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How to make a solar oven in seven simple steps


A solar oven is an environmentally friendly way to cook using the sun's power.

Overview

• Working Time: 1 hour
  
  
• Total Time: 1 hour
  
  
• Yield: 1 solar oven
  

• Skill Level: Beginner
  

A solar oven is an easy, environmentally friendly way to cook food solely using the sun's power. It works by reflecting sunlight onto an enclosed surface. You can use a solar oven to heat water and cook meat, vegetables, and bread just as effectively as in a conventional oven—though it may take more time and, of course, the sun needs to be shining.
Assembling a solar oven is simple; you can use materials that might already be in your home. There are two main types of solar cookers: those shaped like boxes and work like conventional ovens, and those shaped like a bowl or a satellite dish. The surface of the cooker is covered with a reflective material such as aluminum foil or mylar to redirect the sun's ultraviolet rays and cook the food.
Why Build a Solar Oven? 
Solar ovens are a simple alternative to burning wood or other fuel for cooking. Unlike wood- and coal-fired ovens, solar ovens do not contribute to deforestation, global warming, and indoor air pollution.
For campers and backpackers, a solar oven is easy to assemble, is as lightweight as a camping stove, and doesn’t require you to transport firewood or flammable fuels. Many of the materials in a solar oven are recyclable. The energy is free and produces no emissions. Since there is no flame, you can safely leave it alone while the food cooks. And as long as you don't touch the heating surface, it's a lot safer than any open flame.
A solar oven can replace an outdoor grill, allowing you to keep your home cool in the summer by cooking outdoors. You can also cook on a solar oven during a power outage.
This is a great STEM project to teach young people about energy and recycling or re-purposing materials. Use your solar oven to make cheese melts, English muffin pizzas, s’mores, or other fun snacks.
What You'll Need

• 1 ruler or tape measure
  
  
• 1 box cutters or scissors
  
  
• 1 thermometer (optional)
  

• 1 cardboard box
  
  
• 1 large sheet of cardboard
  
  
• 1 duct tape
  
  
• 1 aluminum foil
  
  
• 1 plastic wrap or plexiglass
  
  
• 1 black construction paper
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lid
   If you don’t use a box that has a lid that is a single sheet of cardboard (such as a pizza box), replace the two parts of the box top with a single sheet of cardboard and tape it to one side of the box so that it acts as a hinged lid.
   
   
2. Create the Flap
   Cut on three sides of the lid, roughly an inch from the edge of the sides, leaving the fold of the lid attached to the box. Fold the flap so that it stays open when the box lid is closed, or use some of the cut-out cardboard to create legs to prop the flap open.
   
   
3. Line the Flap
   Cover the inside of the flap with aluminum foil. Tape the foil tightly to the outer side of the flap.
   
   
4. Create a Heat Seal
   Open the flap. Cover the opening of the lid with a double layer of plastic wrap or a single layer of plexiglass. Tape the plastic wrap or plexiglass tightly to the lid to seal in the air.
   
   
5. Line the Walls
   Cover the inner walls of the box with aluminum foil. Seal the corners so that as little heat leaks out as possible.
   
   
6. Cover the Bottom
   Cover the inside bottom of the box with black construction paper or cardboard and seal the edges.
   
   
7. (Optional) Add a Thermometer
   Place a thermometer against the inner wall where it is visible.
   https://nexusnewsfeed.com/article/self-s...en-7089541