Minimum ambient temperature?

by Unknown??? Katie???
(Unknown???)

Is there a minimum ambient temperature needed to allow a solar oven work? If so, what is it?

We are conducting a science experiment to determine if the size of the solar oven affects the temperature it can retain and the cooking ability of the oven. We built 10 solar ovens--5 from medium sized pizza boxes and 5 from large sized pizza boxes. Unfortunately, we are trying to collect data in the middle of winter and outside temps have been in the low to mid 30's. We can't get the ovens--large or small--to heat up enough to even register on the oven thermometers that we are using.

We are thinking of trying them inside in front of a large window where the sun can shine through.

What are your thoughts/suggestions?


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Thank you?... for your great question, this is exactly the kinds of questions and situations that many others who are investigating solar cooking have asked.

I will open this to our fellow solar cooking enthusiasts and experts to answer and then I will follow up as well.

Nathan
Admin.