Solar cookers: the pros and cons of the different types

Website design By BotEap.comOne of the main things to consider when buying or making a solar oven is; “What kind of food do you plan to cook?”

Website design By BotEap.comThis may seem obvious, but it will have an effect on the ease of use, efficiency, and cooking results for different foods while using a solar cooker.

Website design By BotEap.comOf course, you can cover all the bases by building or buying one of each style of solar cooker (as many people do), which would greatly increase your cooking capacity and reduce the length of cooking time.

Website design By BotEap.comYou might wonder; Am I primarily interested in baked goods like breads, cakes, cookies, etc., or do I want to make more high-moisture dishes like soups, stews, chilis, and meats that are ideal for low-temperature cooking?

Website design By BotEap.comMost of the solar cookers available in the three main classes can cook a wide variety of foods, whether dry or wet, but some are better suited for specific types of food than others.

Website design By BotEap.coma good size box kitchen it is capable of baking food on a tray/baking sheet and at the same time can cook together a pot of fresh vegetables or soup with the same satisfying results.

Website design By BotEap.comTypically a box pot, with the help of panel reflectors, can reach very high temperatures which are ideal for most general baking needs, but are also great for moist foods.

Website design By BotEap.com* Note: Most traditional method cookbooks will list specific temperatures for baking cakes, tarts, or cookies.

But soon you will discover that you can cook very well; virtually any type of pastry, in a solar oven.

The most noticeable difference will be the length of time due to a lower cooking temperature…remember that it just takes longer to use a solar cooker.

Website design By BotEap.com…it is not always possible, nor is it necessary to maintain a cooking temperature of 300°F or higher to cook baked goods.

Website design By BotEap.comThe higher temperatures listed in traditional cookbooks are designed more for comfort (time) and for browning, toasting, or proofing cakes and pastries. *

Website design By BotEap.comSolar Box cookers will typically maintain cooking temperatures between 200°F and 350°F, depending on the type of food being cooked.

Website design By BotEap.comThis style of solar cooking is also quite safe and generally requires very little supervision and guidance, as it is difficult to burn or scorch food.

Website design By BotEap.comHAS solar panel cooker it will usually consist of a pot/pan with a plastic or glass enclosure set in a reflective panel on three to five sides for better concentration of the sun’s rays.

Website design By BotEap.comMost panel cookers are used to cook foods with higher moisture content, as mentioned above.

But you can bake items in a panel pot/pan, though it’s a bit more challenging and restrictive with some items.

A panel cooker will typically keep cooking temperatures between 200°F and 250°F, which is more than enough for most foods.

Website design By BotEap.comA panel cooker does not require adjustment or alignment as often as, for example, a parabolic cooker.

Website design By BotEap.comA solar panel cooker is also one of the easiest and cheapest to make using common materials found around the home or at a hardware store.

Website design By BotEap.comMinimal skill and supervision is required to use a cooker of this style, and even some young children can be taught to use one safely.

Website design By BotEap.comAlso remember that it is quite difficult to burn or overcook food on this type of stove.

Website design By BotEap.comHAS Parabolic Solar Cooker it is generally capable of sustaining higher cooking temperatures than a box or panel cooker and can therefore be used for grilling and even frying.

Website design By BotEap.comThe biggest drawback to a parabolic cooker is the need to adjust the angle and direction of the cooker more frequently than other styles of cookers, in order to achieve maximum cooking efficiency.

Website design By BotEap.comUsually, the amount of food that can be cooked at one time in a dish is less than in a box or panel due to the size of the pot or pan.

But, because the dish can reach higher temperatures and do so more quickly, food can be cooked faster, allowing more individual meals to be cooked.

Website design By BotEap.comDue to the higher temperatures and more frequent need to adjust the cooker, an experienced user/cook while cooking is recommended rather than less of a need with box or panel cookers.

Website design By BotEap.comThe second most common drawback of a parabolic cooker is the increased complexity in design and construction.

Many people have built very efficient and practical parabolic cookers from scratch using readily available materials, but most will admit that they are more complicated than other styles of solar cookers.

These cookers are usually more expensive to make, and commercially made ones, while high quality, are also more expensive.

Website design By BotEap.comHowever, well-constructed kitchens of all kinds and styles will generally last you for years and provide many delicious meals if properly cared for and treated.

Website design By BotEap.comFor more information on the practical application and use of the different types of solar cookers, you can visit our site at solarcooker-at-cantinawest.com