Have you ever imagined cooking without the need to use wood, propane, or fossil fuels? If yes and you’re so engrossed in shifting to using the top-rated solar oven, you can check out this guide.
Nowadays, more and more people decide to use solar stoves to thoroughly, thriftily, and healthily cook foods. Interestingly, you can do so with or without using pans; and it can be done in a quick method.
You can find a broad array of options when it comes to solar powered cookers on the market today. The best solar ovens are lightweight, designed with small capacities, while others are larger.
Assuredly, solar outdoor ovens can serve as a perfect solution to an eco-friendly means of cooking your food.
Best Overall
GOSUN 1GG1D1P1
✅ Built to offer more portability |
✅ Durable and versatile design |
✅ Can cook most meals in less than an hour |
Premium Choice
Haines H20 SunUp Solar Cooker
✅ Portable, and easy-to-adjust design |
✅ Can be stored instantly |
✅ Allows users to bake or cook different foods |
Editor’s Pick
Sunflair Portable Solar Oven
✅ Large capacity |
✅ Guarantees excellent solar absorption |
✅ No cumbersome assembly required |
Table of Contents
Top 5 Solar Oven Reviews
1. GOSUN 1GG1D1P1 Solar Oven
Since we’re looking for the most portable solar ovens for sale, we highly regard this solar oven as one of the most excellent choices. In fact, many consumers who have bought it found it ideal as survival gear, perfect as backpacking and camping cookware.
It is lightweight, so users won’t have issues bringing it with them during outdoor activities. Since we love outdoor adventures, we consider this portable oven a great addition to our survival gears.
We find this Gosun sport solar oven a fast and reliable option. It allows us to cook various meals in less than an hour. Surprisingly, it can reach temperatures up to 550-degree F in full sunlight. So, we think that it works incredibly at acquiring UV light and holding its heat well. We are grateful to have this solar cooking device with us because we can enjoy hot meals even when we’re hiking.
Furthermore, this Gosun sport solar oven model allows users to enjoy different applications and occasions. We prefer to use a solar oven with a durable and versatile design, and it seems capable of providing us with dependable services for a long time. Also, we can instantly zip it into a sturdy EVA foam hard-shell case. So, storing this solar oven is not a pain in the neck.
- A practical option for many different occasions
- Built to offer more portability and reliability
- Can cook most meals in less than an hour
- Features a durable and versatile design
- Easily zips into a sturdy EVA foam hard-shell housing
- Boiling water can be a hassle when there are intermittent clouds or a haze
2. Haines H20 SunUp Solar Cooker
This sun oven is known for being one of the top-ranked solar cookers available today. It is great for camping, household use, emergencies, and power outages. What’s more, it is a breeze to set up, unlike other bulky options. If I want, I can also adjust it to optimize the sun’s power. I can easily monitor my cooking too because I could see through the lid.
To add, this portable oven comes with a carrying case that allows easy storage when the solar cooking device is not in use. For those looking for the best solar oven for baking bread, this is an exquisite choice. It allows users to bake or cook different foods without much struggle.
This easy-to-operate Dutch oven kit executes a great job. It features a lightweight, portable, and adjustable design. The Dutch oven kit includes a cooking sleeve, four-quart pot, and circular windscreen.
Its maximum temperature is about 350-degrees, which is hot enough to cook various meals. In my opinion, this Dutch oven is top-tier for standard cooking recipes and slow-cooker style of recipes too.
- No sweat to operate and can be stored instantly
- Comes with a cooking sleeve, a pot, and a windscreen
- Built with an incredibly light, portable, and easy-to-adjust design
- Highly recommended for many different purposes
- Allows users to bake or cook different foods
- Only allows a fairly small cooking capacity
3. Sunflair Portable Solar Oven
My friends and I are outdoor adventure enthusiasts. So, we collected some money to look for lightweight and high-quality solar powered stoves. We researched the most trusted solar oven brands, and we found Sunflair as one of the most trusted ones. Since we are all lazy when it comes to assembling stuff, this option is ideal for us because it does not require assembly.
What caught our attention is the complete solar oven kit. The package includes various accessories such as trays, baking racks, solar oven thermometer, pots, etc. The large capacity of this versatile solar oven is also impressive since we can cook for 4 to 8 people. It is perfect for us since our group is composed of six people.
This option is portable and durable enough for our boating, camping trip, and RV-ing adventures. It is also a savior during emergencies, tailgating, and suitable for other creative crafts. It has been our companion for a few years now, and we are proud to share that it hasn’t failed to satisfy our expectations so far.
Such a portable solar cooking device is built using top-quality materials. This is probably why it is stellar at ensuring more efficient solar absorption. This portable solar oven can also accommodate a broad range of cookware. We can bake as well. And, since it is quite handy, you can store it quickly after use.
- No cumbersome assembly required; easy storage
- Comes with several useful accessories
- Guarantees excellent solar absorption
- Large capacity is sufficient to cook foods for 4 to 8 people
- Features durable, portable, and versatile design
- Not the most premium quality zipper material used
4. GOSUN 1SP1D1P1 Solar Oven
A good friend recommended this solar cooking stove manufactured by the GOSUN brand. Since we weren’t so familiar with solar stoves, we decided to give it a try. We are grateful that we invested in this portable solar oven. It made our wilderness adventures even more fun-filled and satisfying because we can enjoy sumptuous meals even when we’re on the go.
Featuring a portable design, this fuel-free cooking device is a smart tool. The exterior part of the oven is cool to touch, and the inner portion is warm. This one is crafted with a parabolic reflector on the tube which is meant to help in heating the chambers. Furthermore, the parabolic reflector also does a great job of shielding the tube.
Since we easily get hungry and are too impatient to wait for a long cooking process, we are fortunate that this solar oven comes with excellent cooking speed. We are stunned by its capability to thoroughly cook food in less than 30 minutes.
The temperature range of this solar cooking device reaches up to 550-degree Fahrenheit. The good news is that the kit contains the required utensils for cooking, so we didn’t have to buy those items separately.
- Features cool-to-touch and portable design with a parabolic reflector
- Guarantees exceptional cooking speed
- Maximum temperature range reaches 550-degree Fahrenheit
- Includes the utensils necessary for cooking
- Cleaning process can be challenging
5. KECOP Solar Oven Sun Cooker
Similar to most tube ovens, this version comes with an optimal temperature range that reaches 550-degree Fahrenheit in full sunlight. Hence, it is one of the hottest solar oven options out there. Since this solar powered oven allows low carbon and healthy methods of cooking foods, it’s unnecessary to worry about toxic fumes.
Built with an easy setup approach and distinguishable folding style, this portable grill merely requires two steps to assemble. Once this portable and foldable solar oven is unfolded, it is securely supported on the ground. It is effortless to move or carry around, and allows a simple storage process as well. This grill is a great addition to our solar cooking device collections.
We consider this stainless steel stove a money-saver because we can cook without using electrical power, fire, gas, or propane. And, it is safe to use by everyone, even when kids are around. The solar vacuum tube cooking chamber of this device does an excellent job of keeping the heat in. Thus, it works as a reliable insulator too.
- Allows low carbon and healthy cooking
- Has high temperatures and good insulation
- Plain sailing to set up and comes with a distinctive folding style
- Does not require electrical power, fire, gas, or propane to work
- Built using non-toxic materials
- Guarantees risk-free cooking experience for everyone
- Designed with only a limited food tank capacity of 1.4 kilograms
What to Look for When Buying Solar Ovens
It is critical to look into the following buying points before you make the final purchasing decision when getting a solar oven for yourself:
- Range of Temperature
The first factor that must be inspected when buying the right solar cooker for cooking various types of food materials is the maximum temperature it can provide. Options designed with high temperatures are smart buys.
As expected, the temperature of a solar oven can indicate its cooking performance. This is because sun ovens with a great temperature range can cook quickly compared to a model with a minimal range of temperature.
Hence, sun ovens with a maximum temperature of 500-degree F are better options compared to 400-degree F models.
- The Type of Solar Oven You Need
Different types of solar ovens is a very substantial buying factor to consider.
At present, there are four primary types of solar powered ovens that you can pick from, and these include solar box cookers, solar panel cookers, tube cookers, and parabolic cookers.
While there are other existing options available, they are not regarded as effective as the four main types we have mentioned.
- Weight
What makes solar ovens outstanding choices is that they do not call for any gas canister or electrical power source to operate.
This is why you can carry them around with you wherever you go. However, it matters to inspect the weight of your solar oven.
Of course, a lightweight version is more portable, smooth sailing to move around, and more practical compared to a bulky one.
- Size and Capacity
Some people will only buy a solar cooker if it is big enough to roast a chicken or other meat.
Other consumers who plan to go on wilderness adventures merely need to buy a solar oven that is big enough to cook a meal for one person.
As for the size and capacity, you must consider your cooking requirements.
- Accessories
Most solar cookers today contain a wide array of accessories like dehydrating racks, cookbooks, cooking pots, and internal thermometers.
When selecting the most suitable solar oven for yourself, think about what you prefer to utilize it for.
Ask yourself if the solar oven you’re searching for contains the needed accessories that you want.
- Usability and Durability
Top solar ovens are more straightforward to assemble and operate compared to other existing options.
Indeed, some versions are plain sailing to cook with, particularly in terms of checking on foods during the cooking process. Some models are also a breeze to clean and maintain.
As for durability, a sturdier solar oven is meant to last a long time. This means that it can allow you to cook more meals for an extended time.
Additionally, a more durable option can serve as your best buddy to survive your wilderness adventures.
In other words, a solar oven built with incredible durability is ideal for rugged outdoor applications.
- Price
Most solar cooking devices are priced expensively, and this is particularly true for options that come with unique and more advanced features and functions.
Even so, don’t focus only on the price tag of the solar oven option. Keep in mind that not all pricey alternatives are outstanding ones, and the same goes for affordable solar oven options.
In the end, what matters the most is checking the features and functions of your chosen solar product first.
Also, you need to research the most trusted brands that manufacture solar powered ovens to ensure that your investment is safe.
There are many options out there, so solar oven users don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune.
How Long Does It Take to Cook in a Solar Oven
The amount of cooking time largely relies on several factors. Some of the things that you’ll need to consider include the solar oven’s size, the solar cooker model, as well as the weather the food is being cooked in.
Let’s say, whole sweet potatoes generally require a whole day to be cooked thoroughly. On the other hand, a diced sweet potato might only necessitate roughly one to two hours.
Moreover, sausage, chicken, steaks, and other types of meat may require about three to four hours to be cooked thoroughly. It will take less than an hour to cook foods such as leafy greens.
For those who are into baking, please note that favorable conditions will allow you to bake a loaf of bread anywhere between one and three hours.
Can I Adjust the Temperature of My Solar Oven
Keep in mind that users can only have minimal control over the solar power oven’s temperature. This is generally based on how you position the solar oven in direct sunlight.
Nonetheless, generally speaking, cooking foods that call for a constant or precise temperature might not be a great idea.
It is strongly suggested that you pick a solar oven designed with an optimal range of temperature that suits the temperatures you prefer to cook.
Take note that this is quite vital if the temperature is a top priority in your cooking requirements. Aside from this, you might want to consider getting a thermometer to control the solar oven.
What Kinds of Cookware are Appropriate for a Solar Oven
Oftentimes, when buying a solar oven kit, they already include an appropriate pot for the solar cooker. The good news is that several manufacturers sell them separately.
Sometimes, the cookware and pots come as an add-on to the basics, while some come in the form of a “bonus item” to complement the solar oven kit.
Sure thing, these cooking equipment or items are good options because they are particularly crafted to be utilized with solar powered ovens.
Meanwhile, if you wish to pick your own cookware or pots for your solar oven, there are several factors for you to check out.
When choosing a pot, be sure that it is built with dark and thin metal and comes with a lid.
Pots that are designed with polished finishes are not great options as they reflect light away from themselves.
To add, pots constructed with ceramics or thick metal are troubling to use because it takes a while for them to heat up.
What is the Difference Between a Solar Oven and a Solar Cooker
In general, solar cookers and solar ovens are the same thing.
Solar powered ovens refer to devices that collect sunlight and produce heat to thoroughly cook foods without using different fuel sources.
Solar ovens are practical devices for environmentalists, off-the-grid buffs, and homesteaders. They are also a favorite for many solar chefs.
They are known for being a reasonably priced and sustainable cooking tool that could be utilized in rural regions in the developing world, and in isolated communities.
A solar cooker is a device that utilizes the energy acquired from direct sunlight. Solar energy is used to heat up, pasteurize drinks, and cook different types of food.
These solar cooking tools are comparatively cheaper and low-tech devices. Nevertheless, some versions are priced higher than conventional stoves.
And, since they do not utilize fuel and do not cost anything to work, solar cookers are endorsed globally by countless non-profit organizations.
They are deemed as eco-friendly options mainly because they don’t contribute to air pollution and help minimize fuel cost.
More importantly, they significantly help in slowing down desertification and deforestation.
It’s annoying when your picnic encounters insects that appear. Don’t worry we have come up with a great solution for this, consult our list of top rated solar pest repeller to make the top-tier choice for your picnic area. Of course, there are many other options to enhance your picnic experience. Read here to learn more about the most popular solar refrigerators and the top-rated outdoor solar showers.
Conclusion
As previously mentioned, the best solar oven is an eco-friendly, economical, and practical option to cook different foods without using fuel.
This solar cooking device is touted as a more excellent alternative for emergency preparedness, camping, outdoor activities, survival, and small-space living.
During those times when you do not have instant access to your kitchen or need to cook outdoors, or survive living in the wild, solar ovens can be your go-to.
Hopefully, the list of solar ovens we’ve carefully reviewed and the buying guide we’ve shared in this post can help everyone choose the best option for their requirements.
I am Kathleen Miller, staff writer and reviewer of the Avasolar team. Working with the team has been a pleasure for me so far, I hope to bring readers useful information by creating detailed and easy-to-follow contents.