Hey there! Ever thought about cooking with the sun? Well, solar ovens let you cook food using just the power of the sun. They’re eco-friendly, save money, and can even be used during power outages.
Now, let’s talk about the best solar ovens. These gadgets can be a perfect fit for anyone who loves the outdoors or just wants to give back to the environment. They can be used for cooking, baking, or even just warming up your food – all out in the open air.
When choosing a solar oven, there are a few key factors to consider, like size, weight, and cooking efficiency. Think about how much food you plan on cooking and how quickly you’d like it to be ready. Remember, the power of the sun is not the same at all times or places, so the oven’s design can make a big difference.
We’ve spent hours researching and testing the best solar ovens to find the ones that make outdoor cooking easy and enjoyable. Ready to hear more? Let’s get into it!
Best Solar Ovens 2024
We’ve gathered the top solar ovens for you to pick from. Read on to find out!
GOSUN Sport Solar Oven
Get your hands on the GOSUN Sport Solar Oven for efficient and eco-friendly cooking experiences.
Pros
- Portable and easy to set up
- Safe, cool to touch exterior
- Fast and reliable cooking
Cons
- Limited cooking capacity
- Requires sunlight to function
- May take longer on cloudy days
We’ve recently tried the GOSUN Sport Solar Oven and found it to be quite impressive. This compact solar oven is fantastic for those who love to camp, hike or simply explore the outdoors.
One of the best things about this solar stove is how portable it is. It deploys in seconds and collapses into a durable package, making it super convenient to carry around. Its folding parabolic reflectors do an excellent job of protecting the cooking chamber as well.
When using the GOSUN Sport Solar Oven, you don’t have to worry about safety. Its design prioritizes this aspect with the exterior surface remaining cool even when hot inside, preventing any fire hazards.
Not only is it safe and portable, but also easy to operate. Simply load your food into the tube cooking chamber, set the camber on the reflector, and let the solar oven work its magic. You’ll be amazed by the flavor and nutrition of the cooked food.
The oven takes as little as 20 minutes to cook a meal, reaching temperatures up to 550°F (290°C) in full sunlight. So, whether you’re cooking on a sunny day or during the cooler months, the GOSUN oven handles the heat as long as there’s sunlight.
However, keep in mind that this solar oven’s capacity is limited. If you’re looking to cook for a larger group, you might need to plan accordingly. As it’s dependent on sunlight, cooking times might vary on cloudy days.
In conclusion, the GOSUN Sport Solar Oven is an innovative choice for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate environmental sustainability. With its portability, safety features, and efficient cooking capabilities, you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure you have sunlight to power your delicious meals!
Haines 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit
An eco-friendly cooking buddy that shines bright when under the sun’s embrace.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Large cooking area
- Durable and weather-resistant
Cons
- Limited to sunny days
- Slow cooking time
- Requires constant sun adjustments
The Haines 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker comes to life whenever the sun’s out, providing an efficient and eco-friendly way to cook your meals.
Camping trips, picnics, and backyard cookouts become friendlier with Mother Nature, as this cooker requires no fuel and folds into a compact form for easy transport. With its spacious cooking area, you’re free to bring a Dutch oven or other sizeable pots into the mix.
Gear up for some sun-soaked cooking adventures with Haines 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit, knowing you’re using clean and renewable energy.
GOSUN Fusion Solar Oven
Consider the GOSUN Fusion for efficient, versatile solar cooking outdoors or even indoors.
Pros
- Highly efficient hybrid solar cooker
- Wide temperature range up to 550 °F
- Lightweight and portable design
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Plug-in feature may have issues
- Cooking time might be longer
The GOSUN Fusion Solar Oven is perfect for those looking to cook outdoors without the hassle of fire or gas. With its hybrid solar and electric power design, you can cook with ease using free renewable energy from the sun, or simply plug it in when the sun isn’t shining enough.
The lightweight design makes it easy to carry on your outdoor adventures, and its temperature range, reaching up to 550 °F, ensures that a variety of dishes can be cooked to perfection. Plus, the 360° cooking system keeps your food tasty, moist, and tender.
However, just like any product, it has its drawbacks. The GOSUN Fusion comes at a steep price and some users have reported issues with the plug-in feature. Additionally, the cooking time may be slightly longer due to the solar power source. But if you’re willing to invest in eco-friendly cooking and adapt to its quirks, the GOSUN Fusion Solar Oven could be an excellent addition to your outdoor activities.
GOSUN Go Portable Camping Stove
The perfect companion for your outdoor adventures – efficient, portable, and solar-powered.
Pros
- Ultra-portable and lightweight
- Quick cooking with high temperatures
- Works with minimal sunlight
Cons
- Limited cooking capacity
- Requires sunlight for optimal use
- Slightly expensive
We tried out the GOSUN Go Portable Camping Stove recently and we’re impressed with its performance. It’s an ideal fit for solar enthusiasts who love camping, hiking, or simply cooking outdoors. The sleek design and portability make it a great addition to your outdoor gear.
Setting up the GOSUN Go is a breeze, and it truly excels in sunny conditions. It cooks food in just 20 minutes, reaching temperatures of up to 550°F (290°C). Even on days with less sun, if a defined shadow is visible, it still works effectively – no need for propane or other fuel sources!
Though compact and portable, the GOSUN Go is designed for single-serving meals. This might require adjustments if you’re looking to cook for more people. Despite this, the solar oven is versatile and can bake, roast, or steam food efficiently.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a solar oven that’s easy to use, portable and efficient, the GOSUN Go is an excellent choice. Solar cooking has never been more accessible – try it out and discover a whole new way of outdoor cooking.
Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe
A great, lightweight portable solar oven with all the essentials to kick off your solar cooking journey.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy setup and storage
- Complete cookware and accessories
Cons
- Zipper issues
- Possible heat loss
- Learning curve
The Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe is perfect for camping, boating, or even backyard fun. Weighing just over a pound, it’s easy to carry around, set up, and store. Not to mention, it comes with all the necessary equipment – from pots and trays to a thermometer and carrying bag – for your solar cooking adventures.
We enjoyed the versatility of this solar oven, from baking cookies to drying fruits and herbs. It doesn’t require any assembly and can accommodate various types of cookware. However, we found the zipper a bit tricky to use, especially when the oven was full with cookware. It was also a challenge to balance keeping the heat in while ensuring the unit remains closed securely.
Despite its few quirks, we were overall impressed with the performance of the Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe. There’s a learning curve to using it the first few times, but once you get the hang of it, you can cook a variety of dishes by harnessing the power of sunlight. So if you’re up for a sustainable, energy-efficient cooking solution for the great outdoors or your own backyard, give this solar oven a try!
SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker
You should get this solar cooker for its versatility, power, and durability.
Pros
- Works with any size cookware
- Powerful and efficient
- Rugged and lightweight
Cons
- Tricky assembly instructions
- Large size when assembled
- Needs careful alignment
We tried out the SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker and were impressed with its power. This solar oven can handle cookware of any size, even a turkey roaster! It’s the best for solar cooking due to its large and efficient design, producing more cooked food than other cookers of its size.
Despite its size, the solar cooker is both rugged and lightweight, making it ideal for various settings. Made from food-grade virgin polypropylene, it’s waterproof, so it won’t tear or become waterlogged. Be ready to tackle the assembly though; we found the instructions a bit challenging at first.
When using the cooker, we appreciated the included cooking rack, Sunsight (a device to help align the cooker), and reusable cooking bags. However, note that aligning the cooker for maximum sun exposure takes some precision.
Overall, the SOL COOK All Season Solar Cooker is a fantastic addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal. Its versatility and power make it worth the effort of mastering the assembly and alignment process.
MrMapMax Solar Oven
A handy solar oven that quickly cooks food, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious users.
Pros
- Works in all seasons, even on cloudy days
- Cooks fast and retains tasty flavors
- Portable design with easy setup
Cons
- May require gasket replacement
- Limited to non-liquidy foods
- Cooking time can vary
We were impressed with how fast the MrMapMax Solar Oven cooked our meals. Within 20 minutes in full sunlight, we had a delicious, evenly cooked dish. The vacuum tube cooking chamber helps hold heat in and keep cool out, so it works effectively even on cloudy days or in snowy conditions.
The portability of this solar oven is one of its best assets. It’s designed like a handbag with an adjustable strap, making it easy to carry around during our camping trips. The zipper design on both sides allowed for quick setup and storage, saving us time and energy.
One downside we noticed was the need to eventually replace the sealing gasket. Also, the oven is limited to mainly non-juicy or liquidy foods, so cooking options might be restricted. Lastly, while most of our meals cooked swiftly, there were times when it took longer than expected.
Overall, the MrMapMax Solar Oven is an excellent option for outdoor adventurers looking to enjoy hot, home-cooked meals while staying eco-friendly.
Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven
Get the Sunflair Mini for easy, eco-friendly cooking during your outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Super lightweight and portable
- No assembly needed, sets up in seconds
- Cooks without flames – safe and versatile
Cons
- May not reach high temperatures on cloudy days
- Limited cooking space
- Best used with silicone pot
We took the Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven for a spin, and let’s just say, it didn’t disappoint. Its compact size makes it perfect for campers, hikers and those always ready for a trip.
The solar oven excels in its ease of use, setting up in seconds and folding to the size of a laptop. No assembly, no stress. Cooking in places where open flames aren’t allowed and when you want to be more eco-friendly is a breeze.
However, we should note that on cloudier days, it might take longer to reach the high temperatures you desire. That said, we still got ours to 80°C and managed to cook some meals just fine.
So if you’re looking to spice up your outdoor cooking game, we say go for the Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven. It’s a fun, innovative, and green option for all your food-heating needs.
Buying Guide
So, you’re on the lookout for the best solar oven? Great choice! We’re here to help you find the perfect one.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Solar Oven
Before diving in, let’s take a quick look at some important aspects to consider when choosing a solar oven.
- Size: Think about the capacity you need for cooking. Bigger ovens can accommodate more food, but may be bulkier.
- Materials: Quality materials, such as tempered glass and efficient insulation, ensure that your oven lasts and performs well.
- Portability: Will you be taking your solar oven camping or using it in your backyard? Choose one that fits your mobility needs.
- Temperature Range: Different solar ovens have varying temperature ranges. Make sure it can handle your desired recipes.
- Ease of Use: Some solar ovens are simpler to set up and use than others. Consider your comfort level with new technology.
Now let’s dive a bit deeper into these aspects.
Size Matters
Size is important when choosing a solar oven. Picture the dishes you plan to cook, and consider the dimensions of the oven. You’ll want enough space for a nice, even heat distribution.
| Small Ovens | Medium Ovens | Large Ovens |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | Spacious | Extra Roomy |
| Ideal for 1-2 people | Perfect for families | Great for larger groups |
Material Quality
High-quality materials make a huge difference in performance and durability. Look for ovens with sturdy outer casings, efficient insulation, and heat-resistant windows.
Tip: Tempered glass windows are especially great for trapping heat and providing excellent cooking conditions.
Portability Factor
When it comes to portability, consider how often (and far) you’ll be moving your solar oven. Lightweight, foldable designs are perfect for camping trips, while heavier ovens may be better suited for your backyard.
Temperature Range
Your desired temperature range will depend on the types of meals you plan to cook. Solar ovens generally fall into three categories:
- Low-temperature (up to 200°F) – Best for slow cooking, such as stews and pot roasts.
- Mid-temperature (up to 350°F) – Ideal for baking and general cooking.
- High-temperature (up to 550°F) – Suitable for high-heat dishes, like pizza or stir-fry.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider how easy the solar oven is to set up and use. Some models have straightforward designs, while others may require a bit more patience to get the hang of.
With these factors in mind, you’re ready to find the ideal solar oven for your needs. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are solar ovens worth it?
We believe solar ovens are a great investment. They use clean, renewable energy and save on power bills. Cooking outdoors is a bonus!
Will a solar oven work on a cloudy day?
Solar ovens work best on sunny days. Sadly, on cloudy days, they don’t perform as effectively. You can still try, but patience is key.
What is one downside of cooking with solar ovens?
Their dependence on sunlight is a downside. You can’t cook at night, and cloudy days pose challenges. But hey, they’re still amazing!
Are solar ovens safe to use?
Absolutely! Solar ovens use the sun’s energy, which eliminates the risks of fire or gas exposure. Just handle hot cookware with care.
What is the fastest solar oven?
Our top pick for the fastest solar oven is the Solavore Sport. It preheats quickly and cooks efficiently. Speed and green energy combined!