Solar Oven

Summer cooking is always a bit of a challenge. When the temperature outside is 100 degrees we don't want to use the kitchen range since we don't have air conditioning. We had a second gas range on the deck the last two summers so we could avoid adding heat to the house. Last spring we disposed of the extra range.

Early this summer Julie purchased a solar oven. After doing research she settled on the Sport model from Solar Oven Society.

The oven weighs only 10 pounds which makes it easy to set up and store after use. It came with two pots and a thermometer.

Among the things Julie has cooked in the oven are baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, stew, pinto beans, chicken breast, turkey tenderloin and rice. Every thing has been excellent. In fact, I think sweet potatoes cooked in the solar over are much better than those cooked in a traditional oven.

If we're home for the day Julie faces the oven toward the sun and periodically turns it as the sun moves. The meal cooks more quickly by following the sun. If we're going to work she faces it due south and the meal is ready when we get home.

Julie purchased reflectors to be used when the sky is partially cloudy. She used the reflectors only once and the temperature in the oven was about 250 degrees even though the sky was overcast.

We'll use the solar oven year round. Not only does it keep the house cooler in the summer but it doesn't use propane which translates into saved money.

It was a win-win-win-win purchase: keeps the house cool, saves money, easy to clean and cooks excellent food.

Solar Oven and Pots.

Solar Oven with Reflectors.