A group of young innovators operating under the name Zuh Metal Warrior at Chirimba Market in Blantyre has developed an environmentally friendly cooking stove that functions similarly to an electric cooker but is powered by used oil instead of electricity.
The innovation comes at a time when many Malawian households are struggling with rising electricity costs and frequent power outages, forcing families to seek alternative cooking solutions.
The newly developed stove offers a convenient and affordable way to prepare meals while promoting the recycling of waste oil that would otherwise be discarded.
Speaking in an interview, one of the innovators, Watson George, said the stove was designed to give users control over cooking temperatures, making it suitable for preparing a wide range of foods.
“We have designed this stove in such a way that users can increase or reduce the heat depending on what they are cooking. For example, if someone is cooking beans or other foods that require high heat, the stove can easily be adjusted to meet that need,” said George.
He explained that, unlike electric cookers, the stove does not require electricity to operate, making it an attractive option for households and businesses looking to reduce energy expenses.
According to George, used oil worth approximately MK2,000 can provide enough fuel for cooking for up to two weeks, depending on usage patterns.
Beyond reducing household energy costs, the innovation is expected to contribute to environmental conservation efforts by giving a second life to used oil as improper disposal of used oil can contaminate soil and water sources, but the stove provides an alternative use that helps minimize waste and pollution.
