Cooking and boiling water under any circumstance is a critical skill. Whether outdoor or indoor (i.e., bugging out or sheltering in place), we must be able to utilize different devices and techniques to perform these two simple yet essential tasks.

Boiling has many uses: getting rid of viruses, bacteria, and other waterborne pathogens, preparing foods and drinks, sterilizing instruments and baby items, etc. As for cooking, you don't need me to tell you the importance of a hot meal for morale when times are hard.

In this article, I'll cover the most common devices for cooking and boiling water at home and outdoors (in the streets or the wilderness). I'll go over the main advantages and drawbacks of each, plus a few tips, sharing my experiences camping, backpacking, and training in street survival or household preparedness. 

Let's start with a few basics.

Fire starting 

Starting (and maintaining) fires with sticks, bow drills, and ferro rods is fun and rewarding (especially in wet conditions). Still, it can be time-consuming, unpractical, or downright frustrating, even for experienced folks.

For now, let's focus on proven methods that are convenient and effective regardless of settings and circumstances: always keep an assortment of lighters and matches at home and in your backpack (or bug-out bag). 

Some devices have built-in piezo starters, which also work for gas and some fluids but not for solid fuels. Lighters and matches work for everything, period.