated bags to keep the food warm until it is time to eat.

Additional Fuel Sources

Since you will need to fuel your oven and stove yourself, it is critical to stock up on fuel sources before disaster strikes.

Depending on the type of stove you purchase, this may either be butane fuel, canned heat, matches, or wood.

With these must-have kitchen supplies, you can cook anything outdoors you’d cook indoors.

If you want to get a chunk of your outdoor kitchen taken care of at one time, consider investing in My Patriot Supply’s Ultimate Solar Power & Cooking Emergency Food Kit.

Good luck creating your off-grid cooking space, friends!

In liberty,

Elizabeth Anderson

Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply