The Coal Stove

I thought I'd share the coal stove experience with you. 

We all know what a coal stove was back in the day but the Jamaican version is smaller and more like a pot. It's circular, with a raised base and a grid in the center.
You may think that he grid is for resting the pot but not so. Actually the grid is for resting the coal and letting the ashes fall through to the base. The stove doesn't come with an extra grill so we have to use make shift grills to place the pot on if needs be.

Today of all days I will be using a coal pot to make my gongo rice and peas and brown stewed chicken because the gas went out last night. 

Facts about coal stoves

• Coal stoves carry more heat than gas, electric  or wood
• You can use wood in a coal stove 
• Coal takes a little while to catch fire but when it does, there is no turning back
• Coal stoves were used as home heaters back in the day because of the high heat it carries
• A coal pot does not have to be bought in a store you can use a car rim to make your own coal stove
• Coal stoves are made of cast iron and has a lower melting point than aluminum
• Best to use a cast iron pot with your coal stove because they are made from the same material and has the same resistance to heat.