Solar Cookers

There are many basic types of solar cookers, in a dazzling variety of configurations. You can build your own or purchase one of a variety of commercial models. There is a wealth of great information already on the web about these cookers, so there is a section at the bottom of thiis page pointing to a few of the many other sites that have already compiled detailed information. Our Duranago Renewable Energy Group held a solar cooker building party on June 30th, 2002, and experimented with a commercial model and a new type of cooker (as far as I know!) made from a recycled satellite dish.

Satellite Dish Cooker

This cooker is about 7 feet (2.1 meters) in diameter. It is constructed from a recycled satellite dish with strips of aluminum foil glued to its parabolic shape.

Members of the Duranago Renewable Energy Group pose with the partially completed satellite dish cooker after applying strips of aluminum foil.

Solar Cooker Links

Here's links to some other organizations offering information on building solar cookers:

Solar Cookers International

One of the definitive orgnizations promoting the use of all types of solar cookers worldwide. Their site contains news and resources from around the world, and an amazingly diverse array of solar cooker plans. This is the place to start to see what kind of cooker you might like to build.

Backwoods Home Magazine

A magazine of ideas for self-reliant living. Featuring an article on the Heaven's Flame cooker designed by Joe Radabaugh, a particularly simple design that you can build yourself for about US$5 in materials.

Science Toys

A site featuring many science toys you can make with your kids. Learn to make a cute solar hotdog cooker!