Solar Oven Comparisons page

Solar oven comparisons and detail page for the top commercial brands: The GSO...Hot Pot...SOS Sport..."Solar Burner"...and more

Below you can find the straight, simple facts necessary to help make an informed decision on each of the major commercial brands.

Of course you will also want to know about the many variables and the intangible aspects and features that cannot always be shown in a statistical table, therefore we would invite you to visit many of our other pages on the where, how, when, and why, of solar cooking. Also see our page of tips and ideas on how to get the most out of your solar cooker

A-inside cooking space:
The Global Sun Oven is 14 x 14 by 12inches sloped down to 8 inches.
B-outside measurements:
GSO's outside dimension as 19 x 19 with an average 11 inch depth.

Special Features: Levelator: A self leveling table (floor) in oven chamber used to maintain pots and foods level when oven is inclined or elevated.
Adjustable leg for elevating the oven.

Availability: Manufactured in the United States and in a number of other countries.Can be shipped from the US to most any country (shipping costs vary from country to country)

Click here to find Canadian Shipping Added

Not sure? Read personal opinions of the GSO

Solar Oven Comparisons of the Global Sun Oven and the SOS Sport

SOS Sport

Type: Box Cooker

Size and dimensions:

A-inside cooking space:
18"wide x 9"deep x 9"high with a sloping grade down to 6" high at front of cooker.

B-outside measurements:
27" wide x 18"deep x 11.5"high

Weight: 10 pounds

Temperatures:

Avg: 235-265 F

High Temp:375 F

Special Features:Scientifically designed and tested, Totally weather proof materials used in its construction

Materials: (The following information is given by manufacturer,Solar Oven Society)Two main design features are responsible for the excellent heating capability:

1. The insulation material used is a 1-inch thick, closed cell, glass fiber reinforced, material with aluminumfoil laminate on both sides. The insulating benefits of this material include:

a) A high insulating value of 6.5 R;

b) It won't deform or crush in normal usage (because of the glass fill);

c) It won't absorb water (because it is closed celled);

d) The glass fill provides long life with sustained high temperatures.

Subpoints b), c) and d) above will not degrade the insulating value.

The front, back, sides and bottom of the unit are lined with this insulation

2. The lid of the SOS Sport is also insulated by creating an air gap created by a clear film secured over amolded bubble in the lid material. The insulation of the lid is an SOS Sport exclusive.

3. Four stainless steel clips safely secure the lid to maximizecooking temperatures and hold the heat in. Pictured at theright.

SAFE MATERIALS

The SOS Sport is constructed of safe materials for solar cooking. These materials were carefully selectedby knowledgeable solar scientists.

1. The insulating material for the front, back sides and bottom is polyisocyanurate. This material is non-toxic and is stable at solar cooking temperatures of 200-300oF. It will not out-gas without being ignited. It ignites at 880oF with flame, or self ignites at 1080oF, both well above solar cooking temperatures.It also withstands the sustained high temperatures of solar cooking because of the glass fill.

2. The exterior housing and collar are injection molded from the same basic material, polyethylene terephthalate(PET), obtained from post consumer, recycled pop bottles. (The material for the collar is glass reinforced to withstand higher temperatures.) This material is safe since it has been in direct contact with soda drinks.Additionally it is safe at solar cooking temperatures (200-300oF) because it has been heated up 5 times previously (as high as 500oF+) during: original pellet formation; injection molding of bottle plugs; bottle blow molding; 2nd pellet formation; and injection molding of the SOS Sport.

3. The lid consists of 3 materials. The clear modified acrylic lid material is commonly used for self-serve, foodsteam tables in restaurants. The .003-.004 inch thick, clear polyester film used to create the insulating air gap of the lid is also polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with special UV absorbing agents. The tape used to hold the film in place has the same PET base as the film without the UV agents but with an acrylic adhesive that has no toxic agents.

4. The .018 inch thick inner liner is aluminum with paint baked at 450oF., black on the oven cavity side and white towards the insulation.

LONG LIFE
The SOS Sport is manufactured to last.

1. The exterior case and collar are injection molded PET. This material stands up to weather conditions, solar cooking temperatures and rough handling.

2. The insulation material is closed cell and will not absorb the water naturally produced during cooking or from rain or spills. It is glass filled to stand up to sustained, high, solar cooking temperatures.

3. The one piece, see-through lid top is tough vacuum-formed, acrylic material unaffected by UV rays. The film forming the insulating air gap is tough. It was originally manufactured to protect Interstate Highway signs from abrasion and degradation from road airborne debris and chemicals.

4. The enamel coated aluminum liner will not rust.

5. The "spring clips" are made from stainless steel and will not rust.

OPTIONAL REFLECTORS

The reflectors of the SOS Sport are made from black HDPE corrugated plastic for good weatherability and long UV life. Appropriate corona treatment holds the adhesive and the aluminized film laminate to the HDPE.

The standard opening of the lid without reflectors provides 100 watts of power in good overhead sunshine.When reflectors are used with the oven, the additional sunshine entering the solar oven equates to 200 watts of power in good overhead sunshine.
There are numerous variables with the sun and atmosphere that impact the ovens performance.
Stainless steel springs and links securely attach the reflectors to the lid and will not rust

Availability: Manufactured in the US. Can be shipped from the US to most any country (shipping costs vary from country to country)

Pros and Cons:
Pros:

One of the lightest manufactured solar ovens
Long lasting durable materials used in manufacture of oven
Has one of the largest cooking interiors of commercial ovens available (regular size cookie tray can fit well)
Lightweight solar reflectors (optional)

Comes with a WAPI (water pasteurization indicator)
Comes with two included black roasting pots
State of the art insulation that will not deteriorate due to moisture and heat exposure
Designed with two cooking angles; for summer and winter time
Door (lid) and reflector clips and hooks prevent wind from blowing them off
Has largest "footprint" or base, making it probably the most stable in brisk winds
Achieves hotter temperatures than many ovens except for the Global Sun Oven
Has a very efficient (sealed air) insulated lid

Easy to maintain and clean
Has a nice "winter angle" for cooking when the sun is lower during the shorter days of the year.

Cons:

Interior cooking space is reduced when set at the 60° wintertime cooking angle
Reflectors are made of mylar laminated plastic. Mylar looses its reflectivity with exposure
Reflectors are an optional item; nevertheless the cost is still very reasonable ($190.00)
Clips for reflector and lid can be stiff and difficult to unlatch (easier with use)
Is not as efficient without reflectors in our northern latitudes (optional reflector panels highly recommended)
Sealed air chamber in lid can fog on inside due to moisture creeping in, reducing effective penetration of sun's rays
Lexan transparent lid/cover can warp and discolor if temperatures are too excessive for too long, when oven is used with reflector panels in summer time...reflector panels should be used for early spring, late fall and winter.

* * The Sport was not designed for extremely high temperatures like the GSO, but if used properly it is still as effective at cooking and baking as is any other solar box cooker, if not more so.

Average cost on market $190.00 (including shipping)

Click Here for Continental US orders:

Click here to find Canadian Shipping Added

Not sure? Read personal opinions of the SOS Sport Oven

Solar Oven Comparisons of the SOS Sport and the Hot Pot

Hot Pot:

Type: Panel Cooker

Size and dimensions:

A-inside cooking space 5.3 quart steel pot

B-outside measurementsExtended panel measures 29" wide x 22" front to back and 14"in depth

Pot measures 12"in diameter

Weight: 12 pounds

Materials:

Reflector panels: The less expensive standard reflector is made of aluminum foil bonded to heavy cardboard. The more expensive reflector, the Morning Star, is made of anodized aluminum and has steel hinges. It is, more durable, more alluring and impervious to termites and goats.Glass outer Bowl, lid and steel cooking pot

The pot assembly comprises a 5-liter black-enameled steel pot supported by its rim inside a covered, transparent, tempered glass bowl. There is a half-inch of air space between the pot and the bowl. The heat retained inside the glass bowl creates a miniature "greenhouse" effect and maintains cooking temperatures.

Temperatures:

Avg: 225- 250 F

High Temp: 350 F (dry)

Special Features:Scientifically designed and tested by the The Florida Solar Energy Center http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/research/solarthermal/solar_cooker/

Availability: Manufactured in Mexico

Distribution available from Warehouses in the United States There may soon be some local manufacturing of Hot pot in other third world countries

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Very high quality materials used in the manufacture of panels and pot
Heavy enough to withstand brisk wind
Highly reflective mirror polished aluminum reflectors, longer lasting reflectivity
No maintenance other than cleaning, which is easily done.
Great for slow, low temperature Crockpot type cooking (soups, stews, meats)
Large cooking container
Most efficient and effective panel cooker manufactured
Can maintain steady boiling temperatures for four to six hours or more in summer time.
Compact, collapsible, reflector panels allowing for more compact storage overall.

Cons:

Panels can move about with a brisk wind, and if strong enough can tip the cooker over
Panel cookers are a little less effective in the wintertime due to the inability of the panels to converge the suns rays more directly onto the pot.
Not the best style of cooker for baking cookies and other such goods even though it can be done with adjustments.
Large pot makes it less compact for tight storage issues.

Average cost on market $124.95 (including shipping)

Click Here for Continental US orders:

Click here to find Canadian Shipping Added

Not sure? Read personal opinions of the Hot Pot

Solar Oven Comparisons of the Hot Pot and Cantinawest's "Solar Burner"

Cantinawest's Solar Burner

Type: Parabolic

Size and dimensions:

A-inside cooking space: N/A

B-outside measurements: 5ft. in diameter

Weight: 39lbs

Materials: Steel tubing and plate

All steel construction(welded joints)
High reflectivity mylar concentrator
Simple hand crank elevation adjustment

Temperatures:
Avg:800 F

High Temp:820 F +

Special Features:
Elevation adjustable sliding arm and a pot receptacle stabilizing arm

Availability: Can now be acquired from dealer in United States

Pros and Cons:

Pros

Larger surface area for greater power (heat) output
Long lasting, durable construction and materials
Easily adjustable
Reaches high temperatures very quickly
Mild winds are not a serious problem due to size and weight
Great for frying and grilling foods
Can be transported while inverted on top of vehicle or by partial dismantling.
Can be used for starting camping, or cooking fires when no other means are available
Very useful for pasteurizing and sterilizing large amounts of water for personal and family use.
Cooks as well as most electric range top burners.
Reflective Vinyl surface allows for easy spot repair or replacement of reflective surface if and when necessary.

Some Quick Statistics

Shallow Parabola

Focus length 60 cm. (23.62 inches)

1500 watts power on sunny day

Focus area 1.5 square meters (16.15 sq ft)

Focal spot temp 824 F.+- (440.56 C)

Diameter 1.5 meters across (4.92 ft)

Cons:

Weight (39lbs.) and size (5ft.diameter) make it more difficult to transport ( for some it works better as an established fixture)

Vinyl reflective surface fades with time, as do all mylar/vinyl surfaces exposed to elements and spills.
Must be adjusted more frequently than a box or panel cooker
Care must be taken in its use as opposed to the more passive and unattended nature of box and panel cookers
Not the best for baked goods, although it can be done with some innovation
Harder to store due to it's size since it is not compact or collapsible.
Shorter people may have a little more difficulty reaching pans from over the edge of parabolic. (can be remedied with small stool)
* Note: If parabolic cooker is moved/dragged excessively over long period of time joints can become weakened,as is the possibility with most welded joints/connectors when stressed.
* 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.

Average price on market is: $165.00 (including shipping)

Click Here for Continental US orders:

Not Sure? Read personal opinions of the "Solar Burner"

Solar Oven Comparisons of the "Solar Burner" and the Solar Sizzler

Solar Sizzler

Type: Parabolic Cooker

Size and dimensions:

A-inside cooking space N/A

B-outside measurements 3feet in diameterWeight: 7 lbs. without base

Materials:

The reflective material is a coating that is applied to the ABS plastic. It is the same type of coating that is applied to trophies and "chromed" items you might otherwise find around the house, including newer tub faucets and drains. It is not actually chrome but vaporized aluminum, which then has a protective lacquer over it.This finish is suitable for the intended occasional use but we do not recommend that the unit be left out 24/7.We are investigating a more rugged finish that would actually be chrome metal plating but this would increase the cost by a factor of 3 or 4.

Temperatures:

Avg:350 F (estimate)
High Temp:500 F (rated at about 600 Watts)

Special Features:All plastic design, easy snap together assembly

Availability: Manufactured in Canada,shipped to US and world wide

Pros and Cons:
Pros:

Very Lightweight durable, weather resistant, snap together plastic panels
Can be disassembled for easy transportation or storage, great for backpacking
Assembled size is very manageable and not cumbersome or space consuming
Can be mounted easily on a camera tripod
Great for frying and grilling foods

Cons:

Reflective finish wears off with time.
Smaller reflective surface when comparing to other available parabolic cookers
Does not come with cook pot
Does not include a mounting base nor a plate or frame for setting a cooking pot.
Moves about too easily with a brisk wind
Not the best for baked goods, although it can be done with some innovation
Must be adjusted more frequently than a box or panel cooker
Care must be taken in its use as opposed to the more passive and unattended nature of box and panel cookers
Smaller than many parabolics, thus cannot attain the higher temperatures of a larger parabolic

Average Cost on market is $85.00 (including shipping)

*Does not include cost of stand for parabolic and tripod for cookware; extra $50.00+

Solar Sizzler

Solar Oven Comparisons of the Solar Sizzler and the Cookit

Cookit

Type: Panel Cooker

Size and dimensions:

A-inside cooking space:Based on size of pot being used

B-outside measurements:N/A

Weight: 2-4 lbs. depending on cookware used (panels are less than 2lbs.)

Materials:The CooKit is a lightweight, panel-style solar cooker. Convenient for home, camping and emergencies, it folds flat to 13"x13"x2". Made of cardboard and foil. Comes with two high-temperature cooking bags, required for cooking Use with a black, covered pot (not included).

Temperatures:Avg:220-250 F

High Temp:300 F (dry)

Special Features:Most compact, lightweight of the manufactured panel cookers.

Availability:Is manufactured in the US and most countries, can be shipped in large quantities at reasonable rates

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Very simple design and inexpensive materials (can be duplicated using common everyday materials found in home or supply store)
One of the least expensive solar cookers available
Light weight
Folds up for compact storing capability
Can be used with almost any small, dark colored cookware and an oven bag
Great for slow, low temperature Crockpot type cooking (soups, stews, meats)

Cons:

Somewhat pricey considering the cheaper materials that are used in its manufacture
Panels can move about with a brisk wind.
Panel cookers are a little less effective in the wintertime
Comes with no included cooking pot
Requires constant replenishing of oven cooking bags

Average price on market is: $30.00 (including shipping)

Solar Cookers International

Solar Oven Comparisons of the Cookit and the Tulsi Hybrid

Tulsi Hybrid

Type: Box Cooker

Size and dimensions:
A-inside cooking space15"wide x 15" long x 3.5"deep

B-outside measurements22" wide x 22"long x 7.5" high

Specifications

Cooker size: 540 x 540 x 200 mm. / 21.25 in. x 21.25 in. x 7.87 in. Cooking capacity: 2 Kgs. or 6-8 Kgs. per day / 4 Lbs. or 13 to 17 Lbs. per day

Material: Molded body made of UV resistant fiber reinforced plastic
Tray material & coating: Aluminum sheet, black painted for high UV heat absorptionCooking pots w/Lids:
4-Stainless steel pots w/lips, hard black coated for UV heat absorption

Energy source: Solar & electric power for backupElectrical consumption: Low setting. 0.25 KW/h - High setting 0.475 KW/h. depending on amount of food being cooked & ambient conditions
Two Power source: Solar or Electric 120 volts / 60 cycles.

Electrical wattage thermostatically controlled:Normal setting: 250 Watts (+/- 10%)High setting: 475 Watts (+/-10%)

Total weight: Approx. 13 Kgs. / 29 Lbs. including cooking pots

Manufactured by Rohitas Electronics of Kanpur, India

Temperatures:Avg: 250-300 F
High Temp:400 F

Special Features:One of the easiest setups available and is the most protected oven due to high quality outer shell

Availability:Distributed locally in the US by a number of sellers

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

High quality materials
Airtight construction
High insulation rating
Weight allows it to withstand brisk winds without overturning
*Added benefit of backup electrical power in case of loss of solar capacity (only solar cooker with this feature)
Wide and long cooking interior can cook a 14 inch pizza
Includes four blackened Stainless steel, covered cooking pots
Highly reflective mirror polished aluminum reflectors, longer lasting
Interior of oven is very easy to clean
One of the hotter box ovens at dry heat...but less when loaded with food

Cons:

Heavier than most solar box cookers on the market
One of the more expensive ovens due to its material quality and manufacture location
Larger in size than most box solar cookers; takes more space, but can be stored on its side like a suit case.
Cooking space is not very "tall" or deep at only 3.5 inches, but it is very wide and long 15" x 15" needs to be used with shallow pans
Hinges and attachments can loosen with heavy use, just need re-tightening
The back, or lid, reflector panel needs more adjusting than usual to get the right focus of suns rays as opposed to those cookers that have angled panels such as the GSO or Sport, thus causing temperatures to vary more.

Average price on market is: $300.00 (including shipping)
Not Sure? Read personal opinions of Tulsi Hybrid
Tulsi Hybrid Sun Oven

Solar Oven Comparisons of the Tulsi Hybri and the Cleardome Octagon Parabolic

Cleardome SolaReflex AA Octagon Parabolic

Type: * Parabolic (*because of its structure it is considered a parabolic rather than a panel cooker according to manufacturer)

Size and dimensions:

A-inside cooking space: depending on pot size used

B-outside measurements: 26" tall reflector panels

Weight: 6lbs

Materials: Reflector panel is made of weather resistant anodized aluminum with 95.5% reflective SolaReflex AA mirror surface

Temperatures:
Avg:285 F

High Temp:400 F

Special Features:
-Heat absorber plate for pot setting
-Weather and tarnish resistant coating

Availability:Manufactured in San Diego CA and sold every where

Pros and Cons:

Pros

Larger surface area for greater power (heat) output compared to other smaller panel style cookers

Parabolic structure and greater surface area concentrates more sunshine over a larger area of the cooking pot than do standard reflective panels, reducing the loss of suns rays that traditionally reflect past the cooking pot.

The reflector support base is also made of thicker anodized aluminum, and it has a black fiber cement heat absorber plate that serves as the pot holder and will heat up to about 250 degress F in full sun. This helps to speed cooking much like pre-heating a box cooker. It's a solar hot plate that also reduces heat loss from the bottom because of the way it's mounted on the support base.

Long lasting, durable construction and materials.
Has a rock hard weather coating over the mirror polished anodized aluminum, assuring longer lasting reflectivity than any other cooker on the market.
Reaches high temperatures more quickly than most.
Can withstand winds better than most panel style cookers due to its rigidity and low center of gravity.
Can fry and grill foods using accessories.
Light weight of only six pounds for the reflector and base assembly,very portable.
Collapsible for easy storage
Offers optional solar distilation container to distill foul or salty water.

Cons:

Not a parabolic in the true sense of the word.
Lighter Weight in this instance, it is not as heavy as many parabolics, therefore is not as stable in the wind like the heavier more permanent parabolics.

Does not come with a cooking pot or cover, must acquire ones own dark cooking pot, while the unique,optional, Clear Dome Pot Cover is available as an option. This cover will allow for baking foods with the Octagon Parabolic cooker
Tests by some show it not as efficient or as effective at boiling water compared to a standard parabolic cooker.
Not the best for baked goods, although it can be accomplished with some innovation

More expensive than most panel style cookers, especially when cooking pots, covers etc. are sold as optional accessories .

Average price on market is: $224.00 (including shipping) Cleardome Solar

See website for optional $39.00 Clear Dome Pot Cover,Optional $39.00 Fresnel solar smoker wood chips burner and solar water distiller Optional accessories

Return from Solar Oven Comparisons back to Solar Oven varieties and styles

Videos of some of the Solar Cookers
Using your Solar Cooker Effectively
Purchase a Hot Pot Panel Cooker
Purchase an SOS Sport
Purchase a Global Sun Oven
Purchase a "Solar Burner"

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It is light weight, 21 oz , and easy to transport. It comes in a 15" x 15" x 1" package and can be assembled in less than 15 minutes. It can cook any time ...

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