Nowadays it seems like 100-year storms are an everyday occurrence. When the next Iniki-magnitude hurricane hits Hawaii, all bets are off on how long we’ll be without electricity and water. Post-Iniki, only 20 percent of Kauai residents had their electricity restored within four weeks, while some rural areas were without power for up to four months. As a reference point, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tells its Hawaii employees to be prepared to survive without services for two weeks.
However, if you have water and food, how will you even prepare a cup of tea, much less a meal, without electricity?
After extensive research both my co-writer, Rob Kay, and I concluded that a propane-powered stove makes the most sense for Hawaii residents. Unlike other fuels, propane has a long shelf life, it’s safe to store and is readily available at City Mill, Costco, etc.
According to our prepper guru, Samantha Biggers, who writes a column for Backdoor Survival, some of the best gear is from a company called Camp Chef. The Hyde Park, Utah-based company makes high-quality, reasonably priced propane stoves that can double as barbecue rigs on a camping trip or at home.
We reviewed their Camp Chef Pro 30, a single-burner unit which is small enough (14 by 16.5 by 31 inches) to store and versatile enough (if you acquire the accessories) for grilling, frying or even baking. With a total output of 30,000 BTU, it’s got more than enough energy to boil a large pot of water within minutes.
It’s also affordable. The basic price is $106 (which includes a stand and side shelf), but with a BBQ Box (for an extra $83) or a griddle ($74), you can get creative and cook everything from chicken to pancakes. You also can get a 20-gallon aluminum hot-water pot ($53) with a spigot for hot drinks and washing dishes or boiling water.
The stove comes with four detachable legs that also can be adjusted for height.
The setup took us two minutes. The rig also includes a 3-foot-long hose and a regulator, when you’re ready to connect the propane tank to the stove.
What impressed us was the product’s sturdiness and engineering, especially for our climate. The cast-aluminum burner resists rust, and the folding shelf makes it easier to have your gear at the ready. Even with cast iron pots piled high, it won’t topple if the family dog or an errant child bumps into the stove. All the components have carry-bags available for storage or transport.
Getting the grill box or the skillet will provide a large enough cooking area for a family. At a recent cookout Rob had seven veggie burgers cooking simultaneously with room for another two. The flame is easily adjustable.
Although our intent is to recommend a stove that will serve you well if there’s no power, this item is perfect for recreational use as well. We chose the Pro 30 because of its practicality and price, but you might consider a larger Camp Chef model (such as the two-burner Camp Chef Pro 60 model) if you’re going to be responsible for a larger group. (Our colleague Biggers reviewed this unit and loved it.)
If you simply want a basic outdoor cooker (rather than something designed primarily for recreational use), Camp Chef has stripped-down units ranging from a simple burner with four legs ($55) to a high-output stainless steel model for $148.
If you’re stuck without power for more than a day or two, it’s good to have an insurance policy in the form of an outdoor stove, especially if doubles as a barbecue.
Mike Meyer, formerly internet general manager at Oceanic Time Warner Cable, is now chief information officer at Honolulu Community College. Reach him at mmeyer@ hawaii.edu.
