Solar ovens are an excellent alternative to traditional ovens, especially for those who want to save on electricity bills or reduce their carbon footprint. They use the sun’s energy to cook food, making them an eco-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and those living in areas with limited access to electricity. Solar ovens come in different shapes and sizes, but they all work on the same principle of converting sunlight into heat.
When it comes to choosing the best solar oven, there are several factors to consider. The first is the type of food you plan to cook. Some solar ovens are better suited for baking, while others are ideal for roasting or steaming. The second factor is the size of the oven. If you plan to cook for a large group, you’ll need a bigger oven, while a smaller one will suffice for personal use. The third factor is the material used to make the oven. Some materials are more durable than others and can withstand high temperatures better.
We spent hours researching and testing various solar ovens to identify the ones that offer the best performance, durability, and value for money. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the top solar ovens on the market and what sets them apart. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor cook or a beginner, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to the best solar ovens.
Top 3 Best Solar Ovens
3. Sunflair Portable Solar Oven
We have researched and tested various solar ovens to bring you a list of the best options available on Amazon. Solar ovens are a great alternative to traditional ovens as they use renewable energy and are perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or backyard barbecues. With our list, you can choose the best solar oven that fits your needs and budget. Check out our top picks below.
GOSUN Sport Solar Oven
If you’re looking for a portable and eco-friendly way to cook your meals while camping or traveling, the GOSUN Sport Solar Oven is worth considering.
Pros
- The GOSUN Sport Solar Oven is highly portable and easy to set up, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
- It’s completely safe to use, as the solar vacuum tube cooking chamber provides a near-perfect layer of insulation, keeping the exterior surface cool even while hot inside.
- The GOSUN Sport Solar Oven cooks food quickly and efficiently, reaching temperatures up to 550°F (290°C) in full sunlight.
Cons
- The GOSUN Sport Solar Oven can be a bit tricky to clean, and the cooking tray can be difficult to remove.
- It may not be suitable for cooking large meals or for use in areas with limited sunlight.
- The GOSUN Sport Solar Oven is a bit expensive compared to traditional camping stoves.
Overall, we highly recommend the GOSUN Sport Solar Oven for anyone who loves outdoor adventures and wants to cook their meals in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.
The GOSUN Sport Solar Oven is equipped with two foldable parabolic reflectors made of industry-grade anodized aluminum, a durable Borosilicate Evacuated Glass Tube cooking chamber, and a Cooking Tray made of 304 Culinary Grade stainless steel. It’s also completely submersible and comes with a rugged Scrubby Cleaning Tool that attaches onto the tray’s end.
The GOSUN Sport Solar Oven is incredibly easy to use. Simply load food into the tube cooking chamber and set the chamber on the reflector to cook. No monitoring is required, and the solar oven retains your food’s flavor and nutrition cooking from 360° (like a slow cooker – but faster).
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and efficient way to cook your meals while camping or traveling, the GOSUN Sport Solar Oven is a great investment. It’s portable, easy to use, and cooks food quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s completely safe to use and comes with a two-year no-questions-asked warranty when ordered on Amazon from GoSun Stove or Brookstone.
All American Sun Oven- The Ultimate Solar Appliance
We highly recommend the All American Sun Oven for those who want to cook delicious and healthy meals using solar energy. With its unique features and American-made quality, this solar oven is a great investment for anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying their favorite meals.
Pros
- The E-Z Sun-track indicators make it easy to align with the sun, ensuring that you get the most out of your solar oven.
- The thicker, low lead glass allows the oven to get 10-15% hotter, which means you can cook your meals in record time.
- The dual-purpose wire leveling rack swings freely to prevent spilling and can be set on the Sun Oven floor, increasing the usable area inside.
Cons
- The All American Sun Oven is relatively heavy at 22 pounds, which may make it difficult to transport for some users.
- Some users have reported that the oven’s temperature gauge is not always accurate, which can make it difficult to cook certain dishes.
- The oven does not come with any cookware, which means you will need to purchase your own separately.
The All American Sun Oven is a great investment for anyone who wants to cook delicious and healthy meals using solar energy. The oven’s unique features, such as the E-Z Sun-track indicators and thicker glass, make it easy to use and highly efficient. While the oven is relatively heavy and may not be suitable for all users, its benefits far outweigh any minor drawbacks.
Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe
If you’re looking for a versatile solar oven that can cook a wide variety of foods and is easy to use, the Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe may be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The most versatile solar oven on the market, can bake cookies or pizza, dry fruits and herbs, and can accommodate a wide variety of cookware.
- No assembly required, easy to use, sets up and stores in seconds.
- Comes with everything you need to start cooking, including a solar oven thermometer, heat-conducting/baking trays, baking/dehydrating racks, an enamelware pot, silicone pots, and a handy carrying bag.
Cons
- May take some practice to get the hang of cooking with solar power.
- Not as efficient as traditional ovens, may take longer to cook certain foods.
- May not be as durable as some other solar ovens on the market.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe and were impressed with its versatility and ease of use. With no assembly required, we were able to start cooking right away. We were able to bake cookies and pizza, as well as dry fruits and herbs, all with great results.
One thing to keep in mind is that cooking with solar power may take some practice to get the hang of. It may also take longer to cook certain foods than with traditional ovens. However, the Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe comes with a solar oven thermometer to help you get the temperature just right.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use solar oven. With everything you need to start cooking included, it’s a great value for the price.
GOSUN Go Portable Camping Stove
If you’re looking for a portable solar oven for camping or outdoor adventures, the GOSUN Go Portable Camping Stove is a great option.
Pros
- The GOSUN Go is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
- It heats up quickly and can cook a meal in as little as 20 minutes, reaching temperatures up to 550°F (290°C) in full sunlight.
- The GOSUN Go is effective at capturing ultraviolet light and holding its heat, making it a reliable option for cooking outdoors.
Cons
- The GOSUN Go is on the smaller side, so it may not be the best option for larger groups or families.
- As with all solar ovens, the GOSUN Go’s effectiveness is dependent on having access to direct sunlight, so it may not be the best option for cloudy or overcast days.
- The price tag may be a bit steep for those on a budget.
Overall, we would recommend the GOSUN Go Portable Camping Stove for those looking for a reliable and portable solar oven for camping or outdoor adventures. It’s lightweight, heats up quickly, and is effective at holding its heat, making it a great option for cooking outdoors.
Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven
If you’re looking for a portable solar oven that is easy to use and can cook your food from sun-up to sundown, then the Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven is the world’s lightest and easiest solar oven, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
- It’s possible to cook in some vehicles with this oven, which is great for those who want to cook while on the go.
- The Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven is easy to set up and store, and it comes with a handy stuff bag for easy transportation.
Cons
- The oven might be too small for some users, which means they won’t be able to cook larger meals.
- It might take longer to cook food in the Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven compared to traditional ovens.
- The oven might not work well in areas with low sunlight or during cloudy days.
The Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven is a great choice for those who want to cook their food using solar energy. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing, and it’s easy to use and store. However, it might not be suitable for those who want to cook larger meals or those who live in areas with low sunlight.
The oven comes with a solar oven thermometer, a trivet, a collapsible silicone pot, and a handy stuff bag, which makes it easy to transport. It’s also possible to cook in some vehicles, which is great for those who want to cook while on the go.
Overall, we think the Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven is a great investment for those who want to cook their food using solar energy. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and perfect for outdoor activities.
MrMapMax Solar Oven
We highly recommend the MrMapMax Solar Oven for anyone looking to cook delicious meals while enjoying the great outdoors.
Pros
- The solar cooker is designed to work in all seasons as long as the sun is up. It will also function in cloudy days or with the snow around, capturing ultraviolet light and holding its heat.
- It takes only 20 minutes to cook a meal, maximum temperature 550°F (288°C) in full sunlight. Solar cooking is even tastier that there’s little air movement in a solar oven, the food cooks evenly and stays moist and tender.
- The solar stove can be set up and stored in seconds with zipper design on both sides. Without being supervised by anyone, children can also participate in it, saving you a lot of time and energy and enjoying the food while relaxing.
Cons
- The reflective panels are not focused in the least way.
- The temperature gauge is pointless.
- It would be easier to use if it had a built-in timer.
The MrMapMax Solar Oven is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to cook delicious meals without relying on traditional fuel sources. We were impressed with how quickly it heated up and cooked our food without any additional effort. The large capacity of 4.5L made it easy to cook for 2-3 people, making it a great option for family camping trips or backyard barbecues.
One of the standout features of the MrMapMax Solar Oven is its portability. The one-piece design of a handbag with adjustable strap makes it easy to take on the go, and the durable vacuum tube cooking chamber provides insulation to keep heat in and cool out. We also appreciated how easy it was to set up and store with the zipper design on both sides.
While there are a few downsides to the MrMapMax Solar Oven, such as the poorly focused reflective panels and the pointless temperature gauge, we still highly recommend this product for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient way to cook food outdoors. Overall, the MrMapMax Solar Oven is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook and spend time in the great outdoors.
GoSun Barbecue
If you’re looking for a portable solar oven, the GoSun Barbecue is a great option. We’ve had a chance to use it and here’s what we think.
Pros
- The ultimate package comes with everything you need for cooking and cleaning up.
- Cooking with this solar oven is easy and the food retains its flavor and nutrition.
- The oven is portable and durable, perfect for camping and outdoor adventures.
Cons
- Water takes over an hour to boil, so be prepared for longer cooking times.
- The Brew accessory is not very effective, so don’t rely on it for boiling water.
- The price may be a bit steep for some.
We love that the GoSun Barbecue comes with everything you need to get started, from the portable stove to the non-stick silicone baking pans. Cooking with this solar oven is easy and the food comes out tasting great. We also appreciate that the oven is portable and durable, making it perfect for camping and other outdoor adventures.
However, we did notice that boiling water takes a long time, so be prepared for longer cooking times if you’re planning on using this oven for that purpose. The Brew accessory is also not very effective, so don’t rely on it for boiling water. Additionally, the price may be a bit steep for some, but we think it’s worth it for the convenience and quality of the product.
Overall, we highly recommend the GoSun Barbecue for anyone looking for a portable solar oven. It’s a great investment for outdoor enthusiasts and those who want to cook with renewable energy.
GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to cook your meals, the GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker is a great option. It’s easy to use, and it cooks food quickly without using any fuel or electricity.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Stable and durable
- Adjustable to control temperatures
Cons
- Requires direct sunlight
- Assembly may be difficult
- Large and heavy once assembled
This solar cooker is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to cook their meals without using any fuel or electricity. It’s made of high-quality carbon steel and features self-healing polymers that maximize the effects of the sun and ensure the durability of the mirrors.
To use the GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker, simply put the stove in the direction of the sun and put the cooking utensils on the pot rack. Then, turn the adjusting handle to adjust the elevation of the reflecting surface so that the light spot falls on the bottom or center of the pan. You can control the heat by adjusting the reflectors for perfectly grilled meats with that flavorful outer crisp and tender slow-cooked insides.
One of the best things about this solar cooker is that it’s easy to clean. All you need is soapy water and a cloth to wipe away the grease from cooking off of the solar stove. Dry off the water with a soft towel, and it’s ready for the next use. Cooking with solar energy means there is no toxic smoke blowing in your face while you’re preparing meals. Plus, you won’t get soot or ash in your food like with charcoal grills.
However, it’s important to note that this product requires direct sunlight to work. It may be difficult to assemble, and it’s large and heavy once assembled.
In summary, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to cook your meals outdoors, the GDAE10 Portable Solar Cooker is a great option. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and cooks food quickly without using any fuel or electricity.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best solar oven, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you make the right choice for your needs.
Size and Capacity
One of the first things to consider is the size and capacity of the solar oven. Think about how many people you typically cook for and how much food you need to prepare. Some solar ovens are designed for individual use, while others can cook enough food to feed a large family. Consider the size of the oven and the size of the cooking chamber to ensure it meets your needs.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of the solar oven are also important factors to consider. Look for an oven made from high-quality materials that can withstand outdoor conditions. Stainless steel and aluminum are popular choices for their durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.
Temperature Range
The temperature range of the solar oven is another important consideration. Look for an oven that can reach high temperatures, as this will allow you to cook a wider range of foods. Some solar ovens can reach temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while others may only reach 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some solar ovens come with built-in thermometers, while others may have adjustable racks or multiple cooking chambers. Look for an oven that has the features you need to make cooking easier and more convenient.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best solar oven for your needs and enjoy delicious, eco-friendly meals cooked with the power of the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best solar ovens for camping?
When it comes to camping, portable and lightweight solar ovens are the best options. Some of the best solar ovens for camping include the GoSun Sport, Sunflair Portable Solar Oven, and Solavore Sport Solar Oven. These ovens are easy to set up, efficient, and can cook a variety of meals.
How does a solar cooker work?
A solar cooker works by using the energy from the sun to heat up the cooking chamber. The cooking chamber is covered with a transparent lid that allows sunlight to pass through and get absorbed by the dark-colored cooking pot or tray. The absorbed sunlight gets converted to heat, which cooks the food.
What are the benefits of a DIY solar oven?
Making your own solar oven can be a fun and cost-effective way to cook food using renewable energy. DIY solar ovens are also customizable, allowing you to build an oven that meets your specific needs. Additionally, DIY solar ovens can be made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly option.
What are some popular DIY solar oven designs?
Some popular DIY solar oven designs include the pizza box solar oven, the panel solar oven, and the parabolic solar cooker. Each design has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose a design that meets your specific needs.
How does the Haines Solar Cooker compare to other solar ovens?
The Haines Solar Cooker is a popular solar oven that is known for its efficiency and ease of use. Compared to other solar ovens, the Haines Solar Cooker is lightweight, portable, and can cook food quickly. However, it may not be as durable as other solar ovens, so it’s important to handle it with care.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a portable solar stove?
Portable solar stoves are a great option for camping and outdoor activities. They are lightweight, easy to use, and can cook food quickly. However, portable solar stoves may not be as efficient as larger solar ovens, and they may not be able to cook as much food at once. Additionally, they may not work as well in cloudy or overcast weather.
