YES…is the answer to “Do solar ovens really work?”. This complete guide to solar ovens will not only teach you what you need and want to know about cooking with the power of the sun. This solar oven guide will demystify the science behind solar energy cooking, and how solar ovens are able to create enough heat to cook with no additional fuel source.
Solar Oven Reviews
Solar ovens have been steadily increasing in popularity over the last several years. If you want an eco-friendly way to cook meals on a daily basis, this is an option worth exploring. In this article we will take a close look at these home and portable eco-friendly cooking appliances and everything they have to offer. We will being reviewing and explaining the benefits of using one of these fuel-free cookers, as It is important that you get the facts before making a decision either way.
How Do Solar Ovens Really Work
A solar oven transforms natural sunlight into energy for cooking food. Most of these appliances feature a solar panel that sends UV rays into the oven’s insulated box. Once the heat accumulates in the sealed insulated chamber, it can be used to power the oven. The dark pot takes in the sunlight and prevents it from escaping.
One thing to keep in mind is that this process makes serious heat. Usually over 500° Fahrenheit in certain solar cookers. So, be mindful when you open the oven, not to burn yourself…serious heat, and steam often times.
Benefits of Using a Solar Oven
There are lots of different benefits associated with using a solar oven that you should be aware of, including:
- It’s simple: The average solar oven is actually very simple and easy to operate once you get used to it. They don’t typically require you to follow any complicated steps to cook your favorite meals.
- Save money: You can save hundreds of dollars each year on your monthly utility bill with a solar powered oven. These savings add up very quickly, so it doesn’t take long to start seeing this benefit.
- Great for off grid situations: A solar oven can be incredibly useful when you are going camping or there is an emergency of some kind. If you ever lose power to your home, you can use one of these ovens to cook food. This provides you with a certain amount of independence from the power grid.
- Eco friendly: These ovens are very eco-friendly and will help you with decreasing your carbon footprint. It is a great way to do your small part for the environment on a daily basis.
- Lots of options: There are tons of different solar ovens to choose from on the market. This means that you will most likely be able to find one to match your needs after a little research.
Drawbacks of Using a Solar Oven
Some of the drawbacks that are associated with using a solar oven include:
- Large upfront cost: While you can save a lot of money in the long term with a solar oven, a larger unit, or a hybrid solar oven can cost quite a bit of money upfront.
- Not the most convenient option: The fact is that a solar powered oven isn’t always convenient like traditional models.
- Performance depends on the weather: Depending on what the weather is like, you might not always get the best performance from your solar oven. So, this point is a partial answer to the question, do solar ovens really work. The answer is, yes, provided the weather conditions permits it. This weather problem can be circumvented by buying a hybrid solar oven. This is type of oven can work on electricity and solar energy. Usually a 12 volt power supply. Like from a car or RV auxiliary power source.
6 Things to Look for in a Solar Oven
When you are trying to find the very best solar oven, it is important to know which things to look for. The following is a list of factors to consider before deciding on a certain oven to buy.
1. Ease of Use
You will definitely want to make a point of looking for a solar oven that is easy to use. The fact is that some of these appliances are more complicated than others. It is a good idea to find out how much time it takes to set up the oven and the process required to use it.
2. Overall Size
The size of the solar oven you buy is definitely something else you’ll need to take into consideration. If you have a limited amount of storage space in your home, this is something you will want to know before purchasing anything. It’s always good to look for ovens that have a compact design for easy storage.
The size of your solar oven will be very important if you are going to be traveling with it. The last thing you want is an oversized oven to lug around when camping or in other situations. If you plan on using your eco-friendly cooker at home, then you may want a larger oven, to be able to feed more people in one cooking session.
Also, in general, the larger the oven, the higher the price.
3. Food Capacity
Make sure that you also find out how much food each solar oven can cook at one time. This will ultimately determine how efficient the appliance is. The more food you can cook in one go, the less work you will have to do overall.
4. Construction
You want to find a solar oven that has a very sturdy construction so you can trust that it will last a long time. It is fairly easy to determine how durable these solar cooking appliances are, by the materials they are made from. The stronger the materials, the more use you can expect to get out of your oven. There is just no point in purchasing one that is going to break down and stop working in just a year or two.
5. Cooking Speed
The fact that we’ve created this paragraph about cooking speed is proof-positive that answers the question, do solar ovens really work. Of course they do, or there wouldn’t be such a big industry around solar ovens.
There is actually a pretty big difference between most solar ovens when it comes to how quickly they cook food. You want to choose an oven that will be able to get the job done as efficiently as possible. While this is something that you may only be able to find out once you start using it, it is important to consider.
6. Accessories
You also want to find out which accessories you are going to receive with each solar oven. Some of these ovens come with more extras than others. Certain ovens will give you complimentary pots and pans or even utensils to eat with. If you want to get a truly good deal on your solar oven, you need to factor this in as well.
A lot of these ovens also come with a carrying case, which will make transporting yours much easier. If you are planning on taking the oven camping, you definitely want a durable case to put it in.
There are also models that include a food probe thermometer for checking to see if your food is ready to eat. If you don’t get one of these devices with your oven, you should really buy one. This will make it easy to tell if the food you are cooking is safe to consume.
If you do a decent amount of food dehydrating, you might want to consider getting dehydrating racks. These racks will provide you with an easier way to do this type of food prep. Make sure you get ones that are very sturdy so they last a while.
Types of Solar Ovens
There are a few different types of solar ovens to choose from, including:
- Box cookers: These solar cookers feature glass or plastic tops that are transparent with a reflector for directing sunlight. You can usually take the top of the cooker off to put your food in. These boxes have thermal insulation that keep the heat absorbed by the sun trapped inside once it has been collected.
- Panel cookers: A panel cooker is a cheaper option that uses reflective panels to direct UV rays from the sun onto containers filled with food inside. It is fairly easy to make these solar ovens at home with minimal materials and expense.
- Parabolic cookers: Parabolic solar cookers collect heat from the sun at the bottom of a pot, which is where the food goes. One of the best things about these solar ovens is that they heat up very quickly.
Do Solar Ovens Really Work – Best Solar Ovens
GOSUN Fusion 2020 Solar Oven – Hybrid Electric Grill; Portable Oven & High Capacity Solar Cooker; Indoor or Outdoor Oven; American Sun Oven Camping Cookware – Survival Gear Powered by Sun/Electricity Review
N Fusion 2020 Solar Oven is a great solar oven, and if you enjoy camping or spending time outdoors, then this is the perfect cooking appliance for you. I have always enjoyed cooking outdoors over an open fire, but lately I have been wanting to try something new.
When I saw the GOSUN Fusion 2020 Solar Oven, I felt that this eco-friendly oven would be worthy of reviewing. This solar oven is a hybrid, and therefore uses both sun power and electricity to cook food, so it can be used indoors or outdoors. Very handy to have both modes of power. If there’s no sun, you can still cook food.
About the GOSUN Fusion 2020 Solar Oven
Solar/Electric Hybrid
This is one of the latest solar ovens on the market that uses both solar and electric power to work. This is a very handy feature especially if you’re camping or hiking in an area where there is no sun available. You can still use this oven by plugging it into a 12 volt power source.
Portable
The GOSUN Fusion 2020 Solar Oven is a great choice for anyone looking for a portable solar oven. It is a larger unit, but is still portable. It’s also a hybrid so it can be powered by electricity or sunlight, making it very versatile. The cooking chamber is large enough to feed 4 – 6 people, making it great for families or groups.
Cooks On a Sunny Day or Any Day
This solar oven is the perfect solution for cooking on sunny days or any day. It can be powered by sun or electricity, so you can always cook your food no matter what the weather is like. The large capacity makes it great for cooking big meals and the portable design means you can take it with you wherever you go.
How Hot Can The GOSUN Fusion 2020 Get
This unit can eclipse temperatures of 500° Fahrenheit. Some buyers have reported temperatures of 550° Fahrenheit!
What’s In The Box
- Hybrid Solar/Electric Oven
- Powered Cooking Tray
- Power Cord
- Solar Dial
- User Manual
Review and Score
Our Score: 98/100
This solar oven is a cut above a lot of it’s competitors. Being large means being able to feed more people. This is massive. However, being a dual-fuel cooker/oven is what makes this solar oven really shine (pun intended). Basically, you go from relying on the sun, and lack of clouds, to being able to cook at 3 am. Trust me, nothing sucks more than camping, being hungry, and not being able to make a hot meal because of the weather. This hybrid solves all of that.
Conclusion
I would definitely recommend the GOSUN Fusion 2020 Solar Oven to anyone in the market for a hybrid solar oven/electric-grill. It’s easy to use, highly portable and perfect for cooking while camping or during power outages. While the price is on the higher side of solar ovens, you are getting a higher level of technology by having a dual-fuel oven, and true versatility that’s normally only offered in a propane-gas or naphtha powered grill/cooker.
Get more details & pricing here.
SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker (17) ASSC Camper Review
The SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker (17) Camper is a great oven for anyone who loves to camp and cook outdoors. I have always enjoyed cooking, but when I started doing it more often outside, I realized that there wasn’t an oven on the market that could meet all of my needs. The SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker (17) Camper could be a game changer for you. It’s easy to set up and use, and it doesn’t require any fuel other than the sun’s rays!
About TheSol Cook All Season Solar Cooker
The Sol Cook ASSC is huge! I mean, it’s solar powered so it needs to be big to be effective. It can fit the largest of pots and pans, because of the size of the cooking area, which is 17″ by 12″. This is great for large families or groups. Plus, it comes with a handy carrying case so you can take it with you on all your camping trips.
Cooks With Less Sun
This is a solar cooker so it doesn’t require any source of fuel like natural gas or propane. But unlike other cookers, this one can actually be used to cook food at any time of day, as long as the sun is shining.
Most solar cookers can only properly operate between 10 am to 2 pm (when the sun is most intense. That’s because it comes with an adjustable reflector that allows you to direct light onto the cooking pot from any direction. So whether you’re cooking in the middle of the day or late in the afternoon, you can still use this solar cooker to make delicious meals.
Sunsight – A Device that Aids in Proper Alignment of the Cooker
This is an extremely nifty feature that allows you to get the perfect angle for optimal cook time. By simply attaching the Sunsight to the cooker and pointing it at the sun, you can ensure that your SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker is perfectly aligned. This means less guesswork and more delicious solar-cooked meals!
PP Flute Board Construction – Durable and Weatherproof
This solar cooker is made of high quality and durable PP flute board. The Sol Cook ASSC Camper is weatherproof and can withstand different weather conditions. The product is also easy to assemble.
Compactly Shipped but Assembled has a Dimension of 28″ x 28″ x 24″
The SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker comes compactly shipped but assembled has a dimension of 28″ x28″x24″. It is an easy to use, fuel free cooking appliance that can be used indoors or outdoors. The solar cooker uses the sun’s rays to reflect and focus its heat onto your food.
Arrives in a Box that Measures 18 In by 14 In by 4 In
That’s just the right size for a solar cooker! This means that it will fit snugly into your trunk without taking up too much space. And when you’re ready to set it up, it will pop open like an umbrella and be good to go in no time at all.
What’s In The Box
- 14 page user/instruction manual
- All required hardware
- Two extra large reusable cooking bags
- Sunsight, a device that aids in proper alignment of the cooker.
- A folding cooking rack is also include
Review and Score
Our Score: 87/100
This product is a great solar cooker that can be used all season long. It’s very versatile and easy to use. We give it a 92 out of 100.
We found dozens of customer reviews on Amazon when we started compiling this review, and the majority were positive. Customers said things like, “I love this oven!,” “It’s very well made and sturdy,” and “it’s so easy to use.” This makes it easy for us to recommend the SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker as well.
SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker (17) ASSC Camper – Conclusion
The SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker (17) Camper is a great product that can be used for cooking in all seasons. It is easy to use and came with clear instructions. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for an outdoor oven, that’s on a budget. Yes, the price of this eco-friendly oven is lower than most solar ovens. Definitely worth a look.
Get more info, and pricing here.
Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe with Complete Cookware, Dehydrating Racks and Thermometer Review
The Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe is a mediocre solar oven by looking at the average of the reviews. Some people seem quite satisfied with the results, while other people complain that the unit doesn’t get hot enough.
Some folks have reported they can achieve temperatures around 225° Fahrenheit. Others have said they can’t hit 200° Fahrenheit. This is not enough heat to cook food safely, and within a reasonable length of time so it doesn’t dry out meat.
From all research, it appears that it’s better as a dehydrator than a cooker.
About the Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe
Portable Solar Oven
A solar oven is a great way to cook without using any kind of fossil fuel. They work by trapping the sun’s rays and converting them into heat, which is then used to cook food. Solar ovens are very efficient and some ovens can reach temperatures of up to 500° Fahrenheit. Sadly, this Sunflair is not one of them. They’re also very compact and portable, making them perfect for camping or picnicking.
Great As a Dehydrator
This solar oven is competent with baking some cookies, drying fruits, dehydrating meats (maybe some jerky) and herbs. It comes with complete cookware including dehydrating racks and a thermometer. So there’s no excuse not to get out there and start using the power of the sun to prepare some foods for your prepper storage!
Easy to Use
You don’t need to be a master chef to use this solar oven. Just place your food in the cookware, set it in the sun, and let the solar power do its work. The digital thermometer ensures that you can monitor your food’s temperature, while the dehydrating racks let you make healthy snacks like dried fruit and jerky.
Sets Up in Seconds
This portable solar oven is ideal for camping, picnics, or any time you need to cook outdoors. It sets up in seconds and uses the power of the sun to cook your food. The included thermometer ensures that your food stays at the perfect temperature, while the dehydrating racks let you create delicious snacks like dried fruit or jerky.
What’s In The Box
- Thermometer
- Two heating trays
- Two racks for baking or dehydrating,
- A pot
- Two silicone pots
- Carrying bag
It’s the perfect way to cook while camping or picnicking without having to haul along a bunch of extra gear. Just be strategic on what you’re going to cook. Don’t choose chicken. No margin for error with chicken.
Oven Weighs Only 1 lb. 2 oz.
This little oven is super light, weighing in at just over a pound. That means it’s easy to take with you wherever you go, whether you’re picnicking in the park or hiking in the mountains. And because it’s solar powered, there are no cords to lug around either. Just set it up in the sun and let it do its thing.
Review and Score
Our Score: 65/100
The Sunflair Portable Solar Oven is a great oven for outdoors. This product is very easy to use right out of the box, and it works decently as we’ve discussed! The solar oven comes with dehydrating racks and a thermometer, which are both very helpful in cooking food.
We found out from some reviews that the manufacturer is offering a coupon to buyers who give a 5-star review on Amazon. This probably has artificially raised the rating on Amazon.
Our lower rating is due to the temperature issue.
Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe – Conclusion
The Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe with Complete Cookware, Dehydrating Racks and Thermometer is a medium-level product that allows you to cook certain meals while camping or hiking. The solar oven is easy to use and clean, and comes with everything you need to get started. Most people who have purchased this product are satisfied, but not over-the-moon with their purchase. Not everyone would recommend it to others.
For more details, buyers reviews, and current pricing, Click Here….
MrMapMax Solar Oven Portable Oven-4.5L Large Capacity Solar Cooker Outdoor Oven Camping Stove with Thermometer For 2-3 People Backpacking Hiking Family Party Review
MrMapMax Solar Oven Portable Oven-4.5L Large Capacity Solar Cooker Outdoor Oven Camping Stove with Thermometer For 2-3 People Backpacking Hiking Family Party is a great product for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and camping. This solar oven is large enough to accommodate two to three people, making it perfect for small families or groups of friends. It also comes with a thermometer, so you can cook your food to perfection.
About the MrMapMax Solar Oven
4.5L Portable Solar Oven
Solar ovens are amazing because they don’t require any electricity or gas to work. They harness the power of the sun! This MrMapMax is perfect for camping, hiking, and backpacking since you don’t have to lug around a bunch of heavy gear. And it can accommodate 2-3 people, so it’s great for families or small groups. Plus, it comes with a thermometer so you can always tell when your food is cooked to perfection.
20 minutes to Cook a Meal
This oven is amazing! With just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready for the family. The solar oven uses the power of the sun to cook food, so it’s environmentally friendly as well as convenient. And with a large capacity of 4.5L, there’s plenty of room to cook for 2-3 people, or a couple adults, and a couple kids.
550°F (288°C) Maximum Temperature
The MrMapMax solar oven is one of the best on the market, and it can reach a maximum temperature of 550°F (288°C). That’s hot enough to cook just about anything you might want to eat while camping or hiking. The oven comes with a built-in thermometer so you can keep an eye on the temperature and make sure your food is cooked perfectly every time.
Portable & Durable
Portable solar ovens are a great way to cook while camping, as they are lightweight and easy to transport. This model also features a durable construction that can withstand the elements, making it a great option for cooking in any environment.
Similar Shape to a Handbag with Adjustable Strap
This solar oven is the perfect size to take with you wherever you go. Its shape is similar to a handbag, and it even comes with an adjustable strap so you can carry it over your shoulder. Very convenient if you have to walk a bit to set up your cooking area, etc.
Multiple Applications
The power of the sun can be harnessed in many ways, and this MrMapMax Solar Oven is one very effective way to do it. This portable oven uses solar energy to cook food, and it can do so practically anywhere there’s sunshine. Its great for camping, picnicking, or even emergency situations where cooking with gas or electricity might not be possible.
Review and Score
Our Score: 94/100
When I was looking for a portable solar oven, the MrMapMax Solar Oven really stood out to me. It has a large capacity (4.5L) and can accommodate 2-3 people, which is great for camping or backpacking trips with family or friends. The oven also comes with a thermometer, so you can monitor the temperature while cooking.
Overall, everyone is very happy with this product and we givee the MrMapMax a 94/100 rating. The customer reviews on Amazon are overwhelmingly positive, with many people saying that this is an excellent solar cooker and works great even in intermittent sun.
Once this solar cooker gets up to temperature, it holds the heat in, like a bottle thermos. So, if the sun periodically vanishes, the food will remain cooking. If you’re looking for a portable solar oven, the MrMapMax Solar Oven is definitely worth considering!
MrMapMax Solar Oven – Conclusion
Overall, the MrMapMax Solar Oven Portable Oven-4.5L is a great product for those who love to camp and grill. It’s large enough to accommodate 2-3 people, which makes it perfect for family gatherings or parties. The oven is also very easy to use, with clear instructions that make it straightforward to set up and cook with.
More details and pricing, right here…
GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker, 1800W 1.5m Diameter Camping Outdoor Solar Cooker for Solar Heating, Visual Education or DIY Solar Concentrator 59” Diameter Review
The GDAE10 portable solar cooker is a great addition to any home, especially if you love spending time outdoors. This solar cooker can be used for solar heating, visual education or even as a DIY solar concentrator. Having said that, 90% of people who own one of these, use it for cooking food.
About the GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker
Easy to Clean
The GDAE10 is one of the easiest solar cookers to clean on the market. Solar cooking can be a messy affair, but this cooker has an easy-clean surface that makes cleanup quick and easy. All that’s required is soapy water and a soft, clean cloth.
Stable and Durable
This solar cooker is made with high quality materials that make it stable and durable. The base is constructed from aluminum alloy and the reflectors are made from PET film. These two materials work together to create a sturdy and reliable cooker that can withstand the elements.
Can be Used Anytime the Sun is Visible
solar cooker is a device which uses the energy of the sun to cook food or heat water. A solar cooker can be used anywhere that the sun is visible, but unlike the box solar oven, the parabolic solar cooker needs the sun to shine steadily. While the box-style oven has thermal insulative material, and the cooking chamber is a sealed area, the parabolic-style cooker has no such cooking chamber.
Controls the Heat by Adjusting Reflectors
If you’re looking for a solar cooker that can really concentrate the sun’s rays and give you a nice hot meal, this is the one for you. It has adjustable reflectors so you can control the heat. Also, the angle of the cooker is easily adjusted via a hand-crank at the back. Adjusting the angle is another way to control the heat.
The GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker can get ridiculously hot. It focuses the sun’s rays at one spot, and at that spot you can achieve insane temperatures. Make sure you choose the high quality cookware (that can handle the intensity of the sun’s concentrated beam) for this intense heat. Some buyers have reported burning themselves…even just assembling it (if you’re outside), you can burn yourself. So, be careful!
What’s In The Box
- The disassembled solar cooker
- Accompanying hardware
- Pot is sold separately
Review and Score
Our Score: 81/100
If you are really into solar cooking, then you will really appreciate this product. I would award this product a whopping 81 score out of 100. We believe there’s good value for the money here. It’s not the kind of solar cooker that you taking hiking, or on a portage while you’re camping. It’s more of a home fixture for the backyard or deck. After all, it weighs around 30lbs,
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker is a great product for those who are looking for an alternative to traditional cooking methods. It is designed as a solar food cooker, but can be used for other different purposes also. Such as, a solar heater, or as a DIY Solar Concentrator, with it’s 59” Diameter. It is also very easy to use and comes with a manual. Although, everyone says the manual is not very good. Having said that, it’s simple enough to figure out, and everyone has gotten it working.
Check out the pricing and further details, here…
Do Solar Ovens Really Work – Final Thoughts
The fact is that a solar oven can be an excellent overall investment, especially for those who find themselves off the grip for long periods. Buying one of these ovens can provide you with independence and peace of mind, which you simply cannot put a price on. It is important for you to look through your options so you can find an oven to match your needs exactly….and finally, a resounding YES, solar ovens do work!