Forbidden to cook something every dic- tough barbeque cook dreads.
Disasters leave people without a way to cook food.
Headed into the campground, only to find that fires are prohibited and the propane grill may be empty. boom
Boondocking in an RV means saving gas and electricity.
All of these and more are good reasons to build your own solar fireplace. Here are three solar fireplaces you can use all year round. They cost no one much money; Most of it can be made from things found at home, grocery stores or in your belongings.
The advantages of using free solar are;
- · Food cooks but does not burn.
- · Everything you can do in a conventional oven can be done in the sun.
- ·.
- ·. UV, or ultraviolet rays, are a source of energy. These are the same rays that will cause fabrics to age, dashboards to crack, sunburn, and solar powered panels to generate electricity. .
Reflectors in solar panels direct UV rays to the fenced area. This area can be heated either in the oven or in another enclosed space. Black paint and black pots absorb heat and UV rays. The food starts to cook inside the area.
There are those who decry solar cooking because it only takes a few hours to cook food. It’s time for electric crock pots to cook too. Another complaint is that someone has to go out every 15 to 30 minutes to re-watch the fireplace in the sun. That all depends on the type of freedom, the latitude and the amount of the sun. Here in Texas, I have never had this problem.
Here are three solar cookers you can make easily and cheaply.
For all kitchens you will need these general materials:
- · Reflective material – aluminum foil – heavy duty recommend
- · Glue- I used Elmer’s white glue in my first book, but for the money allowed, I found the glue to be more heat resistant. Elmer lasted a year with heavy use.
- · Cardboard or “plywood to build a fireplace.
- · For parabolic cookers, an umbrella or other type of base
- ·. This allows the heat to circulate around the entire vessel, allowing the food to cook evenly.
Cook reflex:
I brought two boxes from the local liquor store. This was a very heavy duty cardboard, which was perfect for my use.
I cut out four parts all the way to the bottom, using a knife. I created a duct tape, like a cross. I covered all the top surfaces with aluminum foil, using shiny side glue.
Bricks and other heavy objects support to direct the UV rays towards the center of the space.
I had a black enamel vessel, which I filled with my food. A cheap hibachi grill provided a throwaway rack.
I placed the rack inside a large oven bag, placed the pot on top, placed the oven thermometer inside, and tied the oven bag closed.
It was 80º outside and within an hour, the oven was over 350º. This was more than adequate for the chicken inside.
Solar oven:
For the oven does not use bags. You will need two boxes and insulating materials. Do not use Styrofoam because it will not stand up to heat and will produce toxic fumes that could injure or kill you. Don’t use a standard or outdoor or family rose.
One box should fit inside the other at least one half and a half. You will also need a lid for the outside of the box. The cover needs to have a space cut out inside, so a sheet of clear plastic or glass (preferably) is attached to collect the sun’s rays. A space large enough to cut the edges of the inner box.
Cardboard, newspaper or other dense material should be placed between the pockets. Seal the top space between the two boxes so heat doesn’t escape. Paint the inside of the box black to collect more UV rays.
To use, place the rack inside the box and place the black paste with the food on top of it. Place the thermometer inside the oven, close the lid and place in the sun.
The inside of the box heats up more than the firebox that surrounds it with ambient air.
The disadvantage of the oven is that many things cannot be fixed without affecting the food in the pot. Tipping points the top of the glass directly to the sun’s rays. This oven heats up more inside.
Between the two food can be prepared in almost any weather anywhere in the world.
Parabolic or free funnel:
Inside line is an old expanded umbrella with aluminum foil. Make a platform for the dish to rest while the food is cooking. A focus is created when UV rays are directed to a single point.
Care should be used not to have your hands in this place as it may burn people. The umbrella must be prevented from unfolding.
The funnel needs a free container for the funnel. Take the reflective windshield protector and snap it into the funnel shape. Insert into the holder. Place the bag containing the food inside the oven and into the funnel. This is going to be very hot inside, possibly to boiling temperatures.
Solar cookers and ovens are used all over the world. People in disaster areas like Haiti use them because resources like wood, gas and electricity are going out. The ability to cook food is a necessity when storage is not possible.
Commercial solar cookers and ovens are available online. One design allows for a solar oven to be attached while holding the food via movable shelves inside. This oven tends to be expensive, but it works beautifully.
I put mine together for less than $10. I spent the most money on an oven thermometer. I have used the stove for several years without the bowl ever burning.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in various forms of DIY, home improvement and repair; knitting, designing and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.
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