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Best Solar Cooker? Cantinawest's "Solar Burner"
Which is the best solar cooker?
To help you decide which is the best solar cooker,I would like to note my likes and dislikes of the "Solar Burner"; taking into consideration that this is the only parabolic among the solar cookers that I own and have reviewed. Some of the things I like about the "Solar Burner" are:
Its cost is very reasonable, considering its size and material make up as well as its productiveness and utility.
I like the fact that it is not too heavy, allowing for relative mobility and ease of use.
I like the ease with which the parabolic can be adjusted for elevation (up/down) and also side to side tracking of the sun. The parabolic turns/swivels from side to side on its base and also has a manually adjusted leveling/elevation arm which is easily operated with a circular crank handle.
I like the sturdiness of the materials used in the construction of the cooker which uses light, molded steel panels, pipes and braces.
Special Note: The Solar Burner has been given some upgrades to make the unit more durable and steadier.The base has been changed to a stronger circular base in order to avoid breakage of the legs and the cooking pot receptacle has been stabilized with an added steel rod arm, and the elevation adjuster has been simplified and reduced in size.
Note: The Solar Burner is manufactured overseas,where most solar cookers/parabolics are, thus the "finish" and "detail" quality are not quite as fine or, to standard, as can be found in US or European manufacturing plants. This does not affect the effectiveness or capacity of the cooker, but rather more so the "aesthetic" aspects.
I like the fact that it is just heavy and stable enough that most winds cannot move or tip the cooker. Also it is sturdy enough that quite large size pots can be used to cook, boil and fry on it.
(* Care should be taken to make sure the parabolic is on level and even ground and that the "burner plate" is level before placing any pot for cooking)
I like how quickly the parabolic can heat up a pan of water or cooking oil etc.
On a bright day it takes less than ten minutes to boil two cupsof water. (Paper will ignite in two seconds under its focused energy)
I especially like using my "Solar Burner" to quickly brown meats, heat up leftovers, or for boiling a large pot of potatoes in a short time.
Some things that I don't much care for about the "Solar Burner".
It is not a solar cooker that can be used easily for baking and simmering, since it is so much hotter and has no enclosure like an oven.
It is very bright to work around, thus it is best operated while using sun glasses to protect your vision.
Due to its size (larger diameter) it can be slightly challenging for shorter people to lean over the edge of the parabolic a bit to reach the pot…according to my wife.
(My kids use the Solar Burner also with out much problem, but yes, stretching can be a little inconvenient for shorter people)
I dislike the fact that with this style of solar cooker, the reflective panels get splattered on more often when frying and boiling if one is not careful, more so than with ovens or panel cookers.
(This is easily remedied though by cleaning up the splatters right away or right after cooking, and then it does not stick permanently) * Note: much of the splattering and dripping can be avoided if one uses deeper pans and lids whenever possible.
I would prefer polished aluminum for the reflector panels instead of the adhesive mylar sheets applied to the metal panels, since polished aluminum is more durable and its shine is longer lasting than mylar.
(Polished aluminum reflectors would of course make the cooker more expensive and a bit heavier.Mylar wears out with much use and cleaning, but of course it is much less expensive than the aluminum. And adhesive mylar can be used to repair and replace worn areas of the panels at minimal cost.)
A parabolic is a little bit more involved in its use and requires more attention and care than a solar oven or panel cooker.
Care has to be taken when children are around it or allowed to use it.
(Our children, ranging in age from 11-17 years, have learned how to use the "Solar Burner" quite well and are quite responsible around it)
After all that has been said; for the price, and considering the many uses and benefits that the "Solar Burner" offers, I have been very satisfied with my little parabolic solar cooker and will continue to use it every day the sun is shinning.
Purchase a Solar Burner
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For Canadian Orders your cost is only $34.00 More for international shipping.
Your cost for the complete "Solar Burner" Parabolic solar cooker is only $199.00, which includes shipping.
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Rate A Solar Cooker: What is your favorite Solar Cooker, and Why?
The Global Sun Oven... The SOS Sport... The Hot Pot... The Cookit? Heavens Flame? Parvati? "Solar Burner"...or some other?
Which is your favorite and why do you like (it) more than any other?
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I use the HQ solar grill
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I use my HQ solar grill because it is cheap and sturdy, and it cooks all kinds of foods. I haven't tried yours but it looks very similar to mine so I'm ...
Some things that I don't much care for about the "Solar Burner".
