9 Essential Off-Grid Appliances Every Cabin Needs
Living off the grid usually means committing to a simpler life without nearly as many luxuries as many people have. But that doesn’t mean you have to rough it out without anything good. Here are some essential appliances for cabin living that’ll give you a sustainable life out in the peace of nature.
Off-Grid Refrigerator
Even living in a cabin, you’ll still need a refrigerator. Thankfully, many fridges can run off of propane, DC electricity, or solar power. Solar fridges in particular are an eco-friendly way of keeping your essentials from going bad in normal temperatures.
Wood-Burning Stove
A stove is an essential appliance that means one can cook in the safety of indoors. For a cabin, particularly one that’s in a forest, a wood burning stove would be ideal. It would be reliable, as long as there’s a source of wood, and wouldn’t rely on a generator or propane tank to be used.
Solar Power
When it comes to powering your essential appliances, solar power is the best method, but a generator is recommended as a backup when the solar system isn’t powered. A 1250-watt solar system should be more than enough to power most small cabins. It may cost a lot, but the investment creates a green solution that won’t cost a cent afterward.
Water Pump
Access to running water is another crucial need for anybody. If the cabin is near a water source, a water pump can be installed to move the natural source of water into a storage tank to be used in plumbing. A small pump should be able to move 5.5 gallons per minute, which should be more than enough for most people’s needs.
Composting Toilet
If indoor plumbing isn’t a viable option, then a composting toilet is the next best thing. These don’t require running water and are eco-conscious. The waste is broken down through bulking agents and if managed correctly, there shouldn’t be any bad smells.
Rainwater Collection System
Rainwater is a clean and sustainable way to collect and supply yourself with water for bathing, cooking, and gardening. A large collection system can capture a surprising amount of water as long as the storage tanks support them.
LED Lighting
LED lights are incredibly power efficient and are much safer than candles. They are bright and long lasting if on batteries and can come in varied sizing depending on the individual’s needs. Many led systems can also be solar powered, meaning they’re eco-friendly.
Grill or Portable Pizza Oven
Living in a remote place also means that you’ll want to do outdoor cooking. A small grill can be perfect and would only need wood, charcoal, or propane. A pizza oven is another alternative, and can be used as a smoker and can cook more than just pizza.
Water Filter
Water filters are essential to ensure the water you’re drinking is clean. Many water filters do not need electricity and can be attached to most water systems. A gravity-fed filtration system is great in conjunction with a rain catcher and is known for being incredibly reliable.