In short: In a power cut, electric hobs stop and many gas cookers need power too. The Food Standards Agency says a camping stove or barbecue can be used to cook if you have one, but most are made for outdoor use only. The UK Chief Medical Officers say never use them indoors, because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Key facts
- The UK Chief Medical Officers say: do not use camping stoves and barbecues indoors, as there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Source
- The Food Standards Agency says you can use a camping stove, barbecue or bottled gas stove to cook if you have one, but to check the manufacturer's instructions first because most are designed for outdoor use only. Source
- The Food Standards Agency says your fridge should stay cold for up to 4 hours, and a full freezer should keep food frozen for up to 48 hours (24 hours if half full). Source
- GOV.UK Be Ready says gas ovens, boilers and heat pumps won't work without power, and to turn off items such as ovens and fryers during a power cut. Source
- The Food Standards Agency says cooking on other equipment takes longer, so take extra care that food is steaming hot and cooked through. Source
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Most power cuts are short, and the simplest plan is not to cook at all: eat food that needs no cooking, and keep the fridge and freezer shut. This guide covers what still works, how to cook safely if a cut goes on, and the one rule that matters most. It follows the Food Standards Agency, the UK Chief Medical Officers and GOV.UK Be Ready. It's part of our power cuts hub.
The one rule: camping stoves and barbecues stay outside
The UK Chief Medical Officers say: do not use camping stoves and barbecues indoors, because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning (GOV.UK). That includes garages, tents and porches attached to the house. The same advice says petrol or diesel generators must never be used indoors either.
The Food Standards Agency says you can use a camping stove, barbecue or bottled gas stove to cook if you have one, but to read the manufacturer's instructions first: most are designed for outdoor use only.
Carbon monoxide has no smell. Our carbon monoxide guide covers symptoms and alarms.
What still works in a power cut
| Cooker | In a power cut |
|---|---|
| Electric or induction hob, electric oven, microwave | Won't work |
| Gas oven | Be Ready says gas ovens won't work without power |
| Gas hob | May work. The FSA says gas cookers may still work, but many have electric ignition or controls. Check your manual now |
| Camping stove or barbecue | Outdoors only, following the instructions |
Be Ready also says to turn off items such as ovens, irons and fryers during a cut, so nothing comes back on by itself when the power returns.
Food first: what to eat, and the fridge and freezer
- Eat food that needs no cooking first: bread, tins of fish or beans you'd eat cold, fruit, cereal with long-life milk.
- Keep the doors shut. The FSA says your fridge should stay cold for up to 4 hours, and a full freezer keeps food frozen for up to 48 hours (24 hours if half full). These are estimates.
- If you do cook on other equipment, the FSA says it takes longer, so make sure food is steaming hot and cooked through, especially for older people, babies and anyone unwell.
Our emergency food list covers what to keep in the cupboard so you rarely need to cook in a cut.
A ten-minute check on a calm day
- Find out whether your gas hob lights in a power cut (check the manual or ask your engineer at the next service).
- Put a few no-cook meals in the cupboard: tins with ring pulls, crackers, long-life drinks.
- Keep a manual tin opener with your kit.
- If you own a camping stove, store it with a note: "outdoors only".
- Write 105 (the free power cut number) on your fridge card.
Limitations
This page explains official UK advice. It isn't a substitute for your appliance's instructions. If you feel unwell, dizzy or sick while using any fuel-burning appliance, get into fresh air and call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use a camping stove indoors in a power cut?
No. The UK Chief Medical Officers say not to use camping stoves or barbecues indoors because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Food Standards Agency adds that most are designed for outdoor use only, so check the manufacturer's instructions.
Will my gas hob work in a power cut?
It depends on your cooker. Be Ready says gas ovens won't work without power, and the Food Standards Agency says gas cookers may still work. Many have electric ignition or controls. Check your cooker's manual on a calm day so you know before a cut.
How long is food safe in the fridge in a power cut?
The Food Standards Agency says your fridge should stay cold for up to 4 hours, and a full freezer keeps food frozen for up to 48 hours (24 hours if half full), if you keep the doors shut.
Sources
- UK Chief Medical Officers (GOV.UK): Keeping warm or cool in extreme weather, scripts for broadcast media (checked 30 Oct 2026)
- Food Standards Agency (GOV.UK): Food safety in a power cut (checked 30 Oct 2026)
- GOV.UK Be Ready: Power cuts (checked 30 Oct 2026)