Filipino inventor now sells smokeless charcoal stove abroad

source: (http://loqal.ph/science-and-education/2010/07/23/filipino-inventor-now-sells-smokeless-charcoal-stove-abroad/)


MANDALUYONG CITY, METRO MANILA – In 1978, an engineer named Rizal Obligar created a unique charcoal stove that is different than those then sold in the market.

Obligar wanted to create a stove that still uses charcoal but does not produce smoke or soot that cover the bottom of the cookware. He came out with a design that reduces smoke and allows for better cleaning.

The Joy Charcoal Stove was considered the first such metal stove in the Philippines. Its design allowed the preservation of heat from the charcoal as well as heat distribution across the entire cooking surface. The soot and ash of the used up charcoal falls into a container bin at the bottom of the stove for easy removal.

Obligar proceeded to distribute his invention across the Philippines. Its design has also been copied by other manufacturers but Obligar continued to improve the design of the stove to make it more efficient. Another type of local stove manufacturer called the Mito Charcoal Stove was created by Janet Borja.

Obligar put up his company, G.O. Engineering Enterprises, which is also developing other technologies, specifically on kitchen purposes. The company’s current marketing manager, Raul Mendiola, said the Joy Stove is already being sold in other countries, particularly in the US and Canada.

Mendiola, a nephew of Obligar, said that the materials used for the Joy Charcoal Stove are actually recycled metal from discarded steel from the engine blocks of cars. “This is more economical so we don’t have to get new materials.”

Using a charcoal stove is more economical than using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). However, charcoal produces more smoke and soot, and also takes time to burn. Mendiola explained that the Joy Charcoal Stove has windows on the side that can be opened and closed depending on the amount of heat that is needed. This allows for control of the heat as well as the burn time of the charcoal. “The smoke is lessened because of the controlled burn.”

Mendiola noted that while most building owners would not allow charcoal cooking among their tenants, the Joy Charcoal Stove can be used as it does not produce too much smoke. “It won’t set a fire alarm.”

Mendiola was interviewed last year in the RJTV show “Pinoy Galing Mo, Ayos Ka” and spoke about the Joy Charcoal Stove and showed how it worked. The product was also among those featured during the Filipino Inventors and Young Achievers Exposition in 2009.