By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MAFETENG
Imagine a cooker that helps you save on electricity and gas while also being environment friendly. That’s what Moipone Kata, a businesswoman from Mafeteng, has created.
Her innovation, the hot box cooker, is designed to be energy-efficient and practical, especially for people looking to cut down on utility bills. The cooker, also known as a thermal cooker, uses heat retention technology to continue cooking food without needing a constant heat source.
“I wanted something simple yet effective, something that would make life easier for people, especially during winter when power costs shoot up,” Kata explained.
At first, she used blankets to keep food warm, a trick she learned growing up. But after attending training sessions by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Workers, she realized she could turn this knowledge into a business.
The hot box cooker is made with insulating materials, mainly mohair, known for its ability to retain heat. It’s sewn into a container shape with a lid, keeping the heat trapped inside for hours.
The process of using it include heating the food on a regular stove until it reaches a boiling point then transferring the pot into the hot box cooker, closing the lid and let the retained heat do the rest. After four to five hours, the food is fully cooked without using extra energy.
“It works great for foods that take a long time to cook, like samp, beans, and meat. You just prepare everything, place it in the cooker, and go about your day. By the time you come back, your meal is well cooked and ready,” she explained.
Beyond cooking, the hot box cooker has another handy use keeping water warm overnight.
“In winter, people struggle to wake up early and heat water. But with this, you can boil water before bed, put it in the hot box, and by morning, it’s still warm, perfect for a bath before work,” she said.
Since launching her business last year, Kata has seen growing demand. Customers love how simple and effective the cooker is, especially in households where electricity is unreliable or expensive.
Encouraged by this response, she hopes to expand her business and reach more people, particularly those in rural areas. “I want to make sure people, especially those without stable electricity, can benefit from this. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about making daily life easier.”
With rising utility costs, innovations like Kata’s could be a lifeline for many households, proving that sometimes, the best solutions are also the simplest.