How to Build a Hot Box for Food

A hot box can be constructed with things found in most households.

Not only can a hot box keep cold food cold and hot food hot, but it's an alternative to using regular stoves or ovens. A hot box can be used in combination with a stove top and cooking container, and it can often lower your monthly energy costs. Building a hot box is quite easy, and you can construct one with things found in almost any household, such as cardboard boxes, towels and newspapers.

Things You'll Need

• Large cardboard box
• Towels
• Medium cardboard box
• Small blankets
• Large pot
• Newspaper

Instructions

1. Line the inside of the large cardboard box with towels and blankets, ensuring that you have enough room for a medium cardboard box to be placed in the center.

2. Place a medium cardboard box in the center of the larger cardboard box, and place a few small towels and blankets around the outside of the medium cardboard box. These will act as insulation. Make sure that the towels are wrapped tightly around the box so it won't move around.

3. Place a pot of partially cooked food inside the medium cardboard box. Ideally, it's best to use food like rice and chili that works well in a slow cooker. Wrap newspaper, towels and a blanket around the pot.

4. Close the lid of the medium cardboard box, and layer its top with towels and blankets for even more insulation. Close the large cardboard box the same way, and insulate it with a few towels or blankets. This system will ensure that your cooking food is nestled in layers of insulation.

5. Let the food cook thoroughly in your hot box for the next 6 to 8 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not cook meat in the hot box until you have worked with your system a few times. Undercooked meat can result in the growth of bacteria, which can make you sick.

References

• Planet Save: Take Action to Save Energy Cooking with an Insulated Hot Box
• Wise Bread: Save Energy Costs by Cooking with a Hot Box