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What is the HOTBOX?
What is the HOTBOX?
The HOTBOX is an innovative insulated thermal cooker designed to provide a more sustainable and energy-efficient way to cook meals. Unlike traditional cooking methods that require constant heat, the HOTBOX uses retained heat to continue cooking food after it has been brought to a boil. This method not only conserves energy but also preserves the nutritional value of the food, making it an ideal solution for communities that rely on limited fuel resources.
The HOTBOX is simple to use and highly effective. After bringing your meal to a boil on a conventional stove, you transfer the pot into the HOTBOX, where it continues to cook slowly and evenly without additional energy. This technology significantly reduces the amount of fuel needed for cooking, cutting down on costs and reducing the environmental impact of traditional cooking methods.
In rural communities where access to energy can be limited and expensive, the HOTBOX offers a practical solution that not only saves time and money but also contributes to better health by reducing exposure to harmful smoke from open-fire cooking. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for local women to generate income through the production and sale of HOTBOX cookers, empowering them economically.
With the HOTBOX, you can cook meals more efficiently, sustainably, and safely, making it a powerful tool for improving the quality of life in rural Belize.
What are the Benefits of using the HOTBOX?
What are the Benefits of using the HOTBOX?
Energy Savings
Energy Savings
Slash your cooking fuel consumption by up to 80%, helping you save money and energy.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-Friendly
Contribute to a healthier planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting wood fuel use by 80%
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
Experience cleaner cooking with reduced exposure to harmful smoke and fire hazards from traditional open fires.
Time Efficiency
Time Efficiency
Enjoy more free time as the HOTBOX takes over the cooking, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
How to use the HOTBOX
How to use the HOTBOX
Step 1
Step 1
Prepare the Meal
Prepare the Meal
Begin by placing your ingredients in a pot and bring them to a boil on a conventional stove. Ensure the food reaches a rolling boil and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it raises the temperature of the food to a level that the HOTBOX can maintain for continued cooking.
Step 2
Step 2
Transfer to the HOTBOX
Transfer to the HOTBOX
Carefully transfer the boiling pot into the HOTBOX. For best results, consider wrapping the pot in a kitchen towel before placing it inside the HOTBOX. This extra layer of insulation helps retain heat more effectively and prevents food or dirt from coming into contact with the HOTBOX’s fabric.
Step 3
Step 3
Seal the HOTBOX & Let it cook
Seal the HOTBOX & Let it cook
Place the insulated lid securely over the base of the HOTBOX, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces. A tight seal is essential for maintaining the internal temperature and allowing the food to cook thoroughly.
Step 4
Step 4
Check and serve
Check and serve
After the recommended time, open the HOTBOX and check your meal. If the food is fully cooked, it’s ready to serve. If not, you may need to reheat the pot on the stove for a few minutes and then return it to the HOTBOX for additional cooking time.
Project Background
Project Background
The HOTBOX project is an initiative developed under the LAIT UP BELIZE! program to introduce more energy-efficient cooking solutions to rural communities in Belize. Managed by GFA Consulting Group GmbH, the project was fully funded by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) agreement with the Government of Belize.
The primary objective of the HOTBOX project is to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of insulated thermal cookers. This initiative not only addresses environmental sustainability but also empowers rural women by providing opportunities for income generation through the production and sale of HOTBOX cookers.
Key project partners include the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-Governance, the European Union, and various Civil Society Organizations. Together, these partners work to align the project with Belize's National Energy Policy and global sustainable development goals.
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