[theoreticalmal]

I don’t understand why people go this direction when propane-powered appliances are so much more appropriate. Much cheaper, readily available fuel, a few minutes to “reload” vs multiple hours to recharge the battery.

Similarly, I think there’s a niche market for a propane-powered espresso machine.

[gambiting]

I can charge any battery powered appliances like that at home. Propane is only sold per bottle, not every petrol station has them(in fact - majority don't), you have to rent the bottle each time, the thing is stupidly heavy and has various restrictions on storage(can't park a car with it in an underground garage for instance, my insurance does not allow me to keep it inside my garage etc). Battery powered is just so much easier unless you're using it commercially and go through a lot of gas I guess.

[kragen]

Sunlight is free, nichrome nearly so. For these low temperatures any metal would work if you make it thin enough.