Solar Cookers & Ovens

There are many different types and designs of solar cookers.  Typically, the more complex and advanced the design the higher performance can be expected.  It is however, very easy to make a simple one out of everyday materials like a cardboard box and tinfoil.  Often times high school science experiments will entail dabbling with solar cookers created in class.  Regardless of the complexity, all of the methods do basically the same thing which is concentrate the suns rays to a focal point or cooking area.  The sunlight can be focused using flat reflective panels, parabolic (curved) surfaces or a combination of methods.  Solar ovens use glass or plastic in order to capture the heat produced by the reflective surfaces and maintain it within the device.

Food prepared using solar energy will require more time than if you were utilizing your stove at home.  The temperatures achieved with a solar oven will usually reach a maximum of 400 degrees in optimal conditions. (think Death Valley at high noon)  The lower temperatures are combated simply by cutting up food into smaller pieces prior to cooking and allowing it to cook for a longer period of time.  A couple of the benefits are that cooking doesn`t need to be closely supervised, doesn`t require a finite fuel source and can be accomplished most anywhere there is sunlight.  Another great benefit, if you are anything like me, is that it is nearly impossible to burn the food!