Anyone ever use a solar oven?

Just got one given to me a week ago, am planning on using it to cook a chuck roast tomorrow and was wondering if anyone else has ever used one. Could you tell me any hints or cautions when using one? Anything would be appreciated.

Jack

 

I'd be worried about cooking chicken incase it didnt cook it through properly,I'd go with a piece of beef then its doesnt matter if its undercooked,never used one though,we need a rain oven over here

 

No, a solar oven is merely a reflector oven with a dark box in the center to focus the sun's energy into. I placed it outside today and even with the mostly overcast skies we had today the internal temp was 200 degrees Fahrenheit. I can only imagine that with the sunny skies we are forecast for tomorrow my heat will most likely get close to 350. Here's a link to one of hte manufacturers:

Sun Oven

I have an earlier version of this very oven without the thermometer (I've added my own) and the leveling leg. I'm certain that I can devise my own way to level the unit if need be.

Jack

 

Nope, but I remember my dad cooking stuff on the car's motor block on long trips. You wrap it up good in tin foil, and the engine heat does the rest while you drive.

 

Ok folks, you ready for some pics?

The first is the pot roast at 8:30 a.m.
The second is the unit itself (exterior view showing the reflectors) and the third is the interior of the unit showing the tray that the pot sits on.

 

This is the finished product at 1:30 p.m. we won't actually eat it until around 4 or 5 tonight but with this style of cooking you CAN'T burn it! Think of it as crock pot cooking without the electricity. It's the same principle as crock pot cooking or as any other type of slow cooking.

 

Yes, if you wish to cook at night or during rainy/cloudy days you would need an alternative method of cooking. In all honesty though these gadgets are quite handy little tools. They can cook everything from baked breads to main course meats and a little in between. Check this site out for more information:

The Solar Cooking Archive

 

we had something along the same lines when i was in the military (a long time ago) it was probably a prototype for these modern ones, but from what i remember they were not a great success.

having seen the photo's i can see it is much improved.http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/eatdrink023.gif

 

Yep, we had a portable version of a solar oven in the army, years ago, too. They work (if there's sun), but like Jack said, are more the slow cook principle.

Any tips? Don't bother using them at night. They don't work to good with Moonlight.

 

Cooking cornish hens today. Will let you all know how they turn out as well. I really love this cooker, it's just too simple to use!

 

Just set it and forget it. You may want to use an instant read thermometer unless you know what cooked meat/poultry feels like.

 

Wow Wraith!
Super cool I really like this idea!
The design looks a little simplified. Does that mean they're cheap? It's such a great idea for people in deforestation areas. It reminds me of a group here in Germany that donates donkeys to single mothers in a country in Africa (Eritrea near Sudan and Ethiopia) to help them carry water and build a source of independent income. The project has worked very well.
Your oven is cool! I would like one myself.
abri