How to cook without power

The short answer

Most gas cooktops can be lit with a match when the power is out, though the oven usually cannot. Otherwise, cook outdoors on a propane camp stove or grill, well away from the house, and never use either indoors. For short outages, no-cook food and a manual can opener are the simplest plan.

Cooking is where outages turn dangerous. The CDC counts more than 400 Americans who die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year, and says plainly: "Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors." The options below run from safest to most involved.

Can you use a gas stove during a power outage

Usually yes, for the cooktop. GE Appliances' manual for its built-in gas cooktops says that in a power failure "the surface burners may be lit with a match," holding the match near the burner ports with extreme caution. WestLight Energy, a California public power agency, says the same of gas stovetops generally.

The oven is a different story. WestLight notes that the oven portion of most recent gas ranges requires electricity, because the igniter, the control board and the safety valve are electric. Do not try to light an electronic-ignition oven by hand. Check your own manual: some models have a gas or control lockout that blocks match lighting when the power drops.

1. 01Find the "power failure" section of your range or cooktop manual. Most makers publish manuals online by model number.
2. 02Use a long fireplace match or a long-reach lighter.
3. 03Hold the flame at the burner ports first, then turn the knob to LITE (or the order your manual gives).
4. 04If the burner does not light within a few seconds, turn the knob off and let the gas clear before trying again.
5. 05Open a window: the range hood fan will not run without power.

Outdoor cooking: camp stoves and grills

Propane camp stoves, charcoal grills and gas grills all produce carbon monoxide. The CDC's rules are short: never use a portable gas camp stove indoors, never burn charcoal indoors, and do not cook on anything that is not vented. A garage, a tent and a closed porch all count as indoors.

• Set up in open air, away from windows, doors and vents so exhaust cannot drift inside.
• Put a battery-powered or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarm inside the house, near sleeping areas.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or a lid nearby for grease flare-ups.
• If a generator is running, it belongs at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages (Ready.gov); do not cook next to its exhaust.

A two-burner propane stove is the most practical outage cooker. Coleman rates its Classic 2-burner at 20,000 BTUs total and says it runs about 1 hour with both burners on high per 16.4 oz cylinder. Our camping stove roundup compares six models and does the fuel math for a week.

How to cook without power indoors

The honest answer is that very few portable fuel-burning cookers are approved for use inside a home. Butane "cassette" stoves are often marketed for tabletop cooking, so we read the manual for a popular one. Iwatani's 35FW manual says the stove is for use indoors and outdoors in commercial restaurants, and warns: "Never use this appliance in an enclosed space such as a camper, tent, car or home."

Unless the maker's own manual explicitly allows residential indoor use with stated ventilation, treat a butane stove as an outdoor stove. Indoor-safe options without combustion are:

• A gas cooktop lit with a match, with a window open.
• Electric appliances (kettle, rice cooker, induction plate) on a battery power station sized for them. Our guide to getting electricity during a power outage covers sizing. Heating appliances draw a lot, so check the wattage on the label against the station's continuous rating.
• No-cook meals.

How to heat food without power

If the outage started with a full freezer, cook what is thawing first. CDC guidance says thawed food that still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can be cooked or refrozen. Our food safety page has the fridge and freezer time limits.

Stretching fuel

• Use a lid. It brings water to a boil faster on any stove.
• Cook pasta, rice and oats by bringing them to a boil, then letting them finish covered off the heat, wrapped in a towel.
• Boil once, then store the extra hot water in an insulated bottle for drinks and washing up.
• Choose one-pot meals so a single burner does the work.

No-cook meals

Ready.gov's food list leans on items that need no refrigeration, cooking or water: ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, peanut butter, dried fruit and canned juice. Add a manual can opener. See our full no-cook food list for a power outage for a shopping table and infant formula guidance.

Fuel storage

Store propane and butane cylinders outdoors in a shaded spot, away from the house and from anything that can spark, and follow the label and your local fire code. Never store or use gasoline near a cooking appliance; Iwatani's manual repeats that warning. Remove butane canisters from the stove before storing it.

Picks for outage cooking

These are research-based picks from manufacturer specs, checked November 1, 2026. We do not test products. Prices change, so check the current price on Amazon.

No. 1Camp stove

Coleman Classic Propane Gas Camping Stove, 2-Burner (5430)

Best for: A cheap, familiar two-burner stove that runs on 1 lb cylinders

• 2 adjustable burners, 20,000 BTUs total
• Up to 1 hour with both burners on high on one 16.4 oz propane cylinder (manufacturer)
• Fits a 12-in. and a 10-in. pan at the same time
• WindBlock panels; PerfectFlow pressure regulator
• 11.65 lb; 22.5 × 5 × 14.5 in

Tradeoffs

• · Match lighting: no built-in igniter on this model
• · Outdoor stove: never use it indoors or in a garage

Check price on AmazonRead the full reviewSpecs: manufacturer page, checked Nov 1, 2026

No. 2Backpacking stove

Jetboil Flash 1.0L Fast Boil System

Best for: Boiling water for freeze-dried meals, coffee and formula prep

• Boil time 120 sec per 0.5 liter (average over life of a JetPower can)
• 10 liters of water boiled per 100 g JetPower can (manufacturer)
• 5,300 BTU/h (1.5 kW); 1-liter cook pot
• 13.1 oz (371 g) system weight
• Uses JetPower isobutane-propane fuel

Tradeoffs

• · Built for boiling water, not for frying or simmering a family meal
• · Outdoor stove: never use it indoors

Check price on AmazonRead the full reviewSpecs: manufacturer page, checked Nov 1, 2026

No. 3CO alarm

First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Alarm with 10-Year Battery

Best for: A no-install alarm you can set on a nightstand or carry room to room

• Sealed 10-year lithium battery (no battery changes)
• Listed to UL 2034
• Backlit display: CO level, peak level and temperature
• 85 dB alarm; tabletop design

Tradeoff

• · Tabletop only, and when the sealed battery ends the whole unit is replaced.

Check price on AmazonRead the full reviewSpecs: manufacturer page, checked Nov 1, 2026

No. 4Manual can opener

OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener

Best for: Opening canned food with no power

• Manual; no batteries or outlet
• Stainless steel cutting wheel
• Large cushioned handles and oversized turning knob
• Built-in bottle opener

Tradeoffs

• · Clean the cutting wheel after each can
• · Bulkier than a pocket can opener

Check price on AmazonRead the full reviewSpecs: manufacturer page, checked Nov 1, 2026