10 Best Solar Ovens in 2021 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
GoSun Sport Portable Solar Cooker Perfect for Camping

- The kit includes a tube cooking chamber, two foldable panels, stainless steel tray, and other items
- Its borosilicate evacuated glass cooking tube can convert up to 80% of sunlight
- Features higher cooking temperature that reaches up to 550°F
Solar Flare Dual Parabolic Solar Cooking System

- The set includes two cooking vessels each having all necessary cooking components
- Two parabolic reflectors surround the solar vessels
- It takes approximately one hour to cook food items and less than that for boiling water
All American Sun Oven - The Ultimate Solar Appliance

- 20% larger size and 15% higher temperature range than traditional solar ovens
- Resistant to high winds
- An adjustable cooking time, from fast 20-minutes to slower all-day cooking
Are you planning to go to an outdoor cooking activity? You may want to purchase a useful solar oven cooking set that lets you prepare a variety of meals in a short duration. It doesn’t pollute the environment and is one of the safest ways to prepare your favorite meal.
With an effective solar cooking set, you can prepare a variety of food items anywhere you go when the sun is out. Just set up the cooking kit and start baking, roasting, grilling, or steaming your favorite meals.
Want to know the benefits of a solar oven over a conventional cooking method? Well, first of all, you cannot pack entire fuel-based cooking items inside your backpack, can you? Besides, you don’t require any non-renewable energy source to power its cooking process.
To make your purchase decision easier, we have provided comprehensive reviews of the 10 best solar ovens in 2021.
We have reviewed these products based on their features, usability, and other factors. In addition to the product review, we have provided a buyers’ guide section and other important topics. These topics will clear out your queries regarding solar ovens.
We have additionally mentioned some crucial factors to consider before purchasing such items and an FAQ section to clarify some other doubts that you may be having.
GoSun Sport Portable Solar Cooker Perfect for Camping

We have reviewed each of the items based on its usability, features, and other factors. Among all the products that we have mentioned in this article, the GoSun Sport Portable Solar Cooker Perfect for Camping is our top pick. It includes a circular vacuum oven that can convert up to 80% of absorbed sunlight into heat energy.
Also, it features two foldable parabolic panels made with industry grade anodized aluminum that reflects more than 95% of sunlight to the oven. You get a two-year warranty for this product, which is a distinguishing factor among all other products.
Quick Summary of Best Solar Ovens
Product Image | Product Name | |
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Portable Solar Oven With Two Foldable Parabolic Reflectors
GoSun Sport Portable Solar Cooker Perfect for Camping
The GOSUN solar oven includes a solar vacuum tube to hold your food and its exterior remains cool while cooking. |
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Sturdy Solar Oven With High-Temperature Range
All American Sun Oven - The Ultimate Solar Appliance
This solar oven is 20% larger than its conventional counterparts and has a cooking temperature range of 360 to 400° F. |
View on Amazon |
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Lightweight Solar Oven With Closed Cell Insulation
Sunflair Portable Solar Oven with Complete Cookware
This solar oven lets you cook enough meals for 4 to 8 people with its enclosed cell insulation for fast cooking. |
View on Amazon |
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Efficient Solar Oven for Multiple Large Vessels
All Season Solar Cooker Camper
This large solar oven has a flexible design that lets you adjust its dimensions according to the number and size of your cooking vessels. |
View on Amazon |
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Ultra-Portable Solar Oven with EVA Foam Hardshell Bag
GOSUN Go Ultra-Portable Solar Cooker
This portable solar oven lets you carry it around conveniently with its EVA foam hardshell bag and an adjustable handle. |
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Solar Oven with Four Petal Shaped Reflectors
Haines 2.0 Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit
The Haines solar oven with four reflectors surrounding its cooking space lets you boil water at 40% faster speed. |
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Funnel Shaped Solar Cooking Set with Dual Reflectors
Solar Flare Dual Parabolic Solar Cooking System
You can cook four food items on two cooking pails, each with a parabolic reflector panel, within two hours. |
View on Amazon |
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Versatile Solar Cooking Kit With Sundial Indicator
Emergency Zone SunCore Portable Solar Cooker Oven
This solar kit includes solar thermometers to orient your oven properly and to adjust the cooking temperature. |
View on Amazon |
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Large Volume Environment-Friendly Solar Cooking Set
InLoveArts Ultra-Portable 4.5L Solar Cooker
You can cook your favorite dish faster with this environment-friendly solar oven in just 15 minutes. |
View on Amazon |
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Zero Pollution Solar Cooking Set
NICECHOOSE Portable Smoke-Free Solar Cooker
This solar cooking set has a 30oz storage capacity with zero polluting particles emission. |
View on Amazon |
Best Solar Ovens in 2021 - Reviewed
GoSun Sport Portable Solar Cooker Perfect for Camping
Features Highlights
- The kit includes a tube cooking chamber, two foldable panels, stainless steel tray, and other items
- Its borosilicate evacuated glass cooking tube can convert up to 80% of sunlight
- Features higher cooking temperature that reaches up to 550°F
- The insulated exterior keeps the stove cool without any fire hazards
- Able to bake, roast, and steam a variety of meals in only 20 to 30 minutes
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
25 x 5 x 8 inches
-
Weight:
8.2 pounds
-
Manufacturer:
GOSUN
-
Maximum Temperature:
550° Fahrenheit
-
Least Cooking Speed:
20 minutes
Borosilicate Evacuated Glass Tube and Parabolic Reflectors
The solar oven kit consists of a borosilicate evacuated glass tube to insert food items. The tube has two foldable parabolic reflectors attached to its sideways. They can convert up to 80% of obtained sunlight into heat energy.
Faster Cooking with High temperature
You can cook most of your favorite meals in only 20 to 30 minutes. It has a cooking temperature of about 550° Fahrenheit in full sunlight. It can cook food even in low sunlight but will take longer.
Insulated Exterior
The solar tube’s exterior remains cool even after cooking for a long duration. It comes with different layers of insulation that keeps the exterior cool. The cooking tube also keeps the food's flavor from escaping with its enclosed design.
Multi-purpose and Portable
You can collapse the foldable reflector panels as a protector that covers the cooking tube. Then you can carry it using a stylish handle for portability. You can use this panel during camping, backyard cooking, boats, and RV.
Low-Maintenance with Warranty
This solar oven does not require frequent maintenance and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- The heating temperature reaches 550° F.
- Panels convert up to 80% sunlight.
Cons
- Fragile solar panels
- Cannot cook liquid items
Our Verdict
You don’t have to worry about safety while cooking at this solar oven. The solar tube’s exterior is insulated with several layers to keep it cool while cooking. However, you need to take care of its reflector panels. They are fragile and can easily bend when applied heavy pressure.
All American Sun Oven - The Ultimate Solar Appliance
Features Highlights
- 20% larger size and 15% higher temperature range than traditional solar ovens
- Resistant to high winds
- An adjustable cooking time, from fast 20-minutes to slower all-day cooking
- Able to bake, boil or steam your food with its temperature range of 360° to 400°F
- Easy to set up and carry around
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
24 x 15.5 x 20.5 inches
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Weight:
22 pounds
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Manufacturer:
SUN OVENS International
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Maximum Temperature:
400° Fahrenheit
-
Least Cooking Speed:
20 minutes
20% Larger Capacity
This solar oven is about 20% larger than other conventional counterparts. You can prepare almost every type of food items, such as bread, cakes, pizzas, pasta, and desserts.
Higher Cooking Temperature
This solar oven has a 15% higher cooking temperature than other similar models. You can adjust its cooking temperature within the range of 360°F to 400°F. You can easily bake, boil, or steam your favorite food items.
Adjustable Cooking Time
The oven’s least cooking time is 20 minutes. However, you can adjust its temperature and other factors for extended cooking durations. You can cook your meal at low temperature in case you’re not in a hurry.
Wind-resistant
This rust-proof solar oven is resistant to wind and features a highly-polished body. It includes several anodized aluminum reflectors to gather sunlight and has a sturdy structure.
Package with Recipes and Instruction CD
The oven is sturdy and can withstand harsh conditions. Its package includes a CD with hundreds of recipes. The CD also includes Emergency Preparedness Organizer instructions and videos for safety.
Pros
- Higher cooking temperature range
- 20% Larger cooking capacity
Cons
- Emits plastic smell
- Loosely installed solar panels
Our Verdict
This product gives you adjustable temperatures and a sizeable capacity that allows you to cook a variety of food. However, the product is large and can be challenging to carry around. It has loosely installed reflector panels, and you should pay close attention while taking it outdoors.
Sunflair Portable Solar Oven with Complete Cookware
Features Highlights
- A lightweight and pliable structure that can cook meals for 4 to 8 people
- Its maximum cooking temperature reaches up to 285° Fahrenheit
- The kit includes a thermometer, cooking trays, baking racks, cooking utensils, and other items
- Fast cooking speed ranging from 25 minutes for baked apples to 3 hours for a whole chicken
- Comes with a 30-day return policy and includes a user-guide and recipe book
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
19 x 15.5 x 2 inches
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Weight:
8 pounds
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Manufacturer:
Sunflair
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Maximum Temperature:
285° Fahrenheit
-
Least Cooking Speed:
25 minutes
Multi-element Kit
This solar oven features a large vessel with a flexible solar panel attached inside. Also, the kit includes a cooking thermometer, three cooking vessels, two baking trays, two dehydrating racks, and a handy bag to carry these items.
Pliable and Foldable Structure
This solar oven, excluding other elements, weighs only about 1 pound. It has an extremely flexible structure that can fold down to the size of a cushion. However, it can cook enough meals for about 4 to 8 people.
Closed-Cell Insulation
The solar oven includes transparent plastic cell insulation to prevent heat loss while cooking. Depending on the season and your location, it changes the cooking temperature. It has a maximum temperature of 285° Fahrenheit.
Diverse Cooking Speed Based on the Types of Meals
This solar oven has different durations to cook multiple food items. It takes 25 minutes to cook baked apples, 30 to 40 minutes for fish items and white rice, and about 3 hours for a whole chicken.
User-Guide, Recipe Book and Return Policy
The package includes a user guide to help use the equipment safely and a recipe book with various dishes. The product comes with a 30-day return policy. It is easy to set up and use, with no assembly required.
Pros
- Relatively lightweight
- 30-Day return policy
Cons
- Fragile insulator zipper
- Does not function in cold weather
Our Verdict
This solar oven works great in hot climates and can cook food faster. It comes with several cooking vessels and heating equipment, so you don’t have to purchase any extra stuff. However, we do not recommend this product if you come from cold regions or are planning to travel to such places.
All Season Solar Cooker Camper
Features Highlights
- Huge storage space that can accommodate cooking utensils of larger dimensions
- Features compact folding for portability and is resistant to high winds
- Captures sunlight in two separate settings, each suitable for different times of the day
- Includes a simple pin and block assembly option to orient the cooking utensil towards sunlight
- Can prepare large amounts of food items with its powerful heating
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
18.3 x 16.3 x 4.5 inches
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Weight:
4.75 pounds
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Manufacturer:
SolCook
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Maximum Temperature:
300° Fahrenheit
-
Least Cooking Speed:
N/A
Large Cooking Capacity
This solar oven features an ample cooking space that can fit multiple large utensils. The cooking area is 12 inches deep and 17 inches wide and has no height limit. You can adjust its shape based on the number and size of utensils you are using.
Flexible Adjustment
You can adjust the solar oven based on the time you’re cooking. If you are cooking during the morning or evening time, then you can adjust the oven to point at the horizon. Whereas during midday you can fix it in an upward position.
Flexible Cooking Hours
The solar oven can cook large amounts of food, such as an entire turkey. You can even cook multiple turkeys on a single day. Unlike other solar ovens, you can cook with this oven at any time of the day. Not just between 10 am to 2 pm.
Pin and Block Assembly
This solar oven includes a unique pin and block assembling method of orienting the vessel directly below the sun. Its solar panel contains a pin at the top. If you adjust the pin directly facing the sunlight, then those panels will receive maximum sunlight.
Portable and Wind-resistant
You can easily fold this solar panel and carry it around with you. It has compact dimensions and provides a high wind resistant feature to prevent your food from spilling.
Pros
- Can hold multiple large cooking vessels
- Includes pin and block assembly
Cons
- Does not include a solar thermometer
- Complicated to assemble
Our Verdict
This solar oven lets you orient the sunlight directly over the panels, thus increasing its efficiency. It also does not have a height limit, and you can hold multiple large vessels. However, there is a limit regarding its portability. It is difficult to assemble and thus might hamper your outdoor cooking experience.
GOSUN Go Ultra-Portable Solar Cooker
Features Highlights
- Protected by a durable EVA foam hardshell bag that includes a handle for portability
- The kit consists of a glass tube oven, two reflectors, stainless steel tray, and other items
- Can cook at a fast speed of 20 minutes with a maximum temperature of 550°F
- Its evacuated glass tube oven can convert up to 80% of sunlight into heat energy
- Can bake, roast or steam any food items with the ability to boil water as well
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
14.2 x 7.1 x 3.4 inches
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Weight:
3.8 pounds
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Manufacturer:
GOSUN
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Maximum Temperature:
550° Fahrenheit
-
Least Cooking Speed:
20 minutes
Protected By a Hardshell Bag
The solar kit comes with several pieces of cooking equipment, such as an evacuated glass tube oven, two parabolic panels, a stainless steel tray, and a silicon cooking pan. All these items have an EVA foam hardshell case protection with an adjustable handle.
Fast Cooking Speed
It can cook most of the food items in only 20 to 30 minutes. The type of food determines the cooking time and the oven’s temperature. Its maximum temperature is 550° Fahrenheit.
High Sunlight Conversion
It has parabolic reflectors on both sides of the tube oven. Its evacuated glass tube oven is an excellent insulator that can convert about 80% of sunlight into heat energy. Its exterior remains cool and lets you touch without mittens.
It has parabolic reflectors on both sides of the tube oven. Its evacuated glass tube oven is an excellent insulator that can convert about 80% of sunlight into heat energy. Its exterior remains cool and lets you touch without mittens.
Versatile Cooking Options
The kit comes with a stainless steel cooking tray that can roast, steam, and bake any type of food item. Also, it can even boil liquid without having to purchase any external vessels.
Durable and Portable
This solar oven kit is durable and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. You can take it with you during camping, boating, backyard cooking, etc. It has a small dimension and weighs only 2 pounds, thus letting you conveniently carry it around.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Boils water without an external vessel
Cons
- Cannot cook large food items
- Difficult to operate
Our Verdict
This solar oven is exceptionally portable and lets you cook several food items and boil water without any external vessel. But if you’re looking to prepare heavy food items, we suggest you choose a different product.
Haines 2.0 Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit
Features Highlights
- The solar set comes with a dutch oven with a silicone rim cover
- Includes four MPET solar reflectors around the cooking vessel to speed up cooking duration
- The solar reflectors are adjustable while cooking and act as a circular windscreen
- Comes with a cooking sleeve to protect the solar reflectors from damage
- Boils water 40% faster than its counterparts and has a maximum temperature of 325°F
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
14 x 14 x 8 inches
-
Weight:
4.3 pounds
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Manufacturer:
Haines
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Maximum Temperature:
325° Fahrenheit
-
Least Cooking Speed:
N/A
Sizeable Kit
This cooking kit comes with a dutch oven that can hold multiple food items. It includes four solar reflectors surrounded around and below the cooking space. You also get a cooking sleeve to place it below your cooking vessel.
Stainless Steel Oven
The dutch oven is made with stainless steel and is safe to use. It has higher durability and comes with a transparent silicone rim cover. The silicone rim acts as an insulator and keeps the food warmer for extended periods.
MPET Solar Reflectors
The solar reflectors, made with Metalized Polyester Foam (MPET) material, are shaped as petals surrounding the cooking vessel at four sides. It protects the oven from high winds. You can adjust its angle according to the sunlight.
Fast Cooking
This solar kit has a faster cooking speed and can cook a variety of food items. It has a cooking temperature within the range of 210° to 325° Fahrenheit. It can boil water at a 40% faster speed than other solar ovens.
Fire-resistant and Portable
This fire-resistant solar oven comes with a handy bag with nets and straps for portability. It is lightweight and works perfectly for a variety of situations. You can take it with you during camping, boating, or other outdoor activities.
Pros
- Its vessel has a silicone rim for insulation.
- Boils water 40% faster than its counterparts
Cons
- Cannot hold large vessels
- No solar thermometer
Our Verdict
The fire-resistant solar oven from Haines is perfect for any outdoor cooking activities. It does not include a solar thermometer but can cook a variety of meals in a short duration. It is a relatively low-cost product that you can carry around on the go. Thus we recommend this product for any kind of outdoor activity.
Solar Flare Dual Parabolic Solar Cooking System
Features Highlights
- The set includes two cooking vessels each having all necessary cooking components
- Two parabolic reflectors surround the solar vessels
- It takes approximately one hour to cook food items and less than that for boiling water
- Multi-purpose portable kit
- Able to prepare four or more food items within 2 hours duration during peak sunlight
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
N/A
-
Weight:
5 pounds
-
Manufacturer:
SolarFlair
-
Maximum Temperature:
N/A
-
Least Cooking Speed:
1 Hour
Complete Cooking System
This solar cooking set includes all the items required for cooking different food items. It contains two cooking vessels, two pails, two reflector panels, eight twist ties, four greenhouse environmental bags, four plastic riser cups, and 12 fasteners.
Parabolic Reflectors
Its cooking pails are surrounded by two parabolic reflector panels, one for each. You can detach those reflector panels and fold them to fit inside your backpack. They include lids to prevent heat loss during the cooking process.
Cooks 4 Items in 2 Hours
You can use both of the cooking vessels simultaneously. You can prepare four different food items in just two hours during peak sunshine hours. From 10 am to 2 pm, it receives a higher UV index and can perform faster.
Short Cook Time
You can prepare almost any food item in just one hour with this solar cooking system. You can boil water and other liquids at a much faster speed than that. The package includes a brochure with cooking ideas and recipes.
Multi-purpose Portable Kit
This solar kit features a compact structure and does not weigh much. You can carry it inside a backpack and take it with you during camping, hiking, and any other outdoor cooking activities.
Pros
- Dual cooking vessels in a single kit
- No need to purchase external equipment
Cons
- Slower cooking speed
- Does not work in low sunlight
Our Verdict
This solar oven lets you cook four food items in just two hours. It features a unique cooking system with dual cooking vessels. But you have to use it during the peak sunshine hours, or it might not work before or after that. It cooks your food much slower than its counterparts.
Emergency Zone SunCore Portable Solar Cooker Oven
Features Highlights
- The kit includes all necessary cooking equipment enclosed inside a carrying case
- Its sundial indicator lets you adjust the oven perfectly to get maximum sunlight
- Features a built-in thermometer for cooking your dish at your desired temperature
- Includes two focus-balanced parabolic reflectors that maximize heat efficiency at any season
- The multi-purpose kit is easy to set up and carry around
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
29 x 13 x 4.5 inches
-
Weight:
11 pounds
-
Manufacturer:
Emergency Zone
-
Maximum Temperature:
N/A
-
Least Cooking Speed:
N/A
Sturdy Solar Kit
This solar kit includes all necessary cooking items enclosed in a portable carrying case with a handle and two adjustable stands, thus eliminating your need to purchase extra items.
Repositionable Oven
This kit comes with a sundial indicator that lets you know the perfect angle to orient your oven. At the ideal orientation, it gets maximum sunlight and regulates its internal temperature.
Built-in Thermometer
You can read the temperature of your oven with its built-in thermometer. It lets you adjust the cooking temperature, thus improving your cooking time, in the process.
Focus-Balanced Parabolic Reflectors
The solar kit includes two focus-balanced parabolic reflectors attached to its interior. They reflect maximum sunlight to the oven and works great at any season, provided that the sunlight is available.
Easy to Set Up
You can set this kit up in just three simple steps. You need to unfold it and insert the food inside its inner tube, then position the panels, and you are ready to cook your meals. You can take it with you for multiple outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking.
Pros
- Its sundial indicator provides perfect orientation
- Includes a built-in thermometer
Cons
- Not wind-resistant
- The carrying case is not durable.
Our Verdict
While you do get a sundial indicator and a built-in thermometer, the carrying bag is not durable. You need to store it in a safe place while going on outdoor activities. But, you don’t have to purchase external cooking items with this kit, which is a bonus.
InLoveArts Ultra-Portable 4.5L Solar Cooker
Features Highlights
- Has a faster cooking speed of only 15 minutes and a maximum temperature of 550°F
- Absorbs a broad spectrum of solar radiation, thus working great even at cold days
- It is 100% solar-powered and does not emit any fumes or chemical while cooking
- Includes all necessary cooking items and is enclosed by a portable carrying bag
- Features large solar reflectors and consists of a large cooking capacity of 4.5 L
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
12.5 x 10.2 x 58 centimeters
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Weight:
16.2 pounds
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Manufacturer:
INLOVEARTS
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Maximum Temperature:
550° Fahrenheit
-
Least Cooking Speed:
15 minutes
Fast Cooking Speed
You can cook a variety of food items with the fastest cooking time of 15 minutes. It depends upon the type of food and the ambient temperature. During hot days, its maximum temperature reaches about 550° Fahrenheit.
Portable Carrying Bag
The cooking kit comes enclosed in a portable carrying bag with zippers and a handle for portability. The bag has small dimensions, and you can take it anywhere you go. It has a large cooking capacity of about 4.5 liters.
Easy to Clean
This solar kit does not emit any chemical fumes and harmful smells. It is powered entirely by solar energy and is easy to clean. Also, it is safe to use and does not heat the exterior, letting you touch it without burning your hands.
Includes All Necessary Cooking Materials
This solar kit features all necessary cooking items, thus letting you skip purchasing any other vessels. Some of them are a stainless steel tray, a large solar panel, and a circular insulating oven.
Large Solar Reflectors with Self-Healing Polymers
Its solar reflectors have a self-healing polymers build. They are shaped in a parabola to reflect more light to the insulator. It works better even during low sunlight.
Pros
- Only 15 minutes of cooking time
- Has a large cooking capacity of 4.5 L
Cons
- Relatively heavyweight
- No built-in thermometer
Our Verdict
This solar oven doesn’t emit harmful smells and gives you a remarkably fast cooking speed. It comes with a carrying bag, but the size is comparatively larger than other products we’ve reviewed here. You can purchase this item if you have an ample storage space allocated, particularly for it.
NICECHOOSE Portable Smoke-Free Solar Cooker
Features Highlights
- Kit includes all necessary cooking items such as parabolic reflectors, circular oven, cooking tray, etc.
- The mirror aluminum plates are folded into parabolic shape to reflect more sunlight
- Its solar tray fits up to 30oz of food items and is easy to insert and remove
- It is easy to set up and collapse after use into a portable package
- Easy to clean surface.
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
N/A
-
Weight:
N/A
-
Manufacturer:
NICECHOOSE
-
Maximum Temperature:
N/A
-
Least Cooking Speed:
20 minutes
Includes All Necessary Cooking
The NICECHOOSE cooking set includes all the necessary cooking items. The items are a parabolic reflector panel, a circular oven, a cooking tray, and other pieces. Its circular cooking tray has a capacity of 30 oz.
Parabolic Aluminum Reflecting Panels
The cooking set consists of an aluminum reflecting panel folded into the shape of a parabola for reflecting more sunlight onto the circular insulating oven. It has a fast cooking speed of 20 minutes.
Easy Installation
The solar kit’s package includes several cooking items that are easy to set up. You also get a detailed instruction guide to help with the installation. You can uninstall all the pieces and store them in a backpack while traveling.
Can Cook Several Food Items
You can prepare a variety of meals with this solar cooking set. Some of them are chicken, potatoes, corn, beef, carrots, etc. It lets you quickly remove the cooked food items from the tray, using a metal fork or spoon.
Zero Pollution
This solar kit does not produce any polluting materials. It doesn’t emit smoke and can replace your traditional BBQ vessels. The oven remains cool even during cooking and lets you touch it without hurting your palm.
Pros
- Easy to install and clean
- Parabolic reflectors gather more sunlight.
Cons
- Does not includes a carrying bag
- No solar thermometer
Our Verdict
This solar kit includes all the necessary cooking items and features easy installation. It does not emit any polluting particles and is 100% smoke-free. But you cannot adjust the cooking temperature, and without a built-thermometer, you can’t control your preferred cooking temperature.
Comparison-Table
S. No. | Products | Maximum Temperature (F) | Product Dimensions (inches) | Item Weight (Pounds) | Least Cooking Time | Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | All American Sun Oven - The Ultimate Solar Appliance | 400° | 24 x 15.5 x 20.5 | 22 | 20 Minutes | SUN OVENS International |
2 | GoSun Sport Portable Solar Cooker Perfect for Camping | 550° | 25 x 5 x 8 | 8.2 | 20 Minutes | GOSUN |
3 | Sunflair Portable Solar Oven with Complete Cookware | 285° | 19 x 15.5 x 2 | 8 | 25 Minutes | Sunflair |
4 | All Season Solar Cooker Camper | 300° | 18.3 x 16.3 x 4.5 | 4.75 | N/A | SolCook |
5 | GOSUN Go Ultra-Portable Solar Cooker | 550° | 14.2 x 7.1 x 3.4 | 3.8 | 20 Minutes | GOSUN |
6 | Haines 2.0 Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit | 325° | 14 x 14 x 8 | 4.3 | N/A | Haines |
7 | Solar Flare Dual Parabolic Solar Cooking System | N/A | N/A | 5 | 1 Hour | SolarFlair |
8 | Emergency Zone SunCore Portable Solar Cooker Oven | N/A | 29 x 13 x 4.5 | 11 | N/A | Emergency Zone |
9 | InLoveArts Ultra-Portable 4.5L Solar Cooker | 550° | 12.5 x 10.2 x 58 centimeters | 16.2 | 15 Minutes | INLOVEARTS |
10 | NICECHOOSE Portable Smoke-Free Solar Cooker | N/A | N/A | N/A | 20 Minutes | NICECHOOSE |
Why Do You Need a Solar Oven?
When you’re camping out on a mountain or living off-grid for adventure, you need to carry a reliable cooking appliance with you. Packing your entire stove and other cooking materials is not a solution for such a situation. Therefore, a solar oven is the best cooking equipment for camping and other outdoor activities.
Apart from such activities, you need a functioning solar oven as a backup means of cooking for your home. Imagine you’re inviting guests for dinner, and you face electricity cut-off before you even start cooking. In such cases, a solar oven works as a great emergency cooking equipment.
Even when you don't have a separate BBQ cooking material, your solar oven can do this as well. So no matter what your requirements are, you will always benefit from this renewable energy source of cooking tasty food.
How Does a Solar Oven Work?
Solar ovens are a portable tool for cooking at a remote location. They can also substitute your conventional cooking method at your home during an emergency. They follow a simple process of converting sun rays into heat energy using their panels. Each type of solar oven includes different styles of panels.
Usually, the solar ovens include a cooking vessel, solar panels, and a heat trap. They secure the heat by using one of the three methods. Either they use a transparent heat-resistant plastic bag or an inverted glass bowl or an insulated box panel. The purpose of each process is to let sunlight enter the oven but prevents heat from leaving the surface.
The generated heat energy then transfers to a cooking vessel, and after some time, your dish is ready! As simple as it sounds, you can even quicken the cooking process by repeatedly adjusting the solar panels towards the sunlight. Depending on the type of solar panel, you need to protect the oven from strong winds.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Oven? - Buyers’ Guide
There are several types of solar panels available in the market, and each of them provides distinct features. To make your purchase decision easier, we have listed some of the essential factors that you should consider before purchasing a solar oven specific for your needs.
Ease of Use
Your solar oven may have excellent features, but if you cannot operate its setting easily, then it will delay your cooking process. Its main purpose is to provide you convenient access to food during your adventure.
Thus you must select a solar oven that is easy to operate. You should not spend excessive time scrutinizing the details written in the instruction manual to cook a simple item.
Food Capacity
What is the quantity of food that you are trying to cook? If you are trying to cook a few potatoes for 3 to 4 people, then you can purchase a smaller oven. However, if you are trying to cook an entire chicken as a main course for your family, then you should buy a large model.
Cooking Speed
Cooking on a solar oven might take a longer duration when compared to that on a conventional kitchen stove. But if you’re hiking 6 hours and want to cook a tasty meal on a remote location, you don’t want the cooking process to take another 2 hours.
Thus, you need to purchase an ideal solar oven based on your exact need. If you can wait 3-4 hours until the food is ready, then cooking speed is not a crucial factor for you.
Portability
Portability is one of the most crucial things to consider when purchasing a solar oven. When you take your oven out for an adventure, you don’t want to add excessive weight to your backpack.
Furthermore, if you simply want to prepare a delicious meal with your family in your backyard, then it must be portable as well. You should be able to carry the oven from your kitchen to your yard and vice versa without putting stress on your back.
Durability
Your solar oven must be able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. A simple pressure on its surface should not break its material. Always check the material used for the making of the solar oven.
Features and Accessories
Your solar oven must include some basic features such as a proper cooking surface, highly effective solar reflectors, etc. Some of the ovens provide additional accessories to the item by adding a built-in thermometer, cooking utensils, and adjustable solar panels.
Heat Potential
Your solar oven’s heating capacity will determine what types of food items you can prepare in such equipment. If it produces only a little bit of heat even after exposure for hours, then you cannot prepare large meals on such ovens.
On a plus point, a high heating potential of the solar oven will let you cook a full course meal for your large group of friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Depending on the size and the heat capacity of your solar oven, you can prepare a particular type of food item. For example, if your oven features a smaller scale, then you cannot prepare a full chicken.
However, if you find a perfect oven size, then you can cook any type of food that fits inside that oven. You can cook chicken, lamb, vegetables, stews, bread and many more.
It depends on the type of food you are about to prepare. If you want to cook simple food items such as boiled broccoli, then you can prepare it in no time. However, the larger the food item gets, the longer its cooking time will be.
A diced potato will take about 1 to 2 hours to prepare, but baking a loaf of bread might take longer. Cooking meat items, such as sausages, steaks, and whole chicken, will take more time. Depending on the size, heating capacity, and sunlight, it might take about 4 to 6 hours.
No. You don’t need to purchase a separate vessel to cook in a solar oven. Any type of container that works well with traditional ovens will work just fine in this type of oven. Some of the solar ovens even come with their own set of cooking vessels. Thus, eliminating any hassle of purchasing any external vessel for your camping or outdoor adventure.
Yes, you can. This type of ovens only requires a constant source of sunlight to prepare your food. However, you need to make sure the sun is out at the time of cooking, and you’ve placed the oven directly facing the sunlight.
The cooking time may extend a bit, but you will get your food ready afterward. You only need to protect the oven from high winds and other harsh conditions.
Conclusion
Now that you have read the comprehensive review of 10 best solar ovens in 2021, you can select the perfect product based on your needs. If you are purchasing your first solar oven and are confused regarding which product you should choose, then you can read our buyers’ guide once again.
You can select your perfect product based on your specific requirements. Some products might provide a variety of features but might be too expensive. Similarly, another product might be incredibly cheaper but may not be portable nor durable.
