Updated on Nov. 21, 2024
Solar ovens are not just for emergencies and power outages. They are the perfect camping companion, a necessity on the boat and a fun way to cook at the RV camp. Plus, sunshine is free!
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Solar ovens have been used around the world since ancient times. Many outdoor enthusiasts, remote communities and humanitarian aid organizations have employed the sun to cook food where fuel isn’t readily available. However, a solar oven may become your next favorite patio accessory.Â
Imagine baking bread or cooking fresh-caught fish on a hot summer day without turning on your oven. Take your solar oven on a boat or to the beach: this safe, no-flame way to cook is ideal for locations with burning bans or remote areas where fuel is not available. If you’re a camper, environmentalist or a school teacher, you’ll have fun using the power of the sun.
Cooking in a solar oven works when the sun is out, and now some manufacturers have created hybrid models that also use electricity. Boaters, RV campers and people who enjoy living off the grid will appreciate these portable stoves. Â
If you’re looking for a unique Father’s Day gift, this idea will surprise dad even more than an outdoor pizza oven. These eco-friendly ovens don’t burn dirty fuels like traditional barbecue grills and they’re free to operate. As gas and electric prices climb and natural disasters knock out power sources, having free solar-powered energy to cook with is priceless.Â
So, be prepared and have fun cooking with the sun with our round-up of the best solar ovens.
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Cook after the sun sets with the hybrid GoSun Fusion. This is the best overall hybrid solar oven because of its large capacity and ability to bake, roast and fry your meals. This solar oven has the ability to cook four portions at once. No sun, no problem—this unit can be plugged into a portable power bank or 12V electricity from your RV, car or boat.Â
This solar oven is more than an emergency tool, it’s a fun way to cook for free. Available at Camping World, Tractor Supply, Home Depot, Amazon, Wellbots, Wayfair and GoSun.
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The Haines SunUp Solar Cooker has an easy set-up that uses the sun and a simple Dutch oven (included) to cook one-pot meals. You’ll be grateful to have this when the power is out or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. All you have to do is grab your sunglasses (these polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes from the glare), go outside and bake some bread!
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This GoSun Sport-E solar oven is perfect for dinner for two and can be used day or night with the 12 Volt power cord. Take it on camping trips, or cook at after-dark or during a rainstorm. Forget lugging a camp stove, charcoal and fuel; the seven pound GoSun Sport easily transports to the beach, a boat or the backyard in its convenient carrying case. Grab a power bank for additional functionality.
P.S. If you’re still inclined towards a camp stove, this BioLite EcoZoom Versa stove runs off flammable materials that are easily found at a campsite, like wood, twigs and dried leaves. No more lugging heavy fuel canisters around!
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The Go Pro Pack is perfect for backpacking, weighing in at only two pounds. This complete kit includes baking pans, a solar dial and carrying bag. The compact unit boils water and cooks a meal for one in 20 to 30 minutes. It even works on partly cloudy days (if you can see a shadow).
Pick up this affordable unit at Wayfair, Amazon, Wellbots, Walmart and GoSun.
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The Sunflair portable solar oven has amazing performance features with an easy-to-use design. The kit comes with a lightweight foldable oven plus a thermometer, two baking trays, two dehydrating racks, an enamelware cook pot, two silicone pots and a carrying case. Keep one in your emergency kit or use one everyday, the options are endless!
Choose a portable solar oven that cooks enough food without adding bulk. Depending on the brand, it should work in direct or partial sunlight. Some models, like the GoSun Fusion, cook under partial cloud cover or connect to electricity for backup power in diverse climates. Since portability is key, opt for a compact, lightweight model, ideally under 10 pounds, like the Go Pro Pack.
Different models vary in food capacity and cooking methods. The GoSun Fusion and the Go Pro Pack are great for small snacks, while larger models like the GoSun Fusion can cook four to five servings, ideal for families.
Portable solar ovens are straightforward, but designs differ. Tube-shaped models are compact and portable, ideal for camping or emergencies. Some ovens offer set-and-forget cooking, while others need minimal monitoring. Follow setup instructions carefully to avoid overcooking or malfunctions.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
We evaluated many portable solar ovens on the market to ensure each recommended pick meets our standards. We assessed performance, design, capacity, ease of use and portability. Each selected oven performs excellently when placed under direct sunlight (and even in partial light). Some options also include a backup electrical hookup for versatility. We included varying capacities based on the amount of food you plan to cook. Regarding portability, all selected options can move around if necessary, but some have more compact designs that are travel-friendly. Finally, we included options that require minimal adjustments or feature a “set-and-forget” cooking process.
Solar ovens collect sunlight using a foil flap that directs the light into the cooking box. The sun’s rays convert into thermal energy, effectively heating and cooking food. Given their design, solar ovens function well.
Most solar ovens can reach temperatures up to 300 degrees, making them suitable for cooking vegetables, baked goods and meats (which may require longer cooking times).
Solar ovens operate effectively in winter months. They only need sufficient sunlight to heat up and cook food, remaining unaffected by the winter chill.
