Solar cookers: the pros and cons of the different types

One of the main things to consider when buying or building a solar oven is; “What kind of food do you plan to cook?”

This may seem obvious, but it will have an effect on the ease of use, efficiency, and cooking results of different foods while using a solar cooker.

Of 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 your cooking time.

You might be wondering; 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, chilies, and meats that are ideal for low-temperature cooking?

Most 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 to specific types of food than others.

a good size box kitchen it is capable of baking food on a baking sheet/pan and at the same time cooking a pot of fresh vegetables or soup together with the same satisfying results.

Typically, a box pot, with the help of panel reflectors, can reach very high temperatures that are ideal for most general baking needs, but are also great for moist foods.

* Note: Most traditional method cookbooks will list specific temperatures for baking cakes, pies, or cookies.
But soon he will discover that he can cook very well; practically 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 it just takes longer to use a solar cooker.

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

The higher temperatures listed in traditional cookbooks are designed more for comfort (time) and for browning, toasting, or setting cakes and pastries. *

Solar Box ranges will typically maintain cooking temperatures between 200°F and 350°F, depending on the type of food being cooked.

This 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.

HAS solar panel cooker it will generally consist of a pot/pan with a plastic or glass enclosure set in a three to five sided reflective panel for better concentration of the sun’s rays.

Most panel cookers are used to cook foods with higher moisture content, as mentioned above.
But you can bake items in a panel pot/pan, although it’s a bit more challenging and restrictive with some items.
A panel cooker will typically maintain cooking temperatures between 200°F and 250°F, which is more than enough for most foods.

A panel cooker does not require adjustment or alignment as often as, say, a parabolic cooker.

A solar panel cooker is also one of the easiest and cheapest to make using common materials found around the home or in a hardware store.

Minimal skill and supervision is required to use such a range, and even some young children can be taught to use one safely.

Also remember that it is quite difficult to burn or overcook food in this type of cooker.

HAS Parabolic Solar Cooker it is generally capable of maintaining higher cooking temperatures than a box or panel cooker and can therefore be used for grilling and even frying.

The biggest drawback of a parabolic cooker is the need to adjust the angle and direction of the cooker more often than other styles of cookers, in order to achieve maximum cooking efficiency.

Generally, 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.

Due to the higher temperatures and more frequent need to adjust the cooker, an experienced user/cook while cooking is recommended rather than a lesser need with box or panel cookers.

The 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 ranges are typically more expensive to manufacture, and commercially made ranges, while of high quality, are also more expensive.

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

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