Cooking without fire [Chemistry makes it possible]

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👉 The key facts from this guide

Let's assume that you have no possibility whatsoever to start a fire (e.g., during high forest fire danger).

Even then, there are still good ways to keep your food warm and cook it.

And now you will learn how it works in the article.

Chemistry makes it possible

If you don't have access to a gas stove or electricity, you have to find other ways to be able to cook.

Of course, you can simply light a fire, whether it's the classic way with a Firesteel or the exciting way with a battery.

But even the fire can go out on you, or it may not be possible to start a fire.

With the BaroCook system, you can cook without electricity, gas, or fire.

The set consists of a plastic container with a lid, into which a stainless-steel bowl is placed. A heating pad is placed under the stainless-steel bowl. Today, we will take a closer look at this.

Additionally, a neoprene sleeve is included in the delivery. You use this to keep everything warm even longer. For example, the set does not cool down as quickly in sub-zero temperatures.

Application and Chemical Reaction

The application is very simple:

Attention, you must not tear open the heating pad.

Now there is a chemical reaction.

But why is that? What mysterious thing is inside?

Answer: The pillow is filled with calcium oxide (burnt lime).

And when calcium oxide comes into contact with water, it is converted into calcium hydroxide.

During this chemical process, heat is also generated. More precisely, temperatures in the range of 95 °C to 100 °C.

How will your food now be warmed up?

Well packed, you also have the option to store them in your backpack during the cooking process. Then it's just a matter of waiting.

The waste product that remains, namely calcium hydroxide, is biodegradable. So, you won't have any problems if you need to dispose of it in nature. Alternatively, you can dispose of it in household waste at the end of your trip.

Cooking Time

According to information, the manufacturer BaroCook's box can be used to prepare the following:

• Water for tea, coffee, or soup in under 10 minutes
• Various ready meals take around 15 minutes
• Pasta, rice, and vegetables take about 20 minutes
• Frozen products require around 25 minutes to cook through

Advantages of using a heating pad

The benefits of such a heating pad are clear.

• Firstly, there is no risk of fire from an open flame. This is particularly advantageous when traveling in extremely dry areas or in regions where starting an open fire is simply prohibited.
• Secondly, you have the opportunity to cook your food while on the go. This allows you to continue your journey more quickly if you are just passing through and have not yet reached your destination.

Simply prepare your food and pack the box, of course well packaged and appropriately secured, in your backpack. But be careful, as high temperatures can occur.

Even on your tour in the particularly icy winter, such a cooking method is advantageous. While your food is cooking, you can also simply hold the hot to warm box in your hand to warm yourself up.

Dimensions: With its small pack size of 25.8 x 24.8 x 13.3 centimeters (depending on the model), the box fits into any backpack. Therefore, it is also ideal for a small emergency backpack. It is also convenient to simply put it in (slightly larger) pockets.

The stainless steel is highly heat-conductive and hygienic and food-safe on the inside. Cleaning the product is also easy.

If you actually pack the box in your backpack, you don't have to worry. The folding clasps and the airtight silicone ring ensure that the box is packed and stored airtight and leak-proof.

The system with a heating pad has been used by soldiers and survivalists for some time and is well received. Compared to an open fire, it is relatively safe to handle.

Disadvantages

However, with the box you are not able to provide for yourself and your child, yourself and your companion, or even yourself and your entire family.

The volume of the smallest stainless-steel bowl measures 320 milliliters. This allows you to boil water for a maximum of two people, but lunch is only enough for one person.

Therefore, the small box from BaroCook is more suitable for solo tours. However, there are other models with a capacity of 850 ml, 900 ml, and 1,200 ml. Here, there are sometimes differences in shape, not just in size.

BaroCook even offers a thermo-pressure cooker for the system with heat pads. With the wide range of products, you will surely find exactly what you need.

Pricing at BaroCook

The prices for the beginner sets start at around €15-30, while the thermal pressure cooker costs about €91.

10 pieces of replacement heat pads cost about €12. You can also find all products on the official website of the manufacturer.

If you can no longer find BaroCook or are looking for another provider, I recommend the manufacturer "SEQUOIA OUTDOOR®".

Here you will find a complete set:

And here you can find the heat pads individually:

Summary

Unfortunately, BaroCook is expensive for cooking or keeping food warm.

However, you have a secure tool at your disposal, with which you don't even have to leave your sleeping bag in the morning to heat your breakfast.

If the prices are too high for you, but you like the idea, you can get here a guide from me. In this guide, I will show you how to make the heat packs yourself.

Or you can use other alternatives that I have included in the guide "How cook when the forest fire level is too high? - Your guide to cooking without a campfire".

Until then, I look forward to your feedback. So feel free to leave a comment here.

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Have you already heard of the heat pads?

Maybe you have already tested it yourself? You are welcome to share your experiences.

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