A solar cooker is a device which utilizes the power of the sun in cooking food and sterilizing water. There are many styles of solar cookers. However, the three most common types are the parabolic cooker, box cooker, and panel cooker.

1. INFORMATION ABOUT SOLAR COOKERS
A solar cooker is a device which utilizes the power of the sun in cooking food and sterilizing water. Solar
cookers only require clear skies and healthy sunshine to work. However, most of the solar cookers available
today are low­tech versions. High tech versions such as those operated by solar cells are somewhat
expensive.
Types of Solar Cooker
There are many styles of solar cookers. However, the three most common types are the parabolic cooker, box
cooker, and panel cooker.
Most solar cookers today fall in these types but many other styles exist which are usually a combination of
these three types. In the past, cookers were created or built using materials which can be easily found in a
local hardware store. Even today, when solar cookers are becoming popular, many people are still creating
their own homemade solar cooker design with remarkable success.
The parabolic cooker looks like a satellite
dish. When the sun shines on the metal
reflectors, it heats it up to extremely high
temperatures. Heat is reflected from the
corners of the cooker to the center where
food is cooked directly on the metal or in a
pot. Because of its wide, reflective
surface, parabolic cookers could get
seriously hot.
Solar box cooker can be made from wood,
metal, cardboard, or plastic. This type of solar cooker has several parts: an insulated box with dark base,
reflective lid, and clear cover. The reflectors concentrate light on the insulated box; the dark base absorbs heat
while the clear plastic or glass cover contains it. The heat trapped inside the box intensifies to a level high
enough to boil water and cook food.
Solar box cookers are more difficult to heat up, but keep the food warm for long durations. Cooking in box
cookers is just like cooking in a crock­pot wherein the food is cooked in low heat for a long time. In larger box
cookers, the temperature can reach a higher level but take more time to heat up. One advantage of this type of
Information about Solar Cookers © 2012 www.idcook.us

2. solar cooker is it can be used during winter in the snow.
Panel cookers are made of flat reflective panels that directs the sun's rays into a cooking pot. Compared to
other solar cookers, panel cookers do not have an inner box. Panel cookers are more affordable but they can
be unstable against strong winds.
Uses of a Solar Cooker
In developing countries or in disaster zone where clean drinking water is scarce, a solar cooker is used to
purify water. It can also be used to sanitize pans, plates, kitchen utensils, and pots, sterilize health instruments
and life saving devices, and pasteurize milk.
A solar cooker is ideal for soups and stews but it is also possible to bake brownies, pizza, and other quick
breads. Food preparation in a solar cooker can vary so plan your dishes early in the day. It is best to use dark
metal cooking pans and pots, graniteware and cast iron pots for solar cooking. Try out other recipes. Most
importantly, you can let you kids help in cooking easy solar cooker recipes without worrying about burns.
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Information about Solar Cookers © 2012 www.idcook.us