If you are interested in learning more about manual kitchen tools that do not require electricity or any power source, you are a smart cookie. There are many non-electric options for traditional kitchen tools like grinders, blenders, and even stoves.
The following non-electric kitchen tools are meant to help you in the event of a power outage, or for your off-grid journey. I will add more to the list as I come up with new ideas, but feel free to leave a comment and let us know your ideas too!
Percolator or French Press
Because most of us cannot start the day without a steaming cup of coffee, having a non-electric way to make coffee is a necessity. Options to your trusty coffee maker include a percolator or French press.
You could also go truly simple and just put ground coffee into a coffee filter, place it in a strainer over a coffee mug, and slowly pour hot water through. Since the hot water heater is probably not going to be working the hot water will need to be made on a grill, camp stove, or other heat source.
Solar refrigerator or root cellar
A solar refrigerator is one option for keeping food cold without the use of electricity. This technology allows you to place the refrigerator outside and use the sun to keep the inside cool.
A root cellar is another option for keeping foods cool. Make a small one with a trash can buried in the ground, bury a fridge or dig out a full sized one on your property. Or you can also create a pot in a pot refrigerator.
Solar food dehydrator
If you still want to keep up with your dehydration, a solar food dehydrator will help you get through a power outage. These dehydrators remain out side and use the sun as a way to get a full dehydration of your favorite foods.
Manual egg beater
Use an old fashioned egg beater to do many of the tasks a blender or mixer does for you. A whisk can also serve as an option, but a hand-crank beater will help you achieve a better level of “fluffiness”.
Manual grain mill
If you often use an electric wheat grinder, investing in a manual grain mill is an alternative. A popular option is the Wonder Junior Hand Mill which offers the ability to grind peppercorn, wheat, corn, and more.
Meat grinder
If you are a prepper who invests time in hunting or raising livestock, then an electric meat grinder may be a part of your daily routine. An electric meat grinder is easier, but a manual meat grinder will help you get through those power outages.
Butter churn
Great for off-grid or emergency situations. A butter churn can be used to make butter from a cow, goat, or even powdered milk, no electricity required.
Mortar and pestle
An easy tool set to grind and crush a variety of powders, grains and herbs. A mortar and pestle can replace a blender for many of your daily grinding tasks.
Can opener
It is a good idea to invest in can opener that does not require a power source. Yes, it is more work, but it will never let you down in the event of a power outage. There are also other ways to open a can without a can opener including with a knife, spoon, or rough surface. These are going to take more work, and patience, but eventually you will be able to get just about any can open.
Camp oven
Dutch Ovens over an open fire can make a great off-grid cooking or survival oven option. There is also the Wonderbag, a South African creation that works as a non-electric slow cooker. Bring a pot of food to a boil, place it in a Wonderbag and the food can continue to cook for up to eight hours. No energy source required.
Water filtration
It is important to use the cleanest water possible when you are in an emergency or living off-grid. There are a variety of water filtration options you can consider using to create drinkable water that is also safe for cooking.
Juice press
Trade in the electric juicer for a traditional juice press to get fresh juice off-grid or in an emergency. Lemons, oranges, or limes are great fruits to use get fresh fruit from. A juice reamer or manual juice press are both great options to consider.
The most important part of this article is understanding that just about everything you use day to day – can be replaced with a non-electric option. We have become so accustomed to electric tools we forget that prior generations lived without them. This list should help you get started on better prepping and planning for emergency or off-grid living.
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