Most of us cook our food in an oven that requires wood, propane, or electricity. Solar ovens, on the other hand, only require the rays of the sun as an energy source. There are over 60 different types of solar ovens, but most operate according to the same basic principles. Solar cooking is a process that concentrates sunlight on a reflective surface, converts light to heat, and traps heat inside a container. The oven is placed in direct sunlight and left until the food inside is thoroughly cooked. Cooking time varies according to the type of solar oven, the amount of sunlight, and the quantity of food.
Solar ovens are generally cheap to purchase and operate. A simple Internet search can provide many tips on making your own oven from household items. Although solar ovens provide a less fuel-intensive way to cook, they do have some disadvantages. They take longer to heat food than conventional ovens, and they do not work well on cloudy or rainy days. For a growing number of people, the advantages of cooking by the sun’s power far outweigh the minor disadvantages. Why not buy or make your own solar oven today?
