A Solar Oven is a Novel Way to Cook Using the Sun
Updated: May 03, 2023Solar ovens are not just for emergencies and power outages. They are the perfect camping companion, a necessity on the boat and a fun way to cook at the RV camp. Plus, sunshine is free!
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Solar ovens have been used around the world since ancient times. Many outdoor enthusiasts, remote communities and humanitarian aid organizations have employed the sun to cook food where fuel isn’t readily available. However, a solar oven may become your next favorite patio accessory.Â
Imagine baking bread or cooking fresh-caught fish on a hot summer day without turning on your oven. Take your solar oven on a boat or to the beach: this safe, no-flame way to cook is ideal for locations with burning bans or remote areas where fuel is not available. If you’re a camper, environmentalist or a school teacher, you’ll have fun using the power of the sun.
Cooking in a solar oven works when the sun is out, and now some manufacturers have created hybrid models that also use electricity. Boaters, RV campers and people who enjoy living off the grid will appreciate these portable stoves. Â
If you’re looking for a unique Father’s Day gift, this idea will surprise dad even more than an outdoor pizza oven. These eco-friendly ovens don’t burn dirty fuels like traditional barbecue grills and they’re free to operate. As gas and electric prices climb and natural disasters knock out power sources, having free solar-powered energy to cook with is priceless.Â
So, be prepared and have fun cooking with the sun with our round-up of the best solar ovens.
Best Overall Solar Oven
Cook after the sun sets with the hybrid GoSun Fusion. This is the best overall hybrid solar oven because of its large capacity and ability to bake, roast and fry your meals. This solar oven has the ability to cook four portions at once. No sun, no problem—this unit can be plugged into a portable power bank or 12V electricity from your RV, car or boat.Â
This solar oven is more than an emergency tool, it’s a fun way to cook for free. Available at Camping World, Tractor Supply, Home Depot, Amazon, Wellbots, Wayfair and GoSun.
Best Budget Solar OvenÂ
The Haines Solar Cooker has an easy set-up that uses the sun and a simple Dutch oven (included) to cook one-pot meals. You’ll be grateful to have this when the power is out or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. All you have to do is grab your sunglasses, go outside and bake some bread!
Best Portable Hybrid Solar OvenÂ
This GoSun solar oven is perfect for dinner for two and can be used day or night with the 12 Volt power cord. Take it on camping trips, or cook at after-dark or during a rainstorm. Forget lugging a camp stove, charcoal and fuel; the seven pound GoSun Sport easily transports to the beach, a boat or the backyard in its convenient carrying case. Grab a power bank for additional functionality.
Best Solar Cooker for Backpackers
The Go Pro Pack is perfect for backpacking, weighing in at only two pounds. This complete kit includes baking pans, a solar dial and carrying bag. The compact unit boils water and cooks a meal for one in 20 to 30 minutes. It even works on partly cloudy days (if you can see a shadow).
Pick up this affordable unit at Wayfair, Amazon, Wellbots, Walmart and GoSun.
Best Large Capacity Solar Cooker
This solar cooker is built for durability and preparing meals for a crowd. The All-American Sun Oven unfolds into a spacious cooking area where you can use your own pots and pans. If you want to sun-dry your tomatoes, make your own jerky or roast a chicken, the All-American delivers a safe way to cook outdoors.Â
Best Solar Oven Kit
The Sunflair portable solar oven has amazing performance features with an easy-to-use design. The kit comes with a lightweight foldable oven plus a thermometer, two baking trays, two dehydrating racks, an enamelware cook pot, two silicone pots and a carrying case. Keep one in your emergency kit or use one everyday, the options are endless!
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