Have you ever heard of a solar oven? Many people use one to save on the costs of cooking. A solar oven uses absolutely no electricity or gas to cook food, but just as its name suggests, solar energy. It is very energy efficient and frugal.
Harvesting the power of the sun, a solar oven can be used in both summer and winter for cooking everything from meat to cookies. In the winter, you would just place your oven in such a way as to catch the maximum amount of sun. This type of oven is used primarily outside, although many claim it is safe enough to use indoors.
How does a solar oven work? The solar oven harvest the light and heat from the sun and transfers that heat to the food. The heat is generally a mild, steady heat, so food really isn’t in danger of burning. Think of a solar oven as a traditional slow cooker or crock pot without the plug.
Who uses a solar oven? Many people who are blind or fragile and concerned with using a traditional stove often make use of a solar oven. Homesteaders and those who want to live “off of the grid” will use a solar oven, as well as, of course, anyone who is frugal minded. A solar oven is also a good device to have if you want to be prepared for a disaster.
Where can you get a solar oven? You can purchase a solar oven from a few different companies for about $125. You can also make a solar oven yourself, using common household items and discards. One very popular design for a solar oven is based on using a common pizza box! Making your own solar oven this way is extremely frugal. In fact, you can always make several ovens according to your cooking needs.
If you are interested, I would be happy to post some information on the different types of designs for solar ovens and maybe even some simple assembly instructions.
What do you think of solar ovens? Do you use one? Would you use one?
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