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The thermal cooker
the coolest energy saving pot
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I like using the slow cooker to make chinese soups, but it can be quite energy consuming because it is turned on for at least 2 to 4 hours or even longer during cooking time.
Energy costs may also be a concern especially with fuel prices on the rise. No worries, a greener cooking alternative is available. The Japanese was the first to invent the thermal cooker which uses trapped heat to cook food. It has three major components:
Soup ingredients and water are brought to a boil in the inner pot over the stove. It is then placed into the insulated outer container. The outer container is sealed with the air-tight cover. Since the outer pot is sealed and there is insulation all around, the heat in the inner pot has nowhere to go. It can "concentrate" on cooking the soup. Given sufficient time, the trapped heat will cook the soup and ingredients. This is a very energy-efficient way to cook. The food also does not get burnt since the heat isn't high enough to burn. The thermal cooker is very versatile. Besides soups, it has been used to cook many different food. I find it an ideal "green" soup making pot. The only problem is it is time-consuming. If you like your food fast, this is not the pot for you. Last but not least, it is a great food warmer and portable food container. Because of the air-tight cover, it is spill-proof and leak-proof. Ideal for packing food for picnics or pot lucks. The 2 top brands of thermal cooking pots are Zojirushi and Tiger. Both are Japanese brands. There are many cheaper versions coming from Taiwan and China but their quality and cooking effect is not as good as the Japanese ones. Thermal Cooking Pot Tips
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Via BuzzFeed
