Solar oven

A solar oven or solar furnace is a way of harnessing the sun's power to cook food. A metal box forms the simplest solar oven. A set of large mirors or a large Fresnel lens to focus sunlight to a single point may also be added. On a sunny day a black baking tray or cooking pot can convert thousands of watts of light directly into heat. Temperatures in the oven can reach 400 degrees F.

Apart from the obvious need for sunlight and the need to aim the solar oven before use, using a solar oven is not substantially different from a regular oven. However since they use no fuel they are free to run. Humanitarian organizations are promoting their use worldwide to help slow deforestation caused by the need for firewood with which to cook.

See also: solar box cooker