Survival Prepper: How To Make An Electric-Free Refrigerator

One of the first problems that we face during a grid-down or emergency scenario is the loss of electricity and the failure to keep food from spoiling.

Equipment like generators and other off-grid power options can keep a refrigerator running for a while but drain the battery capacity that could have been used for other important resources.

Setting up an electricity-free refrigerator will assist in preserving battery and fuel stores.

Zeer Pots

Is a pot in another pot refrigeration system, using two unglazed clay pots. These pots are different sizes; the smaller one should fit inside the larger one leaving a gap of about an inch or so.

The inner pot is where the food you want to keep cold goes, and the outer pot serves to contain the sand that will fill the gap between the pots.

Through the process of evaporated cooling, Zeer pots can keep the food in the inner clay cool. As the water evaporates, it absorbs heat to turn the liquid water into vapor. While the water vapor absorbs the heat, it will replace the cool air that will settle in the inner pot.

If you’re interested in making your own Zeer pot, a simple google search will show you how easy it is and it only takes about 20 minutes to make. I’ve made life a little easier by providing step-by-step directions below!

1. Get two unglazed ceramic pots—one that will fit inside the other—plus some sand and water.
2. Fill the bottom of the larger pot with a couple of inches of sand.
3. Put the smaller pot in the larger one.
4. Fill the space between the pots with sand.
5. Pour water into the sand.
6. Cover the pots with a ceramic lid or wet cloth.

That’s it! You’re ready to store food inside. Just remember to add water to the sand every day, like mentioned earlier, it uses evaporation to cool food.

As water evaporates through the clay, it releases energy into the air and cools the space inside the pot. It’s like splashing water on your face on a hot day; the water evaporates off your skin, cooling it in the process. Refrigerator coolant actually works in a similar way, using evaporation to draw heat out of the fridge itself. That’s why the back of your Frigidaire is so warm.

I want to end this blog with an important reminder. KEEP YOUR FOOD COLD!!!
Keeping food cold without electricity is tricky. You have to keep your food at a consistent temperature to avoid the spread of bacteria. Make sure you have a thermometer to monitor proper food safety temperature.

Have you ever made a Zeer Pot refrigeration system? If so, what are some tips and tricks that have worked out for you?

Thank you for sticking through another important and informative SHTF situation and I hope this information was helpful.

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