The following is a step by step guide to building a retained heat cooker that was designed for the purpose of the Jefferson Community Center workshop 2013

Bill of materials[edit | edit source]

• 1 Cardboard Produce Box
• 1 Roll of Aluminum Foil
• Duct tape
• Paper (newspaper is preferred)
• 1 Mylar emergency blanket
• Scissors

Building Instructions[edit | edit source]

This is an easy process using less than 10 dollars worth of materials

1

Figure 1: Cardboard box is lined with paper

Line the main box with paper

2

Figure 2: be sure to allow the foil to drape over sides of box

Line the cardboard box with aluminum foil

3

Figure 3: Mylar Blanket

Line the Box with a Mylar emergency blanket, be sure to reduce the number of air pockets.

4

Figure 4: the final cooker

Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the lid of the box

5

Figure 5: You're Done!

The cooker is now complete! For use just place some blankets and towels inside, and seal a cooking pot in the cooker.

Use[edit | edit source]

The cooker is easy to use. Bring a meal to the proper temperature and leave it there for at least 2 minutes, then seal it in the box. Leave it in the box until cooking is completed. It should be noted that recipes using this method require less spicing and usually 50% more time to cook, so plan accordingly.

Maintenance and tips[edit | edit source]

• Clean your cooker between each use.
• Be sure to wash all blankets and towels used in the cooking process
• Do not leave your cooker in areas where it could get wet.
• Always ensure that your food is fully cooked before consuming
• Experiment with new recipes! Stews and soups work well with this method.