Solar Cooker
In-house DIY build: Replicating the EWB portable cooker
Solar Cooking: Techniques and Designs
Solar cookers harness the sun's energy to cook food without fuel. Here are some popular types:
- Box Cookers (Cardboard) – Insulated cardboard boxes with reflective lids; easy to build and good for baking.
- Parabolic Cookers – Curved reflective surfaces focus sunlight to a single point; cook faster but require careful alignment.
- Panel Cookers – Foldable reflectors direct sunlight into a central cooking pot, combining portability and ease of use.
- Tube Solar Ovens – Vacuum tubes with high heat retention and efficiency; ideal for compact cooking.
- Hybrid Solar-Electric – Combine solar with electrical backup for cloudy days.
Tip: Black cookware and clear lids enhance heat absorption.
Parabolic Solar Cooker Demo: See how intense solar heat is focused at one point to quickly cook food — even fry an egg!
Great for high-heat cooking like boiling or frying. Requires rotation to follow the sun.
Building a Foldable Panel Cooker: Lightweight, affordable, and ideal for small meals or remote locations.
Materials: Aluminum foil, cardboard, plastic oven bag, and black pot. Perfect for emergency kits.