INFORMATION ABOUT SOLAR COOKERS
A solar cooker is a device which utilizes the power of the sun in cooking food and sterilizing water. Solar cookers only require clear skies and healthy sunshine to work. However, most of the solar cookers available today are lowtech versions. High tech versions such as those operated by solar cells are somewhat expensive. Types of Solar Cooker
There are many styles of solar cookers. However, the three most common types are the parabolic cooker, box cooker, and panel cooker. Most solar cookers today fall in these types but many other styles exist which are usually a combination of these three types. In the past, cookers were created or built using materials which can be easily found in a local hardware store. Even today, when solar cookers are becoming popular, many people are still creating their own homemade solar cooker design with remarkable success.
The parabolic cooker looks like a satellite dish. When the sun shines on the metal reflectors, it heats it up to extremely high temperatures. Heat is reflected from the corners of the cooker to the center where food is cooked directly on the metal or in a pot. Because of its wide, reflective surface, parabolic cookers could get seriously hot. Solar box cooker can be made from wood, metal, cardboard, or plastic. This type of solar cooker has several parts: an insulated box with dark base, reflective lid, and clear cover. The reflectors concentrate light on the insulated box; the dark base absorbs heat while the clear plastic or glass cover contains it. The heat trapped inside the box intensifies to a level high enough to boil water and cook food. Solar box cookers are more difficult to heat up, but keep the food warm for long durations. Cooking in box cookers is just like cooking in a crockpot wherein the food is cooked in low heat for a long time. In larger box cookers, the temperature can reach a higher level but take more time to heat up. One advantage of this type of Information about Solar Cookers © 2012 www.idcook.us
solar cooker is it can be used during winter in the snow. Panel cookers are made of flat reflective panels that directs the sun's rays into a cooking pot. Compared to other solar cookers, panel cookers do not have an inner box. Panel cookers are more affordable but they can be unstable against strong winds. Uses of a Solar Cooker
In developing countries or in disaster zone where clean drinking water is scarce, a solar cooker is used to purify water. It can also be used to sanitize pans, plates, kitchen utensils, and pots, sterilize health instruments and life saving devices, and pasteurize milk. A solar cooker is ideal for soups and stews but it is also possible to bake brownies, pizza, and other quick breads. Food preparation in a solar cooker can vary so plan your dishes early in the day. It is best to use dark metal cooking pans and pots, graniteware and cast iron pots for solar cooking. Try out other recipes. Most importantly, you can let you kids help in cooking easy solar cooker recipes without worrying about burns. CLICK HERE To See The Solar Cooker COOKUP 200 In Action. CLICK HERE To Find more solar products from IDCOOK.
Information about Solar Cookers © 2012 www.idcook.us