The open fire

This is the most traditional method of cooking and uses wood or charcoal to cook. In rural areas wood is collected for the fire. In more affluent areas open fire cooking is more a recreational pastime as in the braai and special charcoal briquettes or bundles of firewood are bought for the fire.
Advantages of an open fire
1. In general the fuel source, wood or charcoal is a renewable source.
2. The fire gives warmth and is an area where fellowship is shared.
3. The heat is instantaneous and cooking can be fast.
4. If freely available wood is collected the energy is free.
Disadvantages of an open fire
1. Although the fuel is renewable, very often the people involved do not plant more trees but continue to ravage wooded areas.
2. An open fire can get out of control and cause death, damage and devastation.
3. Often things are burned that emit dangerous fumes eg painted wood, plastic.
4. It is very easy to burn food.
5. Usually causes pollution to the atmosphere although taken overall compared to electricity generation, the amount of pollution might not be that significant.