Equipment Archives - HLCooking https://hlcooking.com/category/hotlogic-equipment/ Mastering Your HOTLOGIC® Personal Oven Tue, 21 May 2024 22:34:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/hlcooking.com/wp-content/uploads/untitled.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Equipment Archives - HLCooking https://hlcooking.com/category/hotlogic-equipment/ 32 32 215873330 Equip Your Portable Kitchen https://hlcooking.com/equip-your-portable-kitchen/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=equip-your-portable-kitchen Mon, 13 May 2024 02:10:16 +0000 https://hlcooking.com/?p=1988 The HOTLOGIC® is a key appliance to include in the list to equip your portable kitchen, For the rest of the inventory, you will need to know what resources you will have available, those you need to provide and the dishes you hope to create. Your situation is unique. Below are some items that do […]

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]]> The HOTLOGIC® is a key appliance to include in the list to equip your portable kitchen, For the rest of the inventory, you will need to know what resources you will have available, those you need to provide and the dishes you hope to create. Your situation is unique. Below are some items that do not take up much space but will allow you to create a varied menu.

Items to Include

Appliances

Bakeware

Dishes

Of course, there are many more items that you may need to complete your compact kitchen. But this list should provide you with a starting point to determine what you want to include in the list to equip your portable kitchen.

More suggestions of items to include can be found here.

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]]> 1988 Low Watt Cooking https://hlcooking.com/low-watt-cooking/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=low-watt-cooking Sun, 16 Apr 2023 03:12:00 +0000 https://hlcooking.com/?p=1575 Use less electricity when cooking meals or cooling a home.

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]]> After experiencing Snowmageddon in February 2021, I began looking for low watt cooking possibilities. Where I live in Texas, I have only seen snow that is at most an inch in the years it occasionally shows up, and it disappears in hours. Then Snowmageddon happened. We had 6-8 ” of snow that stayed for several days. Pipes burst, including mine, and power went out in several areas. My power did not go out, but I realized that I had no way to cook food if it had done so. I live in an apartment, and no open flames are allowed. This prompted me to search for a way to cook food during a power outage.

HOTLOGIC® plugged into a power station ready to cook a meal.

I decided that I needed a cooking method that worked with a portable power supply. This means the watts required needed to be <1000W, The lower, the better. I can’t recall where I first came across the HOTLOGIC®, but I stumbled across it somehow. During my research on whether or not this was the device I wanted, I found the video below. It convinced me to go with the HOTLOGIC® Mini.

I am really glad that I got it. Initially I used it as a substitute microwave. For lunch, I just reheated food that had been cooked previously using conventional methods. My HOTLOGIC® had my meals ready to eat and not overcooked, even when my lunch started later than expected due to work requirements.

A little more than a year after I bought it, I started experimenting with cooking food from raw ingredients. (Some of the recipes I created can be found here.) The HOTLOGIC® cooks food slowly, at low temperatures. Besides the benefits of juicy meats and being able to cook in places one typically cannot; the HOTLOGIC® also is a great way to use less electricity.

Save Electricity

The HOTLOGIC® Mini only requires 45W of power per hour. The amount of time it takes to cook varies depending on whether the food is at room temperature, refrigerated or frozen; the type of food, and if it is raw or precooked. Cooking time typically ranges from 1 1/2 to 3 hours. It uses way less electricity than an oven or stove top. Also, it doesn’t put off much heat. This means when I use it in the summertime, my air conditioning doesn’t have to run more often to compensate for the additional heat in my home.

I am looking forward to expanding the variety of food that I cook from scratch in my HOTLOGIC® so that I can lower my electrical usage, and hopefully lower my electric bill as well.

What is a HOTLOGIC® personal oven? See HOTLOGIC® Introduction.

When I was researching ways to cook with less electricity, I came across some interesting ways to manage watts and water usage better. These topics were covered in posts on my now retired website. I included some information on these topics here.

Hot Logic Low Watt Cooking HOTLOGIC®

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]]> 1575 Portable Refrigeration https://hlcooking.com/portable-refrigeration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=portable-refrigeration Wed, 12 Apr 2023 22:20:34 +0000 https://hlcooking.com/?p=1553 When traveling by car or camping, portable refrigeration safely stores the ingredients for the meals you cook in your HOTLOGIC®.

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]]> When traveling by car or camping, portable refrigeration will safely store the ingredients for meals cooked in your HOTLOGIC®. The most common method is using an ice chest packed with ice. The difficulty is keeping the food cold for several days without having to continually add ice. If you have a power source, then using a portable refrigerator is an option. Let’s look at these solutions for chilling food on-the-go in more detail.

Ice Chest or Cooler Bag

The first solution is using an ice chest or cooler bag to keep food chilled while traveling. In order to keep the ice from melting quickly, the most important feature is good insulation. A common hack is to take a cheap ice chest, drill several holes into the top and add spray foam insulation. YouTube has many videos showing how to improve the insulation for a cheap, plastic cooler. This video insulates the lid and more.

Mojecto Extra Large Cooler Bag for 3-4 Days Trip (XXX Large-17x14x10 in). Dual Thickly Insulated Compartment, Heavy Duty 1680D Polyester, Removable Liner, Sturdy Zippers.
Mojecto Extra Large Cooler Bag for 3-4 Days Trip (XXX Large-17x14x10 in). Dual Thickly Insulated Compartment, Heavy Duty 1680D Polyester, Removable Liner, Sturdy Zippers.

If you select a cooler bag, the manufacturer may specify they can only be used with ice packs. Otherwise, the next item to consider is what ice to use: cubed, block or dry ice. The video below answers that question by testing the different types of ice. SPOILER ALERT! The results show that a combination of dry ice and block ice work best. The dry ice will keep the block ice frozen longer adding 2-3 days of cool temperatures to what either dry or block can do by itself. The downside is that dry ice freezes everything, so it is not a good solution for chilling sodas or fresh vegetables.

Electric Coolers

If electricity is available, you can look for a portable refrigeration option. Be aware that the cheaper devices tend to be ambient coolers. They cool the interior of the appliance down 20-40°F from the outside temperature. This works okay if it is used in areas where the temperature does not get above 80°F. Most of these devices will run on either 110V AC for home use or 12V DC for car use. 

Koolatron Electric Portable Cooler Plug in 12V Car Cooler Bag, 26 qt (25 L) Black/Gray Soft-Sided Portable Car Fridge w/DC Power Cord, Adjustable Shoulder Strap, Cord Storage, Road Trip.
Koolatron Electric Portable Cooler Plug in 12V Car Cooler Bag, 26 qt (25 L) Black/Gray Soft-Sided Portable Car Fridge w/DC Power Cord, Adjustable Shoulder Strap, Cord Storage, Road Trip.
FRIGIDAIRE Portable 10L, 15-can Mini Fridge Brushed Stainless Rugged Refrigerator, EFMIS188-SS
FRIGIDAIRE Portable 10L, 15-can Mini Fridge Brushed Stainless Rugged Refrigerator, EFMIS188-SS
Northclan 15L Mini Fridge for Bedroom, 110V AC/ 12V DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer Small Refrigerators for Home, Dorm, Office and Car, Skincare, Cosmetic, Beverage, Removable shelf, Black
Northclan 15L Mini Fridge for Bedroom, 110V AC/ 12V DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer Small Refrigerators for Home, Dorm, Office and Car, Skincare, Cosmetic, Beverage, Removable shelf, Black

Portable Refrigerator/Freezer

True portable refrigerator/freezers, which allow you to set the temperature, start around $140 and go up from there. Some have dual zones allowing you to set compartments to be refrigerator/refrigerator, refrigerator/freezer, or freezer/freezer. They come with two cords, one for 12V DC and one for 120V AC. The portable refrigerator/freezer typically use only 40W-60W.

Alpicool Y16T Portable Fridge 12 Volt Car Refrigerator 16 Quart Freezer for Fishing, Camping, RV, Truck, Boat-12/24V DC
Alpicool Y16T Portable Fridge 12 Volt Car Refrigerator 16 Quart Freezer for Fishing, Camping, RV, Truck, Boat-12/24V DC

Electricity

You can use a portable, power station to easily power either type of portable refrigeration. See Select a Portable Power Supply for Your HOTLOGIC® for assistance in selecting a power station with the correct capacity for your needs.

Hot Logic portable refrigeration

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]]> 1553 How to Add Maillard Reaction (Browning) to HOTLOGIC® Cooking https://hlcooking.com/maillard-reaction/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=maillard-reaction Sat, 01 Oct 2022 02:49:02 +0000 https://hlcooking.com/?p=378 The browning can easily be done by using a chef torch...

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]]> The one thing people miss when cooking in a HOTLOGIC® is the browning (Maillard reaction) of the food. The Maillard (pronounced “my-YARD”) reaction causing caramelization (the sugars to brown) typically happens starting at 300ºF. Since the HOTLOGIC® only goes to the mid-170’sºF or the mid-180’sºF, depending on your device; it cannot cause the Maillard reaction which gives a delicious smell and taste to foods. The browning can easily be done by using a chef torch either before or after the food is cooked in the HOTLOGIC®.

Applying the Maillard Reaction When Cooking

This video shows how easy it is to perfectly cook a steak and create Maillard reaction with a chef torch. He uses a water bath (sous vide) method for cooking the steak instead of a HOTLOGIC®, but the principal is the same.

Tools

So now that you know how to do it, what tools would help you do this yourself?

A metal pan provides a safe dish to hold your meat while torching, There are some that can fit in the HOTLOGIC® Mini and Max/XP.

(Click images to see in Amazon.)

Fits a Mini

Right sized for a Mini

Fits a Family Size

To safely handle the meat while torching it, metal tongs or a meat fork will work. These two suggestions are each under $6 on Amazon at the time of writing this post.

A meat thermometer with wire probe will let you know when your meat has reached your desired internal temperature. You can check the temperature with your HOTLOGIC® zipped closed.

Of course a butane chef torch is required.

If you don’t already have one in your kitchen, it’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in easy reach, like this one pictured. Click image to see in Amazon.

For more information on how to select a fire extinguisher, click here.

With these tools to create the Maillard reaction when cooking in a HOTLOGIC®, it should be easy to prepare food with the caramelized finish. This will give you a larger selection of food prepared in a HOTLOGIC® that looks, tastes and smells delicious.

stock photo-juicy chicken breast seared golden and sliced.
Grilled chicken breast served with salad

Hot Logic Maillard Reaction Cooking

Techniques

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]]> 378 How to Choose an Adapter for Your HOTLOGIC® https://hlcooking.com/how-to-choose-a-hotlogic-adapter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-choose-a-hotlogic-adapter Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:43:42 +0000 https://hlcooking.com/?p=374 With the right HOTLOGIC® adapter, you to take your HOTLOGIC® on the road or use it in a building.

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]]> With the right HOTLOGIC® adapter, you to take your HOTLOGIC® on the road or use it in a building. Whether it is a HOTLOGIC® Mini 12V, a HOTLOGIC® Mini 120V, or a HOTLOGIC® Max 120V, it doesn’t matter. If you have the correct adapter, you can use any of them in a vehicle or plugged into a wall outlet.

In order to select the correct adapter, you need to know that the HOTLOGIC® Mini requires 45 watts of power and the HOTLOGIC® Max uses 100 watts of power. With this information you are ready to select the right adapter for your situation.

Converter for the HOTLOGIC® Mini 12V

60 Watts

If you have a HOTLOGIC® Mini 12V, select an AC to DC converter greater than 45W to be able to plug it in a wall outlet.

Inverter for the 120V HOTLOGIC® Mini and the HOTLOGIC® Max

These are adapters you would choose to operate household appliances in a vehicle. Add up the watts required for your appliances that will all be plugged in at the same time. Then select an inverter rated a bit higher. (Click images to see in Amazon.)

150 Watts

200 Watts

1200 Watts

If you are travelling in a vehicle, there are other considerations. Find more information at Travel With Your HOTLOGIC®.

Adapter for International Travel

A stepdown converter is required if you wish to use your HOTLOGIC® 120V Mini or Max overseas. This converter can handle 200W. It will work for either the Mini or the Max or both plugged in at the same time. (Click images to see in Amazon.)

230 Watts

If you wish to be able to also use the converter with an 1800-volt hair dryer, then you will need an adapter like this one. (Click images to see in Amazon.)

2000 Watts

Use Your HOTLOGIC® in a Locomotive Engine

locoverter, a 74V to 12V (DC) or 110V (AC) converter

If you are a train crewman, you may need a 74V to 12V (DC) or 110V (AC) converter to be able to use a HOTLOGIC® in a Locomotive Engine. This can be found at locoverter.com.

Final Words

When you choose an adapter for a HOTLOGIC®, just read the description to make certain it will provide enough watts to run your HOTLOGIC® or combination of appliances.

Questions about what portable power supply to get? Information about selecting a power station can be found here.

Hot Logic Adapter

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]]> 374 Containers For Your HOTLOGIC® https://hlcooking.com/containers-for-your-hotlogic/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=containers-for-your-hotlogic Fri, 16 Sep 2022 02:41:54 +0000 https://hlcooking.com/?p=372 Find bakeware that work in your HOTLOGIC®.

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]]> Now that you have your HOTLOGIC®, you are most likely wondering where to get containers for your HOTLOGIC® and what works as bakeware in a HOTLOGIC®. I have included Amazon links to a variety of containers that will work in your HOTLOGIC®. These will give you an idea of what you want, but I would recommend you check locally at Walmart, Target, Big Lots, Dollar Tree or your local grocery store first to see if they have what you want. As for bakeware for a HOTLOGIC®, it is anything that is heat-safe and has a flat bottom to provide good contact with the HOTLOGIC® hot plate.

Bakeware You May Already Have

Bakeware such as aluminum foil, parchment paper, paper towels and grill mats can be used directly on the HOTLOGIC® heating plate.

What Size Container?

The common rule of thumb to use when selecting a dish to use in a HOTLOGIC® Mini is that a 6-cup dish is maximum size and two 3-cup dishes may fit side by side. The HOTLOGIC can fit a 9 x 13 pan or two 6-cup containers, The following is an approximation (≈) of size in cups (c), ounces (oz) and milliliters (ml).

6c ≈ 49 oz ≈ 1420 ml
4c ≈ 33 oz ≈ 946 ml
3c ≈ 24 oz ≈ 710 ml

Bakeware example, two 3-cup bento boxes fit inside a HOTLOGIC® Mini for cooking meals.

Plastic

Many people like to prep their meals and freeze them. They can create a variety of meals from which to choose for their grab-n-go meals. Two common choices are vacuum sealing the froze portions and using plastic meal prep containers. The bags used for vacuum sealing can be put directly on the heating plate or placed on a paper towel or in a dish.

Single Compartment

2 Compartment

3 Compartment

Silicone

Silicone containers work well in the HOTLOGIC®. This material does a great job of transferring heat.

100% Silicon
I use these almost every day.

Locking lid
2 of these may fit side-by-side

2 Compartment

A really easy way to cook an omelet in your HOTLOGIC® is to use a silicon omelet form.

Glass

The suggested glass containers have plastic or stainless-steel lids. I did try glass containers with bamboo covers in my HOTLOGIC® a few times, but the bamboo lid dried out and warped. When I use those dishes, I use something else as a cover in the HOTLOGIC®.

Single Compartment

2 Compartment

3 Compartment

5-cup

5 Pack 

Stainless Steel Lid

For the Max, a fellow member of the Facebook group HotLogic Recipes recommends the DEEP 9×13 dish by Pyrex, because it is 50% bigger than the typical 9×13 and fits well.

Metal

Bakeware made of metals will work in a HOTLOGIC®. You can use aluminum, cast iron or stainless-steel. If you are using a chef torch to create the Maillard reaction, I would recommend using glass or metal in which to cook your meat.

Aluminum

Cast Iron

Stainless Steel

N/A
N/A


My personal preference is to use stainless-steel containers. This is the bento box I use. The lid locks. If I was using the HOTLOGIC® in my car, I would use this container to avoid spills. Two of the 3-cup fit perfectly in the Mini.

One of the members in the Facebook group HotLogic Recipes recommended using a cake pan like this aluminum one for the HOTLOGIC® Max.

Final Words

Any food safe dish that can take up to 200°F heat and has a flat bottom will work. If the dish does not have a lid, then aluminum, plastic wrap, wax paper, parchment paper or paper towels can be used to cover the dish. In the end there are many choices that can be used. You just need to select the ones that work best for your lifestyle.

Containers For Your HOTLOGIC® or Hot Logic

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