Koko Cooker vs Gas Cooker: Which Is The Best?

When it comes to choosing between a Koko cooker and a gas cooker, there are several factors to consider. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. In this blog post, we will discuss each option in detail to help you make an informed decision.

What is Koko cooker?

The Koko Cooker is a two-burner cookstove fueled by liquid bio-ethanol, specifically denatured alcohol. It’s primarily marketed in Kenya and surrounding regions as a cleaner, safer, and potentially more affordable alternative to traditional gas cookers. Here are some key things to know about the Koko Cooker:

Fuel:

• Uses bio-ethanol, which is sourced from renewable sources like sugarcane or maize. This makes it a more sustainable option compared to LPG gas, which is a fossil fuel.
• Fuel is sold in refillable canisters, eliminating the need for bulky gas cylinders.

Safety:

• Bio-ethanol burns cleaner and cooler than LPG, reducing the risk of fires and explosions.
• The cooker has built-in safety features like childproof locks and leak detectors.

Performance:

• Offers two burners for simultaneous cooking.
• Provides a consistent flame for efficient cooking.
• May not reach the same high heat as gas, limiting its suitability for some cooking methods like stir-frying.

Other benefits:

• Portable and lightweight for easy movement or camping.
• Affordable fuel cost in the long run compared to gas.
• Reduces indoor air pollution due to cleaner burning.

Potential drawbacks:

• Availability of Koko fuel and cookers might be limited outside of Kenya and select regions.
• May not be suitable for heavy-duty cooking due to lower heat output.
• Reliance on KOKO fuel distributors for refills.

Overall, the Koko Cooker presents itself as a promising alternative to gas cookers, particularly in areas with concerns about environmental impact, indoor air pollution, and fuel affordability. However, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and cooking habits before making a decision.

What is a gas cooker?

A gas cooker, also known as a gas stove or hob, is a kitchen appliance that uses combustible gas to generate heat for cooking. It typically features a cooktop surface with one or more burners powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through a cylinder or piped natural gas. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Fuel:

• Uses LPG or natural gas, both readily available in most regions.
• Available in various cylinder sizes or readily accessible through piped connections.

Performance:

• Offers powerful burners that generate high heat for quick cooking and various techniques like stir-frying, boiling, and grilling.
• Provides precise control over flame intensity for different cooking needs.

Convenience:

• Familiar to most people, making it an easy transition from other cooking methods.
• Widely available in a variety of sizes and configurations to suit different kitchen spaces and budgets.

Drawbacks:

• Fuel cost can be higher in the long run compared to renewable options like bio-ethanol.
• Burning LPG contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, making it less environmentally friendly.
• Safety concerns: LPG leakages pose a fire and explosion risk if not handled properly.
• Bulkiness: Gas cylinders and some large cookers can be heavy and inconvenient to move.

Gas cookers remain a popular choice for their versatile performance, convenience, and familiarity. However, their environmental impact and safety considerations are important factors to keep in mind.

Koko Cooker vs Gas Cooker: Heat Retention

When it comes to heat retention, the comparison between Koko Cookers and Gas Cookers isn’t entirely straightforward.

While both retain heat to some extent, they do so in different ways and with varying results. Here’s a breakdown:

Koko Cooker:

• Heat source: Bio-ethanol burns with a consistent flame, but at a lower temperature than LPG gas.
• Cooking pot/pan material: Plays a crucial role. Cast iron and ceramic retain heat much better than aluminum or stainless steel.
• Overall heat retention: Moderate. The cooker itself doesn’t retain heat significantly, but well-chosen cookware can help maintain cooking temperatures after turning off the flame.

Gas Cooker:

• Heat source: LPG gas burns hotter and can radiate significant heat to surrounding pans and the cooktop itself.
• Cooking pot/pan material: Similar to Koko cookers, material matters. However, thicker-bottomed cookware helps to absorb and retain the higher heat from gas flames.
• Overall heat retention: Typically better than Koko cookers. The hot burners and cooktop can retain some heat even after turning off the gas, aiding in slow cooking or simmering.

Key points to consider:

• Heat retention needs: Do you mainly focus on quick cooking or simmering dishes? For quick cooks, the heat difference between the two might not be noticeable. For simmering or slow cooking, gas cookers may have a slight edge.
• Cookware: Invest in good quality cookware with thick bottoms for optimal heat retention regardless of the cooker type.
• Cooking style: For specific techniques like searing or stir-frying, the high heat of gas cookers is better suited. However, for gentle simmering or stewing, a well-equipped Koko Cooker can also deliver good results.

Ultimately, the choice between a Koko Cooker and a Gas Cooker for heat retention depends on your individual priorities and cooking needs. Experimenting with different cookware and techniques can help you maximize the heat retention capabilities of either type of cooker.

Koko Cooker vs Gas Cooker: Ease of Use

Koko Cooker is designed to be energy-efficient, using up to 70% less fuel than traditional stoves, and it is user-friendly and easy to operate.

It is also affordable, making it a popular option for small businesses such as street vendors.

On the other hand, gas cookers are widely used and considered efficient, but they can be expensive and require a gas supply.

In terms of ease of use, Koko Cooker is designed with safety in mind, with a built-in safety mechanism that prevents fuel leaks and reduces the risk of fire hazards.

Gas cookers, on the other hand, require a gas supply and may pose a risk of gas leaks and fire hazards if not used properly.

Overall, Koko Cooker seems to be a more energy-efficient, affordable, and user-friendly option compared to gas cookers.

Koko Cooker vs Gas Cooker: Cleanliness

Here’s a comparison of Koko Cooker and gas cookers in terms of cleanliness:

Koko Cooker:

Pros:

• Minimal smoke and fumes: Denatured bio-ethanol fuel burns cleanly, generating significantly less smoke and fumes compared to gas. This means cleaner kitchen surfaces, walls, and less greasy film clinging to cabinets and appliances.
• Reduced fire hazard: KOKO fuel burns with a cool flame, minimizing the risk of grease fires. The canister also has spill-proof features, offering additional safety.
• Easy cleanup: The smooth stainless steel surface of the KOKO Cooker is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. No need for scrubbing burnt-on grease or soot.

Cons:

• Fuel spills: Spilled KOKO fuel needs to be cleaned up immediately as it can leave sticky residue and attract bugs.
• Canister replacement: Empty canisters need to be returned and refilled, which might require a trip to a designated KOKOpoint.

Gas Cooker:

Pros:

• Wide availability: Gas cookers are readily available in various sizes and styles, often at lower initial costs than KOKO Cookers.
• High heat: Gas stoves provide intense heat for quick cooking and searing.
• No fuel replacement: Unlike KOKO canisters, gas cylinders often last for weeks or months depending on usage, requiring fewer refills.

Cons:

• Smoke and fumes: Gas combustion generates smoke and fumes, which can stain walls, leave greasy residue, and trigger respiratory issues for some people.
• Fire hazard: Open flames and gas leaks pose a fire risk. Regularly checking for leaks and maintaining the cooker are crucial.
• Cleaning challenges: Gas cooktops with grates, burners, and knobs can be challenging to clean thoroughly, especially after greasy spills or splatters.

Overall:

For overall cleanliness, KOKO Cookers have a clear advantage. The minimal smoke, reduced fire hazard, and easy-to-clean surfaces make them a more hygienic choice. However, gas cookers offer wider availability, intense heat, and potentially lower fuel costs.

Ultimately, the best option depends on your priorities and needs. Consider factors like:

• Cooking style: Do you need high heat for searing or stir-frying?
• Budget: Can you afford the initial cost and ongoing fuel expenses?
• Health concerns: Are you sensitive to smoke and fumes?
• Convenience: How much emphasis do you place on easy cleanup and minimal maintenance?

By weighing these factors, you can choose the cooker that best fits your cleanliness and cooking needs.

Koko Cooker vs Gas Cooker: Costs

The Koko Cooker is generally considered to be a more affordable option compared to gas cookers.

The initial cost of the Koko Cooker is lower than that of a gas cooker, with the Koko Cooker costing around Ksh. 1550.

Additionally, KOKO Fuel is cheaper than kerosene and charcoal, and a 2.3L bottle of liquid bio-ethanol fuel can provide up to 72 hours of cooking time on the Koko Cooker.

On the other hand, gas cookers can be more expensive to purchase and maintain in the long run.