How to cook outdoors without setting the world on fire

Cooking outdoors can be a fun and rewarding experience, but doing it safely and responsibly is essential. With the right tools, techniques and knowledge, you can enjoy a delicious meal without setting the world on fire. In this blog post, we'll look at how to cook outdoors safely and responsibly, from the backyard to the beach. We'll cover the basics of preparing, cooking and cleaning up so you can have a successful and enjoyable outdoor cooking experience. Let's get started!

Choose a good spot

First things first, when cooking outdoors, choosing the right spot is essential. To ensure a safe and successful cooking experience, it's important to pick an area that is sheltered from the wind and has plenty of shade, if possible. Finding shelter will help stabilise and maintain the temperature and prevent your food and kit from blowing around.

Additionally, if you are cooking on the beach, select a spot away from the shoreline and other people and dogs, if possible (although they'll be keen to make friends!). Try to avoid any low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding or overflowing from high tide. Finally, look for an area with plenty of flat, stable ground where you can safely place your equipment and set up your cooking station.

Choose your kit

When it comes to cooking outdoors, there are many ways to go. A sturdy gas stove is our top recommendation. Gas stoves are quick and easy to set up and pack away, making them great for camping or day trips to the beach. They also provide more consistent temperatures and come in all shapes and sizes, so you'll be sure to find one that suits your party's size or how keen you are at cooking multiple things at once!

Try to keep cooking equipment to a minimum, and think through everything you will need to cook the dish before you set off; having a portable bowl to wash your hands is also very helpful.

Watch out for weather

It's essential to check the forecast before you head out to cook outdoors. Keep an eye on the wind, temperature, and precipitation or nominate someone to keep an eye on conditions to ensure you can safely enjoy your outdoor meal. If you plan on cooking on the beach, always check tide times too, no one wants to shift their cooking station for a wave!

We advise against cooking in high winds, as these can make controlling the flame difficult and dangerous. It's useful to expect the unexpected - thunderstorms or other potential weather disruptions can occur and conditions can change quickly on the Coast so travel light and keep your area tidy for a swift exit. Keep an eye on the sky and have a backup plan if things start to look dicey.

Be prepared

A quick word on using a gas stove safely:

1. Use an approved regulator and the correct gas bottle size for the appliance.

2. Check all connections for leaks before lighting, store your extra gas bottles safely, and avoid any open flames.

3. Bring along a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency.

4. Always read the instructions and guidelines of your stove before your first cookout

And never leave the gas stove unattended when in use!

When choosing what to cook, look for simple dishes using minimal ingredients that you can prep before you leave, that way you'll save on gas and be serving up a speedy supper in no time!

Leave no trace

When cooking outdoors, it's essential to leave no trace behind. Another benefit of using gas stoves is that they are much easier to pack away, unlike disposable BBQs or wood fires, which must be cold before you can clear up and can take hours to cool down. Finally, investing in a reusable picnic set will reduce the amount of rubbish you create, are easy to transport and will be a valuable tool for all your future adventures.

As always, it's important to respect the environment around you; it's great to feel the freedom of cooking out in the open air, but please respect the safety of the wildlife around you.

Have fun, and be sure to visit the many markets and local artisan shops for amazing ingredients to add to your alfresco dishes!