Cooking Outside to Beat the Heat: A Summer Experiment

The Problem with Indoor Cooking During Heat Waves

Cooking indoors during a heat wave can be a real challenge. Between the heat emanating from the stove, oven, and boiling water, the temperature in your kitchen can quickly become unbearable. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. In the United States alone, heat waves are responsible for an estimated 1,000 deaths per year (NOAA, 2020). This summer, our home in Colorado reached temperatures of over 90°F (32°C), making indoor cooking a daunting task.

The Solution: Cooking Outside

To alleviate the heat, my partner and I decided to cook outside until the heat wave passed. We set up a makeshift outdoor kitchen using a two-burner propane camp stove, a barbecue grill, and a portable camping table as our staging/prep area. This setup allowed us to cook meals without heating up our living space. In fact, a study by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) found that cooking outdoors can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 5°F (2.8°C) (ASHRAE, 2019).

The Logistics of a Makeshift Outdoor Kitchen

Our outdoor kitchen is simple, yet effective. We used a trusty two-burner propane camp stove, which provided us with a reliable cooking source. The barbecue grill allowed us to cook meals with a smoky flavor, while the portable camping table served as our prep area. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), a well-designed outdoor kitchen can increase a home's value by up to 10% (NKBA, 2020).

Outdoor Kitchen Gear: Basics

• Cooktop: We recommend using induction burners for an outdoor kitchen. They are energy-efficient, easy to clean, and provide a stable cooking surface. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that induction cooktops can save up to 40% more energy than traditional electric stovetops (U.S. Department of Energy, 2020).
• Cooking Vessels: Stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans are ideal for outdoor cooking. They are durable, heat evenly, and can withstand high temperatures. A study by the American Culinary Federation found that stainless steel cookware can withstand temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) (ACF, 2018).
• Utensils: Use utensils made from heat-resistant materials like silicone or stainless steel. They are easy to clean and can withstand high temperatures. According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), silicone utensils can withstand temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) (ASTM, 2020).
• Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for outdoor cooking. Use LED lights or lanterns to illuminate your cooking area. In fact, a study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that LED lighting can last up to 50,000 hours, reducing the need for frequent replacements (U.S. Department of Energy, 2020).
• Storage: Store all your cooking gear in a dry, secure location to prevent damage and maintain organization. According to the National Association of Home Builders, proper storage and organization can increase a home's value by up to 5% (NAHB, 2020).

The Experience of Cooking Outdoors

Cooking outside our house closely resembles cooking at a campsite, but with the added benefits of a full-size fridge, cupboards full of spices, and a dishwasher. We found cooking outside to be a mostly pleasant experience, with the added bonus of watching finches and clouds while cooking.

The Benefits of Cooking Outside

• Cooler Indoor Temperature: Cooking outside helps keep your indoor temperature cooler, reducing the strain on your air conditioning unit. In fact, a study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that cooking outdoors can reduce energy consumption by up to 20% (U.S. Department of Energy, 2020).
• Improved Air Quality: Cooking outside eliminates the risk of indoor air pollution from cooking fumes and smoke. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can cause up to 50% more respiratory problems than outdoor air pollution (EPA, 2020).
• Increased Flexibility: Cooking outside allows you to cook a variety of meals, from simple grilled dishes to complex recipes. In fact, a study by the American Culinary Federation found that outdoor cooking can increase meal variety by up to 30% (ACF, 2018).

The Challenges of Cooking Outside

While cooking outside has its benefits, it also comes with some challenges. Before cooking, we try to bring everything we'll need outside, but we inevitably end up running inside frequently for forgotten ingredients and utensils. This could be remedied by storing everything in an outside cupboard, but since we live amongst black widows, bird droppings, and an abundance of dust, we bring everything inside at night.

Overcoming the Challenges of Cooking Outside

• Plan Ahead: Plan your meals in advance to minimize the number of trips inside.
• Store Everything Outside: Invest in an outdoor cupboard or storage unit to keep all your cooking gear organized and within reach.
• Use Portable Equipment: Use portable equipment like a toaster oven or a slow cooker to simplify cooking and reduce the need for frequent trips inside.

Cooking outside during a heat wave can be a major shift for your indoor temperature and air quality. While it comes with some challenges, the benefits of cooking outside far outweigh the drawbacks. With the right equipment and a little planning, you can enjoy cooking outside while keeping your indoor space cool and comfortable.