Solar cookers use the sun’s rays to cook food. They can be made with simple materials like boxes, aluminum foil, and black construction paper. The cooker should be lined with foil and paper to absorb and reflect heat. It can take longer to cook than a conventional oven.
Solar cookers, also known as solar ovens, can be an interesting and effective way to cook food using the power of the sun. There are many ways to make a solar cooker, but the basics are the same. Solar cookers work by reflecting the sun’s rays into a contained area which traps the heat generated. With strong, direct sunlight and a properly constructed solar cooker, the heat reaches temperatures high enough to cook almost any food that can be cooked in a conventional oven.
Some solar cooker designs have gotten quite complicated and are only recommended for a seasoned and advanced user, but there are simple and easy ways to make a solar cooker with minimal time and materials. To make a solar cooker, you’ll need two boxes, one slightly smaller than the other, aluminum foil, black construction paper, plastic wrap, and newspaper. You may also need duct tape and a pair of scissors.
First, the lid should be cut out of the smallest box. The smaller box should be placed inside the larger one and the space between the two boxes should be filled with newspaper. Next, the middle of the lid of the larger box should be cut away so the outsides of it remain covered, covering the area holding the crumpled newspaper and the middle should be cut away to reveal the inside of the smaller box , which serves as a kitchenette.
Next, you should line all sides of the inner box with a smooth layer of aluminum foil to reflect the sun’s heat. Black construction paper should be placed on the bottom of the inner box, which will help absorb more heat from the sun. During cooking, the top of the inner box should be covered with plastic wrap or glass plate to allow sunlight to enter the cooking area. The window must be completely sealed to prevent heat from escaping during cooking.
To maximize the amount of sunlight entering the cooking area, create a flap that folds down from the top of the larger box. The flap should be lined with a smooth layer of aluminum foil. It should then be adjusted to reflect a maximum amount of sunlight into the cooking area.
Once you’ve created a solar cooker and are ready to cook, food can be placed in the cooking area just as you would place food in a conventional oven. It is also possible to boil water in a container placed in the cooking area. It’s possible to make a solar cooker that reaches temperatures hot enough to cook foods, but it will take longer to heat up and won’t get as hot as a conventional oven, so cooking times can be twice as long as normal. Individual solar cookers vary, so over time you will become familiar with yours.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
