On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:39:18 -0500, S Viemeister wrote:

If mains gas were available, I'd be using that - as it is,
there's a
big oil tank for the heating, a couple of LPG cylinders for the
hob,
and an old shed where I keep coal, wood, and occasionally peat,
for
use in the living room fireplace.

Electric induction hobs don't come cheap but IMHO they are better
and
safer than a naked flame!

But they won't work during a power outage. I can use a match to light
my gas burners, and still make dinner or a pot of tea.

Agreed. That's why we have a two ring and grill camping hob and a
couple of cylinder of gas. One day we will also have big red
cylinders outside for the hob, can't stand cooking on electric.

--
Cheers
Dave.