FAQs

Why cook with a solar cooker?

• Solar cookers use clean energy from the sun and reduce the load on the power grid. 

• They are easy to use. Think of them as outdoor crockpots or sous vides.

• They keep the home cooler in the summer because the heat stays outside.

• They are portable and can be used at picnics, on boats, during camping, etc.

• They can be used during a power outage.

• It's free energy.

• Food comes out moist, usually not overcooked.

• They can pasteurize water.

• It's fun to design the cooker.

What are the cons of using solar cookers?

• They need sun to work. Forget about cooking on cloudy days.

• There's no precise control of temperature.

How often do I need to turn the solar cooker?

For maximum heat, rotate the cooker every 10 minutes for a parabolic cooker and 30 mins for the others. Or...face the cooker where the sun will be between 12 - 3 pm if it is left unattended.

Does the sun have to be out for the cooker to cook

Depending on the cooker, if a shadow can be made, food can be cooked. Of course, if there's more sun the inside temperature will be hotter. Keeping the glaze clean also helps.

Does a solar cooker use a solar panel?

Unless someone really wants to make a complicated solar cooker, there is usually no solar panel.

Which way does the cooker need to face?

To maximize the amount of sun, stand where you can see your own shadow at its largest size. The cooker    and its reflectors should then face you.