Panchkula caterer turns to wood-fired stove

As the owner of a small home catering unit, Veena Mishra, based in Panchkula, has found a way to cope with rising gas prices and uncertain fuel supplies. With global disruptions affecting energy markets, Mishra knew she had to find a more reliable and affordable option for daily cooking. She shifted to a wood-fired stove designed for commercial use, which runs on almost any kind of biomass and burns efficiently with minimal smoke.

Mishra has also started using an induction stove for many daily tasks such as boiling water, making tea, and cooking simple meals. The induction stove heats quickly and has become very convenient. She has also been looking at biogas, which can be made from kitchen waste and animal dung and used like normal gas. On sunny days, she tries using a solar cooker, which slowly cooks food using only sunlight.

Using these methods has helped Mishra reduce her dependence on gas cylinders and made her feel more prepared in case fuel supplies become uncertain. It has also made her kitchen a little more eco-friendly.

The wood-fired stove has a built-in fan that lets Mishra control the flame easily. By increasing or reducing airflow, she can make the fire stronger or slower, depending on what she's cooking. The stove has turned out to be a simple, practical solution for a small unit like hers.

Mishra adds that most people are dependent on LPG cylinders for everyday cooking, so she began exploring other options at home. She has saved a good amount of money on gas cylinders and removed the worry of sudden supply shortages since switching to the wood-fired stove.

For a small unit like mine, it has turned out to be a simple, practical solution,” explains Mishra. Mishra's innovative approach to cooking has made her kitchen more efficient and eco-friendly, and she hopes to inspire others to do the same.