Solar Cookers: Sustainable, Convenient, and Deliciously Efficient

by Joanna
Textless diagram of a solar-powered cooker in orange

Solar cookers have been gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly and efficient way of cooking. They are ideal for those who love camping, and hiking or want a greener method to cook at home. If you’re considering purchasing a solar cooker, it is essential to know what features to look for to get the most out of your investment. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top-rated solar cookers on Amazon and discuss what sets them apart.

Sizzle up the Sun: Solar Cookers to Match Your Taste

With a range of solar cookers available on the market, finding the perfect one to match your taste and needs has never been easier. From compact and portable designs that are perfect for camping trips or picnics to larger models that can be used for family gatherings or outdoor events, there is a solar cooker out there to suit everyone.

Brand Product Description
GOSUN Hybrid Solar Cooker / Oven A solar cooker with a temperature range up to 550 °F (288 °C) and a portable design, perfect for outdoor cooking. It has a vacuum tube cooking chamber that cooks food evenly and stays moist and tender.
Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven A spacious solar oven with a high-temperature range and reinforced design, perfect for adventure seekers who want to bake and slow-cook stews while on the go.
HAINES 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker A lightweight and robust solar cooker with a large temperature range and efficient construction, making it durable and eco-friendly. It provides a huge cooking space for various cookware sizes.
KECOP Solar Stove Cooker A quick and efficient solar cooker that is easy to assemble and fold, making it ideal for outdoor cooking and grilling.
YAMO DUDO Solar Cooker & Dutch Oven Kit A multifunctional, eco-friendly solar cooker with a large temperature range, no power usage, and easy setup, making it ideal for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities.
GDAE10 Solar Cooker A solar oven that cooks without propane, gas, fire, or electricity by reflecting and intensifying sunlight. It has self-healing polymers that enhance mirror durability and sun exposure, making it eco-friendly and efficient.
SolCook Solar Cooker Camper A portable solar cooker with efficient solar electricity and a large cooking capacity. Its foldable and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store, making it perfect for camping and picnics.
Comparison of different solar cookers, highlighting their unique features and distinguishing characteristics.

GOSUN Hybrid Solar Cooker

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping trips, hiking, or just enjoys cooking outdoors, the GOSUN Hybrid Solar Cooker is a perfect appliance for you. It’s an innovative solar cooker that is designed to be 5x more efficient than a traditional electric oven, capable of reaching a maximum temperature of 550 °F (288 °C) in full sunlight. Here’s a detailed review of this fantastic product.

GOSUN Fusion Solar Oven - Hybrid Electric Grill
Portable Oven & High Capacity Solar Cooker

Hybrid Solar Cooker for Land and Sea Adventures

The GOSUN Hybrid Solar Cooker is specially designed to keep the heat in and the cold out, making it perfect for outdoor adventures on land and sea, especially during summer. It’s so safe to touch that even children can enjoy cooking with it.

Temperature Range and Lightweight Portable Design

The long-lasting vacuum tube camping cookware provides insulation to keep the heat in and the cold out. It takes only 20 minutes to cook a meal at a maximum temperature of 550 °F (288 °C) in full sunlight. Moreover, the GOSUN Hybrid Solar Oven is lightweight and portable, weighing only 16 pounds and consuming only 150 watts of power, which means there are no dangerous flames.

Efficient Way for Outdoor Cooking

The solar-powered cooker is an efficient way to cook your favourite meals outdoors. Simply load your food into the tube cooking chamber and set the chamber on the reflector to cook. There’s no need to monitor the food as it cooks, and the portable stove retains your food’s flavour and nutrition while cooking at 360°, just like a slow cooker, but faster. Bake, roast, steam, and sauté – nothing is off-limits with the GOSUN Hybrid Solar Oven.

Solar Cooking Technology

The GOSUN Hybrid Solar Cooker comes with a stand, so you can place it anywhere you want with ease. GOSUN’s patented solar cooking technology absorbs a broad spectrum of radiation, making it possible to cook your favourite meals with just a bit of sun.

Customer Reviews

One customer who reviewed the GOSUN Hybrid Solar Cooker shared that they boiled water and made pasta in less than 2 hours on their first use. On their second use, on a cloudy day, they loaded the oven with ginger sesame rice, a baked russet potato, and some liver and onions, and after just over three hours, everything was steaming and delicious. They plan to use it to cook baby back ribs and a Cornish hen next.

Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven

The Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven is a portable and sturdy solar cooking solution that features a large interior, a high temperature range, and a reinforced design. It can cook a variety of foods, including baked goods and slow-cooked stews, making it an ideal option for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, it comes with a free outdoor cooking guide that includes beginner-friendly solar oven recipes.

Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven

Sturdy and Portable Design

The Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven features a foldable design that makes it easy to carry in the included carry bag. The reinforced design ensures that the solar oven stays put and expands into shape once it’s removed from the bag. The exterior is made of durable oxford cloth, and the interior features reinforced foam inside reflective metal with a transparent PVC lid. This allows the oven to maintain high temperatures and keep your food cooking evenly.

Large Interior

With enough room to fit a variety of cookware, the Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven is an excellent option for feeding a family or a group of friends while enjoying the outdoors. The large interior is spacious enough to accommodate a variety of dishes and recipes.

Cook a Variety of Foods

The Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven can reach temperatures up to 212F (100C) in the right conditions, making it ideal for cooking a wide range of foods. From baked goods to slow-cooked stews and even solar-heated water, this solar oven is a versatile and efficient cooking solution for outdoor enthusiasts.

Free Outdoor Cooking Guide Included

As a bonus, the Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven comes with a printed guide that includes the fundamentals of solar cooking and beginner-friendly solar oven recipes. This guide ensures that you’ll get the most out of your solar oven and cook delicious meals every time.

Customer Ratings

Customers have raved about the Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven, praising its sturdy construction, large interior, and efficient use of solar power. It’s an excellent option for anyone who wants to enjoy hot, home-cooked meals while camping or spending time outdoors. Overall, the Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven is a reliable and efficient solar cooking solution that’s perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to cook their meals in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.

HAINES 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker

The HAINES 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker is a portable, long-lasting solar cooker with a wide temperature range and a clever layout. It’s built to last, uses minimal energy, and can accommodate a wide range of pots and pans. The SunUp Solar Cooker is great for camping and picnics because it requires no electricity to operate and is simple to set up, store, and transport.

Haines 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit
Haines 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit

Top-Ranked Solar Cooker

One of the most remarkable features of the HAINES 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker is its outstanding performance. According to side-by-side tests, it heats water faster than any other panel or box cooker, boiling a quart of water in just 40 minutes. This makes it one of the top-ranked solar cookers on the market, and a reliable choice for those who want to cook their meals without using electricity or gas.

Efficient and Adjustable

The HAINES 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker is not only fast, but it’s also adjustable to maximize sun power. It’s designed with an adjustable leg that allows you to set it up at the perfect angle to capture the sun’s rays, ensuring that your food cooks evenly and efficiently. This feature is particularly useful when you’re cooking in different locations or during different times of the day when the sun’s position changes.

Versatile and Easy to Use

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a beginner cook, the HAINES 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker is easy to set up and use. Its lightweight design and compact size make it easy to transport and store, and it comes with simple instructions that guide you through the process of setting it up and using it. The cooker’s 4-quart capacity is also versatile enough to cook a variety of meals, from soups and stews to rice and vegetables.

Oven Safe and Durable

The HAINES 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker is oven safe, so you can use it in your regular oven as well, adding more convenience to your cooking options. Additionally, the ceramic material is durable and long-lasting, ensuring that you can use it for years to come with proper care. However, note that it is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to clean it by hand.

Who is it for?

The HAINES 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker is a great choice for anyone who is passionate about eco-friendly living, outdoor cooking, or emergency preparedness. It’s particularly recommended for campers, hikers, and RV enthusiasts who want to enjoy hot meals without relying on traditional fuels. It’s also ideal for those who live in areas prone to power outages or natural disasters, as it provides a reliable source of cooking heat and hot water.

KECOP Solar Stove Cooker

The KECOP Solar Stove Cooker is an innovative solar cooking device that uses the power of the sun to cook food without the need for propane, gas, fire, or electrical power. The cooker is made of high-quality 304 food-grade stainless steel and vacuum tube material, making it safe, non-toxic, and durable. Its unique folding design and easy setup make it a must-have for outdoor cooking and grilling on the go.

Portable Solar Oven BBQ Cooker
Portable Solar Oven BBQ Cooker, Solar Stove Cooker with 4.5L Large Capacity

Quality and Durability

The KECOP Solar Stove Cooker is made of high-quality 304 food-grade stainless steel and vacuum tube material, ensuring that it is safe, non-toxic, and durable. The vacuum tube cooking chamber provides insulation to keep heat in and cool out, making it safe to touch even while cooking.

Fast and Reliable

Cooking time with the KECOP Solar Stove Cooker is less than 30 minutes, and it can reach a maximum temperature of 550°F (288°C) in full sunlight. This solar oven can bake, roast, steam, and sauté like a slow cooker, but faster.

Healthy and Environmentally Friendly

The KECOP Solar Stove Cooker uses solar power to cook food, which means no toxic fumes are emitted during cooking. In addition, the food is not carbonized and doesn’t come along with ashes like in a charcoal grill, making it a healthy and eco-friendly cooking option. Cleaning up is a breeze as each part can be washed with water.

Portable and Easy to Set Up

The KECOP Solar Stove Cooker’s unique folding design and easy setup make it perfect for outdoor cooking and grilling on the go. It’s lightweight, portable, and comes with a travel bag and other accessories, making it easy to transport and store.

Recommended Uses

The KECOP Solar Stove Cooker is recommended for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, and anyone who wants to cook food without the need for electricity, gas, or fire. It’s perfect for cooking small meals and can accommodate various cookware sizes.

YAMO DUDO Portable Solar Oven Bag Cooker

The YAMO DUDO Solar Cooker is a portable solar oven bag that allows you to cook your favourite foods using solar energy as a natural resource. This product is designed for those who are always on the go and need an eco-friendly and efficient way to cook their meals without using power. The solar thermal rice bag can reach temperatures of up to 285°F and is perfect for camping, backpacking, emergencies, science projects, and more.

YAMO DUDO Portable Solar Oven Bag Cooker
YAMO DUDO Portable Solar Oven Bag Cooker Sun Outdoor Camping

Extreme Portability

One of the standout features of the YAMO DUDO Solar Cooker is its portability. The solar oven bag is highly portable – it folds into a bag to store and carry your cookware. Weighing only 8 ounces, it’s about the size of a 3-ring binder, making it easy to carry and suitable for camping, backpacks, emergencies, science projects, and crafts like candle making or modelling clay.

High Temperature Cooking

Despite its small size, the YAMO DUDO Solar Cooker packs a punch when it comes to temperature. The solar oven packs can reach temperatures up to 285°F, and the solar oven will cook slowly like a slow cooker, letting you focus on other activities while cooking food. This makes it possible to cook where open flames are not allowed, including on certain vehicles (although it’s important to cook responsibly!).

Versatility at its Finest

The YAMO DUDO Solar Cooker is not just for heating rice – it’s a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be folded into a shoulder bag when you go out, used as a cushion when sitting on the floor, and even used as an umbrella when it rains. It’s a practical energy-saving solar thermal rice bag that has no power consumption, a long service life, and no environmental pollution.

Further Specifications

The YAMO DUDO Solar Cooker is a well-made and fashionable hot food tool made of environmentally friendly materials. It has a simple structure, is lightweight, and easy to carry. It measures 754050cm after unfolding and has a folded size of 50cm40cm3cm. It has a net weight of 0.35KG and packaging of 52425cm. It works only during sunny hours, with an average temperature range of 80°F-104°F and a maximum temperature of 248°F.

Customer Reviews

According to a customer review, the YAMO DUDO Solar Cooker is great because short wave radiation from the sun and the radiant heat absorbed by black cookware are both radiated back inside the oven, so there is no need for insulation to prevent hot air (“sensible” heat) loss. The reviewer has used the oven to reheat pre-cooked food and plans to experiment with cooking actual food using covered cast iron cookware.

GDAE10 Solar Cooker

The innovative GDAE10 Solar Cooker harnesses the power of the sun by reflecting and intensifying its rays toward your cookware, allowing you to cook your meals without the need for propane, gas, fire, or electrical power. It is perfect for those who love outdoor activities or those who want to have a durable and stable cooking appliance at home. 

GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker
GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker Portable

Stable and Durable Construction

The GDAE10 Solar Cooker is made with high-quality carbon steel plate and advanced self-healing polymers that maximize the effects of the sun and ensure the durability of the mirrors. It is designed to last for a long time, even with regular use.

Adjustable Temperature Control

Not only does this solar cooker reach temperatures comparable to kitchen ovens, but it also reaches those temperatures six to seven times faster than a charcoal grill. You can control the heat by adjusting the reflectors for perfectly grilled meats with that flavourful outer crisp and tender slow-cooked insides.

Easy to Clean

Cleaning the GDAE10 Solar Cooker is a breeze. All you need is soapy water and a cloth to wipe away the grease from cooking off of the solar stove. No need to worry about toxic smoke blowing in your face while you’re preparing meals, or getting soot or ash in your food like with charcoal grills.

Suitable for All Seasons

The GDAE10 Solar Cooker can be used anytime the sun is visible, whether it is a hot summer day or a sunny winter afternoon. The cooker weighs 30lbs, making it easy to move around the patio as needed to watch the kids play, create more space to accommodate guests, or find more optimal sunlight.

Customer Review

One satisfied customer who reviewed the GDAE10 Solar Cooker shared that it is worth every penny and made with sound engineering. They boiled 18 eggs at a time, cooked oatmeal, and heated cocoa. They also cautioned users to wear sunglasses when using it, to always roll it into the shade when not cooking, and to stay nearby and take care not to point it at objects that could burn. They also recommended weighing down the feet with sandbags if there is wind.

SolCook Solar Cooker Camper

And finally, also the versatile and eco-friendly SolCook Solar Cooker Camper uses the power of the sun to cook food to perfection, providing an efficient and convenient cooking solution for any outdoor enthusiast.

All Season Solar Cooker Camper
All Season Solar Cooker Camper

Compact and Convenient Design

The SolCook Solar Cooker comes in a compact package, with all the necessary hardware and reusable cooking bags included. Assembly is a breeze thanks to the detailed 14-page user manual, and the solar-powered device ensures proper alignment for optimal cooking efficiency. Once assembled, the SolCook Solar Cooker measures 28” by 28” by 24”, with a cooking floor of 17” by 12”. However, once you’re finished cooking, the cooker can be folded down to just 1/2 inch thickness and 24” wide by 48” long, making it easy to store and transport.

Efficient Use of Solar Power

The SolCook Solar Cooker uses a coordinated, adjustable reflector panel and Sunsight device to capture sunlight efficiently, ensuring that your food cooks evenly and quickly. The flexible panels move together, making it easy to capture the first morning rays and cook right up until sunset. Unlike other solar cookers, the SolCook Solar Cooker can start cooking as soon as the sun comes up and continue cooking until the sun goes down, providing an all-day cooking solution.

Flexible and Versatile Cooking Solution

One of the standout features of the SolCook Solar Cooker is its ability to hold full-sized cookware, including turkey roasters, making it a versatile solution for any cooking need. Whether you want to cook breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the SolCook Solar Cooker has you covered. The cooker is lightweight and foldable, making it easy to carry on camping trips or other outdoor activities.

Large Cooking Capacity

With a cooking floor of 17” by 12”, the SolCook Solar Cooker has a large cooking capacity that can accommodate a variety of dishes. This makes it ideal for family meals or large gatherings where you need to cook food for a large number of people.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

The SolCook Solar Cooker is an eco-friendly and sustainable cooking solution that allows you to reduce your carbon footprint and cook your meals in an environmentally responsible way. By harnessing the power of the sun, the SolCook Solar Cooker provides a clean, renewable energy source that is both efficient and cost-effective.

Made in the USA

SolCook is a family-operated, veteran-owned business that sources all materials from USA companies and uses all USA labour. This means that you can feel good about investing in a high-quality product that supports small, family-run businesses and promotes American-made products.

How Do Solar-Powered Cookers Work?

A solar cooker uses solar energy to generate heat for cooking. Using mirrors or reflective panels, sunlight is focused and concentrated onto a cooking pot, which then absorbs the heat and cooks the meal. A solar cooker consists of an insulated box or container with a see-through lid or window. The heat retention of some versions is further improved by an internal reflective surface. Solar cookers can reach temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) or greater, depending on the model and the amount of sunlight available. They’re better for the environment than gas or electric stoves, and they’re cheap to run and don’t pollute the air with toxic emissions.

Textless diagram of how a solar-powered cooker works

What to Think About When Buying a Solar Cooker

The selection of solar cooker models on the market is expanding along with solar cooking’s popularity. Especially if you’re new to solar cooking, picking the best solar cooker for your needs can be intimidating. Here is a list of things to think about before buying a solar cooker to aid in your decision-making.

1. Food Needs

Think about the cuisine you want to prepare and the quantity that will be required. The cooking capacities, temperatures, and cooking periods of various sun cookers vary. A solar cooker with a greater capacity and a wider temperature range is required if you intend to bake or cook larger dishes.

2. Portability

Are you going to use your solar cooker in your backyard or will you bring it along on your outdoor adventures? Take into account the solar cooker’s weight, size, and portability. Some solar cookers are compact and light, making them ideal for picnics and camping trips, while others are larger and more appropriate for use in the backyard.

3. Durability

If you intend to use your solar cooker frequently or take it with you on outdoor trips, look for sturdy materials in the cookers. Durable materials that can survive extreme outdoor conditions include stainless steel, aluminium, and tempered glass.

4. Price

The cost of solar cookers varies; some versions go for hundreds of dollars. The features and cooking abilities you want in a solar cooker should be taken into consideration together with your budget. Do not forget that a greater price tag does not always equate to a better solar cooker.

5. Easy of Use

Take into account how simple it is to set up, use, and clean the solar cooker. Others can be used immediately out of the box, while some models need installation and sophisticated setup. For solar cookers, look for those with clear, straightforward designs and surfaces that are simple to clean.

6. Environment and Weather

Take into account the local climate and weather. Although certain types can function effectively even in colder or cloudier weather, solar cookers perform best in places with abundant sunlight. Look for solar cookers with movable reflectors so you can angle them to catch sunlight at different angles throughout the day.

7. Safety Attributes

To ensure safety, search for solar cookers with features like tempered glass lids, enclosed cooking chambers, and handles that can withstand heat. During use, these characteristics assist in reducing accidents and injuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a solar cooker is a fantastic solar-powered device for eco-conscious people who love spending time in the great outdoors. Consider the solar cooker’s cooking capacity, temperature range, durability, portability, and affordability while making your final decision. You may locate the ideal solar cooker for your requirements and tastes by researching and comparing different models.

This post was written to not only recommend some of the best solar cookers on the market, but also to educate readers on the many uses and advantages of these cooking devices. Our intention was to provide enough information so that readers could make an educated decision about which solar cooker would be best for them. Investing in a solar cooker is a great way to lessen your carbon footprint and save money on gasoline without sacrificing the quality of your meals.