Saturday School: Volcano Grill

Alternative Cooking Method:  Volcano Grill

Pros:  Versatile.  It is versatile in the kind of cooking as well as the fuel used to cook.  It can be used with skillets, woks, dutch ovens, griddles, or other pots and pans, with sticks for roasting or simply as a grill.  Cook, fry, bake (with dutch oven or oven lid), or grill all on one stove.  It can use wood, charcoal or propane (with attachment) for fuel.  Collapsible.  It sets up and collapses down easily.  The outside doesn't get overly warm or hot, so it is safe to use near children--the outside won't burn them if they accidentally touch it (caution and supervision should always be exercised when using any cooking method, especially when children are around).   The carry case makes it much more manageable and easy to transport for sure--though it is easily moved when it is set up.  Works when windy.

Cons:  Costs more than some of the other methods.  Though it isn't incredibly heavy, it is heavier than other methods (like a can stove or butane stove).  Shouldn't use if raining (helps it last longer and not rust).

How to set up:  Pull up on the handle.  Yes it is that easy!  The legs automatically swing out and the chamber automatically expand when the handle is pulled up on.  Once expanded, it is ready for use with wood or charcoal.  If using a propane attachment, it will need to be set up before being able to cook.  I prefer using charcoal chimneys or can stoves to get charcoal going--it seemed easier to get it going than simply right in the Volcano, but you can start the charcoal or wood right in the stove if want/need.

Position the stove to where you want it while cooking, before starting the wood, charcoal or propane.

To take down after cooking:  Once the charcoal or wood has cooled off, remove any large pieces.  Empty stove of ash by tipping it over carefully.  Once the ash is out, wipe out with damp cloth to remove any remaining ash or residue.  Dry--I usually do it when it is still warm so it dries pretty quick.  After it is washed and dried, lightly oil it on the inside--a very light coating of peanut or vegetable oil helps protect the inside of the stove.  Collapse by putting hands on bottom, pull up.  The legs should go in automatically and the chamber collapse.

Put into the carry case, store horizontal (best, but if had to could store vertical).

Note:  If there isn't time to wait for the coals to cool off, like in the case of a storm or rain shower moving in, move hot coals and ash to a empty #10 can, can stove or area where it won't start a fire--you can douse it with water if you want to help them cool off -after removing them from the stove--don't douse your stove with water.  The stove may be warm or even hot, so use hot pads to tip the ash out, wipe clean and oil carefully.

Taking it down and caring for it before putting it away is a little more involved but worth it to preserve the stove and make it nicer to use the next time.

Another note: the propane attachment is for 15-20 lb propane tanks, not the small kind that are used for camp stoves.  Although you may be able to use a propane valve adapter to be able to use the small 1 lb propane tanks.

PRICES:  I am listing 2 sources--because I have ordered things from these sources in the past and have been satisfied with both the product(s) and the service.  There are other sources, including amazon, some may be more or less, just remember to factor in shipping costs and if you trust the source or not.

Emergency Essentials (www.beprepared.com):  stove only: 98.95; stove with propane attachment: 139.95; Combo (stove, propane attachment, oven lid, cookbook, skewers):  184.95.  Oven lid by itself: 24.95; skewers:  11.95; manual/cookbook:  19.95; propane attachment:  58.95

Food Storage Made Easy (www.foodstoragemadeeasy.net):  stove only:  109.95; stove with propane attachment:  149.95; Combo (stove, propane attachment, oven lid, cookbook, trivet, dutch oven lid lifter, roast rack, propane valve adapter--adapts to be be able to use the small 1 lb propane tanks):  259.95 free shipping.