Phixx Quizz 6 : Saving gas

[nigelgalloway]

> \'Mix \'n\' match\'!
Whilst camped on Coney Island, I cooked noodles for supper.
Energy conservation was to the fore of my mind.
I used a med/high flame to raise the water temp; then used a low/med temp to simmer the goods. I did not add salt to the mix. The lid covered the pot, except during stirring. I would have preferred a curry!

The canister can be used again, on the next trip. I\'ll also bring a spare.

[MOFarrell]

Knotman asked which method will use the least amount of energy to bring water to the boil.
No additional paramaters were provided (equipment, wind conditions, altitude or quality of water) just the purpose for which the water is to be boiled, as background info.
The longer that is spent boiling the water the more evaporation takes place (and energy loss) before boiling point is reached. So A: full force, would get the water boiled quicker and use least energy.

- Salty water would take longer, and more energy, to to boil.
- A windy day makes it more important to do it quickly, and
- Good equipment may make a slower approach more viable.

Michael O\'F

[ND]

What about the height of the pot above the flame? the tip of the blue part of the flame is the hotest so adjust the flame so it just licks the bottom of the pot with the tip of its blue.
Nic

[DaveWalsh]

Definitively the best way to raise the temperature with little effort, in my experience, not necessarily in order of importance :
A: Blonde jokes, which always work, but the timing should be quite inappropriate,
B: Criticise anyone or anything from Cork, timing irrelevant, or
C: Jeer Dave Carraher, but be alert.
DWalsh
PS Traditional Spanish cooking has salt added to olive oil, to raise the cooking temperature for quick fry dishes, particularly fish dishes.

[Dermot]

DaveW - I tried your option C a while back, but my ear still hurts and I keep getting wet!
Dermot

[smurphy]

Speaking as a blonde (West) Cork woman I have to say that I am surprised at you DW!

I didn\'t realize you had such prejudice within you...

hmy:

- Sarah.

[marese]

As a blond Carraher I am not surprised at all!!!! Its all the ice went to the poor man\'s brain!

[ciarancarthy]

I\'ll feel better now when I\'m not regulating the flame from the meths in the Trangia.

[Mary]

Another way to save energy would be to use a pressure cooker. 15lbs weight will raise boiling point to 121degrees C and you only need a small amount of water to be heated. Food is cooked in the steam. You can make a full stew in the one pot.
Only problem for sea kayakers is, that the pressure cooker has to be made to withstand the pressure, so the pot is bulky and heavy.
MTBPost edited by: mary, at: 2007/09/22 06:27

[marese]

Now is probably as gfood a time as any to talk about stoves. I have a Trangia with a gas burner which I like. However, there are 2 problems with it. The gas bottle with the correct attachment is not easily acquired on the continent. There is an adaptor available but I have not yet found it. Secondly, in cold climates the gas is inefficient if not useless. I have seen MSRs been played with for hours which scares me as I don\'t think I could dismantle them and put back together if I had to. Any thoughts of the most efficent and travel worthy stove? Patricia