Imagine the smell of roast beef wafting through your campsite. Or maybe fresh-baked cinnamon rolls on a chilly morning. Sound impossible? Not with the right gear! Let’s talk about taking your camp cooking to the next level with portable stoves and reflector ovens.
We joined Keith from K.I.H.D. Products to explore the world of portable cooking. He shared the story behind his company’s innovative designs. It’s a story rooted in a love for canoeing and a need for lighter packs. The result? Efficient, versatile cooking solutions for every adventurer.
The Genesis of K.I.H.D. Products
The story starts with four friends on a canoe trip. Like many outdoor enthusiasts, they faced a common problem. Heavy packs. Especially when carrying fuel for multi-day trips. They needed a solution.
That’s when twig stoves came into the picture. They experimented with existing models, noting pros and cons. Then they embarked on a mission. To design their own stove. It started with electrical boxes. Aluminum followed. Lessons were learned.
Today, K.I.H.D. Products focuses on efficient, lightweight designs. These designs allow you to cook great meals. No matter where you are. It’s all about enhancing the outdoor experience. And keeping those packs light.
Designing the Perfect Stick Stove
The K.I.H.D. Products stove has a thoughtful design. It’s compact. But big enough to handle real cooking. The team wanted to fit a large frying pan and coffee pot. They found the sweet spot at about 4.5 inches square and 5 inches high.
This size offers great heat concentration. Cross straps help distribute heat evenly. The stove also has a front door for easy stick feeding. No need to remove your pot. Just keep shoving those sticks in.
The door serves another purpose. It helps control airflow in windy conditions. Close it to keep the heat in. It also works with alcohol burning stoves during fire bans. Add cross straps and the door keeps the flame at the right height. It’s all about versatility and smart design.
Benefits of Stick Stoves
Stick stoves offer many advantages for campers. Weight is a big factor. Especially for those who trek into the backcountry. You don’t have to carry fuel. You simply gather sticks and twigs.
Traditional stoves rely on fuel canisters. These can add significant weight. Stick stoves let you use what nature provides. This reduces your load and minimizes your environmental impact. It’s a win-win.
According to a report by the National Parks Service, collecting dead and down wood for small campfires is generally permitted, but always check local regulations. This makes stick stoves a reliable choice in many areas.
Material Matters: Steel vs. Titanium
K.I.H.D. Products offers stoves in various materials. Each has its own benefits. The basic cold-rolled steel model weighs 540 grams. A stainless steel version with a door weighs 640 grams.
The real star is the titanium stove. At only 240 grams, it weighs less than a cup of water. Even with a fuel canister, it’s lighter than the stainless steel stove.
Durability also matters. Keith’s personal stove has over 800 hours of burn time. The team designs these stoves to last. Even with regular use in tough conditions.
Quick Cooling and Strength
Another key design element? No hinges. Hinges can freeze in winter. K.I.H.D. stoves assemble easily, even with gloves on. This is essential for winter camping.
Cooling time is also surprisingly fast. After dumping the ashes and adding water, the stove cools in about six minutes. This allows you to pack up quickly.
Plus, these stoves are strong. In a demo, the store owner stood on one. He weighed over 230 pounds! That highlights the robust construction. The ability to withstand such weight ensures the stove can handle any cooking task.
Beyond Stoves: The Reflector Oven
Want to bake in the backcountry? Enter the reflector oven. This ingenious device lets you bake pizzas, cakes, and even roast beef. Yes, roast beef!
Keith got the idea after being asked if you can bake in his stoves. So, he created a portable oven that folds flat for easy packing. It’s designed to fit a large pan or two naan breads side-by-side for pizzas.
The reflector oven features adjustable rack heights. This is like your oven at home. So, whether you’re baking pizzas or a cake, you can adjust accordingly.
How Reflector Ovens Work
The reflector oven works like a convection oven. You build a fire about 6-8 inches in front of the oven. The heat circulates around your food. This ensures even cooking.
The oven can reach temperatures of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows you to bake a pizza in just 10 minutes. Temperature control is simple. Just move the oven closer or further from the fire.
The pack size is about 14 by 11 inches, weighing around three pounds. It’s made of aluminum. So, it’s durable yet lightweight. This allows you to carry full meals into the backcountry.
- Pizzas
- Cakes
- Roast Beef
Backcountry Cooking: Expanding Your Menu
The reflector oven expands your cooking options. Think cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Or cake and coffee by the campfire. It transforms your camping experience.
In fact, with a bit of ingenuity, you can even prepare a full roast beef dinner. Mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, and gravy can all be done with the reflector oven.
Keith uses a mylar oven bag for roast chicken. This keeps the chicken moist. It also makes gravy-making easy. You don’t even need to flip the chicken. Just turn it halfway through. It’s simple and effective.
Tips and Tricks for Backcountry Cooking
Keith and his friends have mastered the art of backcountry cooking. Here are some of their tips:
- Freeze meat before your trip. It will thaw gradually. This will keep it fresh for the first night or two.
- Plan a shorter distance on your first day. This allows you to enjoy the extra weight of fresh ingredients.
- Use powdered milk for instant mashed potatoes. It’s lighter than fresh milk.
- Pack sausages for the second night. By then, they will be thawed and ready to cook.
- Experiment with different recipes. The possibilities are endless.
The K.I.H.D. Origin Story: It’s All in the Name
The company name, K.I.H.D., has a special meaning. It represents the first initials of the four founders: Keith, Ingo, Helge, and Denis.
Each member brings unique skills and experiences to the team. From watchmaking to jokes around the campfire, they work together. They work to create innovative outdoor cooking solutions. The name represents their partnership and shared passion.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to create unforgettable meals in the great outdoors.
Get ready to enjoy delicious adventures on your next camping trip.