Box solar cooker
| Time | 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cost | KSh 800–1,500 |
| Location | Sunny areas of Kenya |
Materials
- Two cardboard boxes, one fitting inside the other
- Aluminium foil
- Non-toxic black paper or paint
- Glass or heat-resistant clear plastic
- Crumpled newspaper for insulation
Tools
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Ruler
- Glue or tape
Safety
- Glass, cookware, and food become hot; wear gloves.
- Do not use unknown plastics near food or heat.
- Keep the cooker attended and away from children and animals.
- Confirm food has reached a safe internal temperature before eating.
Steps
- Put the smaller box inside the larger one and insulate the gap with newspaper.
- Line the smaller box with black material to absorb heat.
- Make a lid with a foil-covered reflector that can point toward the sun.
- Cover the opening with glass or clear heat-resistant plastic to trap warm air.
- Put a covered dark pot inside, aim the reflector, and check the temperature regularly.
Local adaptations
The cooker works best near midday during dry, sunny weather. In windy places, weight the base and secure the reflector. Do not use it in rain.
Sources
- Standard box solar-cooker principles; verify dimensions and safety in the real environment before use.