Pam, I don't like the thought of the propane cannisters, either, and only keep two. I purchased some smaller stovepipe (now if I can just figure out how to cut it) to make a rocket stove. You can cook with twigs, small brush, and any other tinder you can find using one of these. I have some unused bricks for a frame, and some rebar for the pot support. One of these days I'll get busy and put it together. Rocket Stove - Solar Cooking I haven't tried to make a solar oven yet, but that's also on my todo list.
