SOLAR OVEN

SOLAR OVEN that is quick, easy and FREE!!!

I am a packrat at heart and I am always looking at ways to make things from stuff and junk I have accumulated. I have been interested in trying to make a solar oven for a while.
We got a shipment in today that had perishable items and the box was lined with 1 think Styrofoam sheets. When I opened one of the box I realized that I was already on the way to making a solar oven. This is a very easy construct and with junk on hand the cost is ZERO. If you collect junk like I do you should be able to build this solar oven in less than an hour and still come up with good results.

Step 1: Parts and Tools

PARTS:

1 insulated cardboard box (BOX A)
1 cardboard box (small enough to fit inside first box snuggly) (BOX B)
1 cardboard box/cap to fit over BOX A (BOX C)
1 piece of glass – this came from a free scanner that was obtained for free off of craigslist.
Tape (shipping or duct tape)
Black spray paint
Clear plastic bag (zipper bag or twist tie)
Black or dark pot (small enough to fit within BOX B.)

TOOLS:

Craft knife
Ruler (optional)
Cutting board (optional)
Pencil, pen or marker

Step 2: Your First Cuts

I resealed the box with tape and then sliced one side off with my craft knife (BOX A). Once I had the side removed I was able to see how large the second box needed to be. I found a box that would fit fine from side to side but it was a little to long. After a little cardboard surgery I was left with a modified box (BOX B).

Remember that anytime you use a knife or other sharp tool to practice responsible use... safety first!

Step 3: Paint It and Stick It...

I spay painted the inside of BOX B to help capture the heat from the sun. Slide BOX B inside of BOX A and there should be a tight fit and you end up with a cardboard/Styrofoam/cardboard wall construction.

Step 4: Keep a Lid on Things

I found a box that would fit over everything and form a lid (BOX C). After rummaging around in my PILE O STUFF & JUNK I came up with a piece of glass that fit inside of BOX C. The glass is actually from an old scanner that was found on Craiglist for free.

Step 5: Staying Within the Lines

I traced the outline of the glass, marked a line inside of that outline and used the craft knife to make a frame/window opening to hold the glass. I would recommend putting a cutting board under BOX C when cutting. If you share your house with someone and you have put cuts on countertops or slices in flooring you only have to make that mistake once and you will never live it down.

Step 6: Window With a View

Once the hole is cut, position the glass and then tape it into place. Put the lid on top of the rest of the build and everything should be ready to cook.

Step 7: Lets Get Cooking

When it is time to prepare you meal try to find a dark container/pot/etc that will fit within the solar over. Put your ingredients in the pot and then put the pot into a clear plastic bag and seal the bag with either the zipper closure or a twist tie.

This will cook similar to a crock-pot and the best hours for cooking are usually around 10am to 3pm. Aim the oven at the sun and forget it. If you are able to monitor the oven you can reposition it through out the day and get a little extra temp out of it.

Get everything ready and load it in the morning and you should be ready to eat later that day.