Restaurants turn to ‘bullet stove’ amid cooking gas crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the cooking gas crisis continues, restaurants are turning to an alternative solution called the “bullet stove.” The stove works using firewood along with a small amount of electricity.

The stove is made by welding iron in a cylinder shape. A blower fan fitted from outside pushes air into the stove, helping the fire burn strongly from all sides. The fan runs using a small adapter similar to a mobile charger and requires very little electricity. Since the firewood burns completely into ash, there is very little smoke or charcoal.

Different sizes of the stove are available- from small units that can cook 5 kg of food for homes to large ones that can handle up to 100 kg for commercial use. The 5 kg stove costs around Rs 12,000, while larger models for hotels (15–30 kg capacity) cost up to Rs 17,000.

Firewood or coconut shells can be placed at the bottom of the stove. Once lit, switching on the fan helps it burn efficiently. A small 5 kg stove can hold about half a kilogram of firewood at a time, which burns for around 45 minutes. All types of utensils, including pressure cookers, can be used on it.

The bullet stove has already reached kitchens in star hotels and leading vegetarian restaurants in Kerala. Most customers are buying from Sri Jothi Modern Kitchen Equipments, which has been operating for 28 years at Edalakudi in Kottar, Nagercoil.

High demand for stove

• Around 160 people are currently on the waiting list for the stove.
• Many customers travel from Kerala to Edalakudi to place orders directly.
• They often stay in nearby lodges while waiting.
• It can take up to five days to receive the product after ordering.

"Most of the demand is coming from Kerala. Our team is working day and night to meet orders." -Shiva Owner, Sri Jothi Modern Kitchen Equipments