Three Kitchen Appliances That Can Replace LPG and Induction in a Crisis
With reports of LPG cylinder shortages becoming more frequent, many households are turning to induction and infrared stoves as alternatives. Those who already own an induction cooktop are using it more heavily, while others are rushing to buy one. However, it is easy to overlook the fact that several appliances already sitting in your kitchen can serve as reliable cooking tools when gas and induction are unavailable. Three of the most versatile options are the microwave oven, the air fryer, and the electric kettle. Here is how each one can help you prepare meals with ease.
Microwave Oven: More Than Just a Reheater
Most people associate microwave ovens with reheating leftovers or defrosting frozen items. In reality, modern microwaves come with multiple cooking modes that allow you to prepare a wide range of dishes from scratch. You can bake cakes, cook pizzas, and even make biscuits using the convection or grill settings. With a little experimentation, you can also steam vegetables, cook rice, and prepare casseroles. This makes the microwave a surprisingly capable backup when your primary cooking source is out of action.
Air Fryer: Healthy Cooking Without Gas
Health-conscious individuals already appreciate the air fryer for its ability to create crispy, delicious food with little to no oil. Beyond its reputation for making french fries and chicken wings, the air fryer can also handle a variety of snacks and meals. You can prepare samosas, paneer tikka, roasted vegetables, and even small batches of baked goods. Because it circulates hot air rapidly, it cooks food evenly and quickly. During an LPG shortage, the air fryer becomes an excellent emergency appliance that keeps your meals interesting and nutritious.
Electric Multi-Cooker: The All-in-One Solution
As its name suggests, an electric multi-cooker is designed to perform multiple cooking tasks. It can boil, fry, steam, and simmer, making it one of the most versatile kitchen tools available. You can cook rice, warm milk, prepare lentils, make vegetable curries, boil eggs, and even deep-fry puris. It is also perfect for quick meals like oats and instant noodles. The multi-cooker eliminates the need for separate pots and pans, saving both time and energy. When gas and induction are not options, this appliance can handle almost any dish you would normally cook on a stovetop.
- Microwave oven: Ideal for baking, reheating, steaming, and cooking grains.
- Air fryer: Great for oil-free frying, roasting, and preparing snacks.
- Electric multi-cooker: Handles boiling, frying, steaming, and simmering for complete meals.
Each of these appliances offers a practical way to continue cooking during a gas or induction outage. By understanding their full capabilities, you can reduce dependence on traditional cooking methods and keep your kitchen running smoothly even in challenging times.
