Large institutional improved cookstoves (IICS) with a capacity of 400–600 litres can make a significant difference in school kitchens. They are designed to handle large quantities of food in a single batch, making them particularly suitable for schools serving hundreds of children.
However, their large size also creates operational challenges. A 400–600 litre pot contains a huge quantity of food or water, so the IICS needs to be started well in advance and requires a substantial amount of energy during the initial heating period. The IICS works best when cooks use appropriately sized, reasonably dry firewood and operate it correctly. This means that cooks need training, and the combustion chamber, insulation and chimney need regular maintenance. If the IICS is used to prepare much smaller quantities than it was designed for, some of its efficiency advantages can also be lost.
Removing the saucepan for cleaning can also become a major challenge. Some benefits can come with difficulties, and cooks have no choice but to navigate the best solutions to make sure the kitchen is always operational.