Heat source

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A heat source provides its surroundings with warmth, most of them are also containers where you are able to cook food. All heat sources have a chance to burn food if left alone, and a chance to burst into flames and burn the surrounding area to ashes if left on and unattended. Always turn off any heat source when you are done using it to avoid this. Some heat sources are considered powered by electricity by the game, so when the power fails and no working generator is connected, all cooking will have to be done on others.

Types of heat sources

Oven

One of the Oven models

Ovens are only found in house or restaurant kitchens. They are currently used to cook food by placing the cookable item(s) inside one of the slots and then turning them on. The occupied slot's background has a smooth transition from a slight, to clearly visible red that indicates the cooking process and its rough progress. Recipes, such as soup, can be crafted using the inventory and also cooked in this way. Most foods look different when they're done cooking and substantially reduce your hunger when compared to the uncooked versions. But cooking food for too long will burn the food and will make it less filling and can make the consumer ill. Food's cooking progress can also be monitored by the dropdown menu on the food items; the nutrition bar will change to Cooking, and slowly fill as the food cooks.

Advantages

• Uses electricity, doesn't require fuel to be added.
• Has an alarm/bell, less likely food will burn.
• Different cooking settings, set the function based on the purpose.
• Easy to find, inside most houses.

Limitations

• Requires electricity, will not function without it.
• Can't be picked up and placed without tools or enough points in electrical.

Microwave Oven

One of the Microwave Oven models

Similar to ovens, they are found in houses and restaurant kitchens. They can be used to cook.

Advantages

• Uses electricity, doesn't require fuel to be added.
• Cooks very quickly.
• Has an alarm/bell, very unlikely food will burn.
• Different cooking settings, set the function based on the purpose.
• Automatically turns off when doors are opened.
• Easy to find, commonly inside houses.
• Easy to pick up.
• Low weight.
• Can be placed on a shelf.

Limitations

• Requires electricity, will not function without it.
• Some foods will increase Unhappiness and Boredom when cooked in a microwave.
• Metal items put inside will cause burning.

Propane Barbecue

Propane Barbecue

A barbecue is used to cook food, adding to its nutritional value and reducing the player's hunger. The barbecue can often be found in the backyards of houses. Unlike the oven and microwave, a barbecue doesn't require electricity to run. Instead, it uses a propane tank, which can sometimes be found inside other barbecues, tool sheds or workshops. The barbecue cannot be picked up while a propane tank is installed. To remove the propane tank, just right-click the barbecue and select "Remove Tank". To add a new tank, select "Install Tank" with a propane tank. The player should plan for this in advance by having an empty bag or a vehicle, as the propane tank has a weight of 20.

Advantages

• Doesn't require electricity, allowing it to run once it's off.
• Can be picked up and safely used indoors.

Limitations

• Can't use electricity, must constantly be refueled with propane tanks.
• Requires propane tanks. Running out means it will no longer function.
• Propane tank is heavy, weight of 20.
• No alarm/bell, increasing the risk of food burning.

Charcoal Barbecue

Charcoal Barbecue

While you can use ripped sheets to light a campfire, it doesn't work with charcoal BBQ. Use paper (magazine, newspaper, etc) or gas.

Advantages

• Doesn't require electricity, allowing it to run indefinitely.
• Uses charcoal, wood, paper, and fabric as a fuel, which is sustainable.
• Can be picked up and safely used indoors.

Limitations

• Can't use electricity, fuel must constantly be added.
• No alarm/bell, increasing the risk of food burning.
• When turned off, some fuel is still being used as it's smoldering.

Antique Oven

Antique Oven

The antique oven isn't like your conventional oven, as it does not require electricity. Instead, it requires wood or paper to be added as a source of fuel. This is ideal once the electricity turns off, as vegetation will continuously grow. It's closed off flame and long plume allow it to be placed indoors without the risk of the player or the building burning, as is the risk with a campfire. To light the antique oven, a fire source and fuel must be in the player's inventory. Then simply right-click the antique oven and select "Light Fire". Fuel must also be added as it burns, or the fire will burn out.

Advantages

• Doesn't require electricity, allowing it to run indefinitely.
• Uses charcoal, wood, paper, and fabric as fuel, which is sustainable.
• Doesn't have an open fire, removing the risk of fire spreading.
• Provides warmth and lighting.
• Will not explode when left on for extended periods of time.

Limitations

• Can't use electricity, wood must constantly be collected.
• No alarm/bell, increasing the risk of food burning.
• Has a weight of 40, making it difficult to carry.
• When turned off, some fuel is still being used as it's smoldering.
• Can't be picked up and placed without tools or enough points in carpentry.
• Quite rare and difficult to find. Often seen in isolated log cabins and warehouses.

Fireplace

Fireplace

The fireplace is similar to the antique oven, as it does not require electricity. Instead, it requires fuel or paper to be added as a source of fuel. This is ideal once the electricity turns off, as vegetation will continuously grow. It is an immovable object found in some wealthy houses and will not spread fire. To light the fireplace, a fire source and fuel must be in the player's inventory. Then simply right-click the fireplace and select "Light Fire". Fuel must also be added as it burns, or the fire will burn out. There is some difficulty in identifying the level of fuel, however.

Advantages

• Doesn't require electricity, allowing it to run indefinitely.
• Uses charcoal, wood, paper, and fabric as a fuel, which is sustainable.
• Doesn't cause fire spread.
• Provides warmth and lighting.
• Displays a log icon when it has fuel.

Limitations

• Can't use electricity, wood must constantly be collected.
• No alarm/bell, increasing the risk of food burning.
• When turned off, some fuel is still being used as it's smoldering.
• Cannot be moved at all.

Campfire

Campfire

You can also use campfires to cook food. Be aware the fire can ignite nearby objects and even players if standing in the fire.

Advantages

• Doesn't require electricity, allowing it to run indefinitely.
• Can be made from only foraging.
• Easy to identify when fuel is low.
• Provides warmth and lighting.
• Extinguish instantly.
• Can be used to burn bodies or set zombies (or players) burning.

Limitations

• Can't use electricity, fuel must constantly be added.
• Open fire, risk of burning and fire spreading.
• No alarm/bell, increasing the risk of food burning.
• Can't be used inside.

See also

• Moodles
• Cooking
• Containers
• Camping items
• Fuel
• Campfire