Prep Genrl MRE heaters

[foreverkeeps]

I have a ton of unused MRE heaters that our son didn’t use. Are they worth saving for dire times? I always pictured with no electricity that we would be able to heat up stuff in them? Or do they become ineffective over time being outside of the packages? Are we limited on what we would be able to heat up in them anyway? Thoughts?

 

[Slydersan]

I haven't used any in a long time, but from what I remember those produce heat by means of a chemical reaction after adding water to them. I'm pretty sure those come sealed and you have to tear open the heater packaging to use. If they are open then there is always the chance that moisture/humidity can get in there a ruin them. You are limited to what you can heat up. Remember it was designed for those MRE foil-type pouches, and there aren't a lot of things in the civilian world like that. I seem to remember that once you add the water you have to prop it up against something - you can't lay it flat or the water runs back out. So that limits what you can heat with it. I supposed you could carefully place a can down in the plastic sleeve if it would fit, but at least poke a small hole in the can - bad things happen when can contents get heated and steam/etc. can't vent out at least a little bit. I would try one out and see if it's still good. CAUTION - they do get HOT ! Here's a quick video on them -runtime under 1 min.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18NrF23-WfA