Posted on 07/02/2012 8:39:25 PM PDT by ChildOfThe60s
Solar Cookers A Critique of Solar Cookers from the June 2007 issue of Cook’s Ilustrated Magazine Cooks Banner
Solar cookers use just the sun's rays to work—they don't require fuel or emit smoky fumes, and they use minimal water. They're environmentally friendly, but are they really useful?
Before we started to test solar cookers, we were skeptical—could anything simply left in a pot or box to cook in the sun actually taste good? But we were proved wrong—at least partially. We also didn't anticipate just how much fun solar cookers would be. Whenever we had a sunny day, we wanted to try cooking something new. But these results still beg the question: Are solar cookers more than just a toy for a food hobbyist?
Background: Cooking in the sun has a long history. The contemporary impetus for using solar cookers is largely economic and environmental. Solar cookers don't require any fuel, they don't create smoke pollution, and they use minimal water; all factors that make them attractive for use in developing regions around the world. Over 100,000 are reportedly used in India and China. Most solar cookers are produced by nonprofit organizations; profits from cookers sold in the U.S. or Europe subsidize cookers shipped elsewhere. In the U.S., sales are geared to several audiences: those who advocate environmentally sound practices, people in sunny climates who want a fuel-efficient way to cook that doesn't heat up the kitchen, outdoor enthusiasts who like their portability, and food hobbyists who enjoy experimental cooking.
(Excerpt) Read more at solarovens.org ...
Pros & cons, etc.
I have noticed that solar ovens are also claimed to be capable of pasteurizing water. A very useful thing if practical.
Sport Solar Oven is one mentioned and has a reasonable price tag with plenty of accessories.
I have also been interested in building one. I have most materials, just need the time and motivation. I wanted to build one for mainly baking. I hear you can get 400 degrees pretty easily. Many dishes that are cooked in them have to have some ventilation because of the high heat they get.
There is a kitchen store in town that has one set out cooking things during the summer months. I have seen them doing large squash in it before. Seems like a cool idea.
later
I had a solar cooker once long ago. I used it to fry an earthworm and would have gone on to bigger and better things but my father wanted to use it to examine some fine print.
Solar cooking historically coincides with drying meat, fish,etc.
The disccovery of the parabolic mirror/ vessel I am sure accerelated things. Curing with salt and smoke solves the cloudy day problem.
No need to reinvent the wheel unless you have a bunch of clueless people you are responsible for..
bump for later
LOL. When we were homeschooling our daughter we had a 12” fresnel lens for experiments. Looked out the window one day to see a nice little fire burning in the back yard....you know, a science experiment /grin
My family tried making fruit roll ups that way . Fruit from the backyard - some cheese clothe - Sun cute little wood frames. Worked great except flies manage to lay eggs even with the cheese cloth protection - fruit and maggot roll ups- protein and vitamin C.
Why bother, mesquite is cheaper and more reliable. And besides the smoke makes the meat taste great.
Nothing breats good pit bar-b-que.
Solar ovens can definitely be a good thing to have fun with.
My understanding is that they do take longer to cook things than a conventional oven.
Cut them from the tree with a “t” shaped stem attached to the calyx, pealed the skin with apple peeler except for the calyx and a small circle at the bottom of the persimmon.
Took about 6 weeks to dry rotating them daily, but enjoyed them for a year.
Nothing p*sses me off more than the term environmentally friendly.”
I agree. Thought I was the only one out there who felt this way. Grandkids think it’s funny that I even refuse to buy anything in a green box or bottle.
In Az just wrap it in foil and put it on the dashboard.
If only they would come up with a RAIN oven, I’d be set. I live in Seattle.
No accounting for taste. I thought they were pretty good - chewy too.
And if the SHTF?
It’s good to have alternatives.
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Yet and still the stupid charge controller/inverter has a readout telling me how many tons of CO2 I am not putting into the atmosphere. Grr! |
it is hard to be green :)
Rice was the first thing I ever cooked in a solar oven and it was the best rice I'd ever eaten. I have a simple homemade cardboard and foil foldable solar oven fashioned from online cookit plans. I'd love to be able to afford a manufactured one. Check out http://solarcooking.org/plans/
You don't need a solar oven to pasteurize water. Do an online search. All that's needed are bottles, a sunny day and water.
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