Solar Oven Comparisons Page

Comparison Details for the SolSource Classic Solar Stove, Oven, Cooker, and Grill.The All American Sun Oven...Hot Pot...SOS Sport..."Solar Burner"...The SunChef and more

• Which is the best solar oven on the market?
• What is the least expensive solar cooker available?
• Am I getting better quality with a more expensive solar oven?
• Which is the lightest solar cooker and which is the heaviest?

...And much 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.

Look at our video below of the comparisons of some of the parabolic solar cookers. See which one would work for you.

See also: Videos of Solar Cookers

Global Sun Oven...# 1 selling solar cooker (no longer manufactured, replaced by newer model, the All American Sun Oven)

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Materials: The following materials are used to make a SUN OVEN®:

• Reflectors: Anodized aluminum (which will never oxidize, rust or corrode)
• Outer shell: ABS plastic
• Bezel: (box frame) Poplar wood (kiln dried)
• Inner shell: Aluminum (coated with a non-toxic powder coating)
• Door: Tempered glass
• Between the aluminum inner shell and the plastic outer shell there is a thick batt of food grade fiberglass insulation.

Temperatures:

Avg: cooking temp 285-350

High Temp: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Special Features: Levelator: A self leveling, free swinging tray 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)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• The GSO is somewhat heavier than other solar ovens which will allow it to better withstand windy conditions.
• The GSO is still light enough to be easily transported from one place to another
• Has a built in Self-contained leveling leg to adjust for better angles, especially useful for wintertime low sun angle
• The aluminum reflectors come attached to the solar oven and easily fold down for compactness.
• Highly reflective mirror polished aluminum reflectors guarantee longer life
• The tightness of the construction and high quality insulating material allow the oven to attain and also maintain higher overall cooking temperatures, even in the wintertime.
• One of the longest running productions of commercial solar ovens
• Sets up very quickly and easily
• One of the hotter cooking solar ovens, also pre-heats quicker than the other major brands
• Very easy to clean
• Attached built in thermometer
• Deep enough to cook a small (up to 18lb) Turkey or ham
• Depth allows stacking trays and pots for more cooking capacity
• Excellent insulation allowing for greater heat retention long after cooking is finished, maintains food warm for hours afterward
• Longest life of the commercial brands, 15 years or more
• (some have owned and used their GSO for 25+ years)

Cons:

• The GSO is somewhat larger than other solar box cookers thus requiring more space for storage and transport
• A bit heavier than several other commercial ovens, but is an advantage when windy.
• One of the more expensive solar ovens, mainly due to the quality of materials used in its construction
• Wood outer trim can crack from exposure to the elements if not treated with an oil or liniment.
• Interior cooking space is somewhat small, width wise, at 9 x 12 inches thus limiting some sheet and pan sizes,...but it is the deepest of the solar ovens allowing for taller pots and pans and stacking
• The levelator (self leveling shelf) takes up cooking space but it can be removed when needed

Average cost on market $294.00 (including shipping)

• For more details and ordering information, click here
• Click here for European and UK Sun Oven
• * For Prices and shipping costs to destinations outside of the Continental USA, Click here 
  
  
  Not sure? Read personal opinions of the GSO

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Comparison Details for All American Sun Oven
The New All American Sun Oven

All American Sun Oven outside dimension as 19 x 19 with an average 11 inch depth.

Weight: 22 lbs.

Materials: The following materials are used to make a SUN OVEN®:

• Reflectors: Anodized aluminum (which will never oxidize, rust or corrode)
• Outer shell: ABS plastic
• Bezel: (box frame) Poplar wood (kiln dried)
• Inner shell: Aluminum (coated with a non-toxic powder coating)
• Door: Tempered glass
• Between the aluminum inner shell and the plastic outer shell there is a thick batt of food grade fiberglass insulation.

Temperatures:

Avg: cooking temp 295-370

High Temp: 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Special Features:

•  Levelator: A self leveling, free swinging removable heavy wire rack in oven chamber used to maintain pots and foods level when oven is inclined or elevated.
• The rack can double as a trivet to be placed in the bottom of the oven.
  
• Adjustable, more stable T-leg for elevating the oven, wind stable
  
• Two focusing Cubes on glass door for easy, intuitive focusing of the oven
• Thicker, lead free glass door; more transparent and break resistant
  

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)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• The AASO is somewhat heavier than other solar ovens which will allow it to better withstand windy conditions.
• The AASO is still light enough to be easily transported from one place to another.
• Has a built in Self-contained leveling leg to adjust for better angles, especially useful for wintertime low sun angle (the All American has the more stable, and easier to adjust T-leg.)
  
• The aluminum reflectors come attached to the solar oven and easily fold down for compactness.
• Highly reflective mirror polished aluminum reflectors guarantee longer life, easy to clean
  
• The tightness of the construction and high quality insulating material allow the oven to attain and also maintain higher overall cooking temperatures, even in the wintertime.
• One of the longest running productions of commercial solar ovens
• Sets up very quickly and easily
• One of the hotter cooking solar ovens, also pre-heats quicker than the other major brands (The All American has Ultra WhiteTM transparent Glass is 25% thicker than the glass on prior SUN OVENS® for increased shatter resistance and improved insulation)
  
• Very easy to clean.
• Attached built in thermometer
• Deep enough to cook a small (up to 18lb) Turkey or ham (The All American has a 20% larger interior than the Global Sun Oven allowing for more standard size cookware as opposed to the smaller GSO interior. 
  
• Depth allows stacking trays and pots for more cooking capacity
• Excellent insulation allowing for greater heat retention long after cooking is finished, maintains food warm for hours afterward.
• Longest life of the commercial brands, 15 years or more
• (some have owned and used their GSO for 25+ years)

Cons:

• The AASO is somewhat larger than other solar box cookers thus requiring more space for storage and transport (The All American has the same outer dimensions as the GSO, so it is not any larger.
  
• A bit heavier than several other commercial ovens, but is an advantage when windy.
• One of the more expensive solar ovens, mainly due to the quality of materials used in its construction.
• Wood outer trim can crack from exposure to the elements if not treated with an oil or liniment.
• Interior cooking space is somewhat small, width wise, at 12 x 14 inches thus limiting some sheet and pan sizes,...but it is the deepest of the solar ovens allowing for taller pots and pans and stacking (The All American has addressed the size (width) issue to a degree, and so it is more comparable to other commercial solar cookers.
  
• The levelator, (self leveling shelf) when hanging, takes up cooking space but it can be removed when needed.

Average cost on market $294.00 (including shipping)

• For more details and ordering information, click here
• * For Prices and shipping costs to destinations outside of the Continental USA, Click here
• See Manufacturers video of the AA Sun Oven

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Comparison Details for the SolSource Classic
Solar Stove

Type: Parabolic Solar Cooker

Size, Dimensions, Materials: 

                     Metal Frame                                                   Dish                                   

Dimensions      59” x 48” x 37”                                       51.2” x 11”

                     (length x width x height)                        (diameter x height)

Weight              30.9lbs                                                    10 lbs                                                      

Material         Carbon steel                            ABS Outdoor endurance plastic                                        

Color              Black                                                         Gray

Temperatures:
Avg. Cooking Temp: 250-500 degrees Fahrenheit (boiling to searing temperatures)High Temp: 750 degrees Fahrenheit

Special Features:  

• Reflective Panels: Five curved reflective panels made from lightweight, durable, high-performance materials with a reflective efficiency of up to 88%.·        
• Ergonomic User Area: A user area is carved out of the parabolic shape to cook comfortably and safely. In this position, the cook has direct and easy access to the cookware on the stand and never experiences reflected sunlight from the reflective panels.       
• Reversible Pot Stand: Heat- and rust- resistant enameled pot stand has angled ridges on one side to support most cookware. Flip the pot stand around for the custom-sized ring that holds the SolSource Classic Grill Pan securely.        
•  Alignment Aid: A small mirror allows the user to easily view where the light is focused on the cookware and comfortably adjust alignment of SolSource Classic with the sun.       
•  Adjustment Pole: A simple pole and lock allows the cook to align the reflective panels with the sun in one smooth motion.         
•  Quick-Release Pins: Snap the quick-release pins in and out of the metal frame for quick assembly and disassembly without any tools.·         
• Stakes: Stakes included in order to secure SolSource Classic into the ground for high-wind conditions. SolSource Classic was designed for the harsh conditions of the Himalayan Plateau which often experiences winds and sandstorms.·         
• Warranty: Panels maintain reflective over 6 years. Tested using accelerated use and weathering simulations

Availability: Manufactured in China. Shipped from the US and other international locations to most countries (shipping costs vary from country to country).

Pros and Cons:
Pros:·        

• Patented design. SolSource Classic is the most advance and best performing parabolic cooker commercially available.        
  
• Achieves the best and highest reflectivity of any parabolic cooker.        
  
• Powerful and versatile cooking. In ideal conditions, boil 1 liter of water in 10 minutes, reach grilling and baking temperatures in 5 minutes and searing temperatures in 10 minutes.         
  
• Durable as it was designed and tested in the Himalayan Mountains, one of the harshest environments.     
• Pot stand can support most cookware, kettles, pots and grill pans. Can be used to grill, steam, bake, boil, or fry.        
  
• Easy to use. Two-way adjustment for control of cooking temperature and alignment to the sun.       
  
• Safe to use. Aside from the pot stand, nothing else gets hot.         
  
• SolSource Classic is slightly heavier than other parabolic solar cookers meaning it is sturdier to withstand windy conditions.       
  
• SolSource Classic is still light enough to be easily transported.      
  
• The reflective dish easily unhinges from the metal frame for easy storage and portability.        
  
• Sets up quickly and easily. No tools required. Manual included.        
  
• Easy to clean and low maintenance. Wipe down the panels with a cloth or your garden hose.       
  
• Responsibly manufactured. Initial material selection was made using Sustainable Minds software. High quality and easy to replace individual parts prolongs the life of the product.        
  

Cons:· 

• SolSource Classic is somewhat larger than other parabolic cookers and may require more space for storage and transport. However, a fully assembled dish can fit into the backseat of a car. Easy disassembly is helpful.·         
• A bit heavier than some commercial parabolic cookers, but is an advantage when windy.       
  
• One of the more expensive solar cookers, due to the high-quality of materials.       
  
• Requires more frequent "tracking of sun" or, focusing; ...about every 20-30 minutes as opposed to less frequently when using a solar oven. (This is the case with all parabolic cookers.)

Average cost on market $549.00 (excluding shipping)·         

For more details and ordering information, click here      

* For Prices and shipping costs to destinations outside of the Continental USA, Click here 

Comparison Details for the Solavore
(formerly SOS  Sport)

Solavore Sport

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 aluminum foil 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 Solavore Sport is also insulated by creating an air gap created by a clear film secured over a molded bubble in the lid material. The insulation of the lid is an Solavore Sport exclusive.
3. Four stainless steel clips safely secure the lid to maximize cooking temperatures and hold the heat in. Pictured at the right.

Safe Materials

The Solavore Sport is constructed of safe materials for solar cooking. These materials were carefully selected by 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, food steam 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 Solavore 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 Sport now comes with higher grade polished aluminum reflector panels that will last a lot longer than the original corrugated plastic adhesive reflector panels that were with the oven from the beginning, this is a major upgrade.

(The reflector panels do have spring attachments which make the panels very secure in windy conditions, so that is a plus.) 

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
• 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.

• For more details and ordering information, click here
• * For Prices and shipping costs to destinations outside of the continental USA, Click here

Not sure? Read personal opinions of the Solavore Sport Oven

Comparison Details for the Hot Pot 

Hot Pot:

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, or Morning Glory, is made of anodized aluminum and has steel hinges. It is, more durable, more alluring and impervious to termites and goats. (Aluminum panels only sold by Cantinawest in the USA and elsewhere)

Glass outer Bowl, lid and steel cooking pot

The pot assembly comprises a 3 quart 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. It is harder to angle (tilt) solar panel cookers for more direct sun.
• 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 $144.95 (including shipping)Click Here for more information and for pricing and discounts

• For more details and information on the Hot Pot Click here
  
• * For Prices and shipping costs to destinations outside of the Continental USA, Click here 

Not sure? Read personal opinions of the Hot Pot

Comparison Details for Cantinawest's "Solar Burner" 

Cantinawest's Solar Burner

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, sold here on this website. 

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.
• Rugged and durable
• Least expensive commercial parabolic cooker on the US Market, great entry-level cooker for price.
  

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 (35lbs.) 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 type of cooker for baking, although it can be done with some innovation
• Harder to store due to it's size since it is not compact or collapsible.
• needs to be kept covered to prevent "stray" focal hot points on combustible materials (this is an easily remedied thing)
  
• * 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: $170.00 (including shipping)

• * For Prices and shipping costs to destinations outside of the Continental USA, Click here
• For More Information and to Purchase a Solar Burner click here 

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

Comparisons Details for the SunCook Solar Oven 

SunCook:

Type: Solar Box Cooker

Size and dimensions: 

A-14"x16" floor space (18"x18" upper interior space)interior space tapers as it goes down

B-outside measurements 23"Wx22L"x11H"

Reflector panel is 22" high x18"wide and 29" high with extension

Weight: 28.5 pounds (37.5 lbs boxed/ship)

Materials:

Outside Reflector panels: Non imaging optics

Interior reflectors: Non imaging Optics act as compound parabolic concentrators

Outer Casing: Aircraft grade Plastic

Interior: Aluminum (polished)sheet metal

Temperatures:

Avg: 300- 350 F

High Temp: 400F (200 C) (dry heat)

Availability: Manufactured in Portugal

Distribution available from Warehouses in the United States

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Very high quality materials used in the manufacture of panels case and interior
• Sealed Dual paned tempered glass door for optimum insulation and heat retention
• Heavy enough to withstand brisk wind
• Highly reflective mirror non imaging reflectors, longer lasting reflectivity
• No maintenance other than cleaning, which is easily done.
• Great for slow, low temperature Crockpot type cooking (soups, stews, meats) as well as any baking (bread,cakes, cookies)
• Very Large cooking interior
• One of the most efficient and hottest box cookers manufactured
• Can maintain steady boiling temperatures for four to six hours or more in summer time.
• Compact, portable, durable.
• Comes with cookware, booklet and guide.

Cons:

• Heavier than most solar ovens, but it does give more stability
• More expensive due to technology, materials, quality and location of manufacture.
• Does not vent steam very well which requires opening the lid every so often.
• New manufacture smell is a little tough to eliminate, but it is doable by following instructions
• Has to be focused and adjusted more frequently than does a 
  "flared" panel solar oven
  

Average cost on market $459.00(including shipping)

• Click Here for more information and for pricing and discounts
• * For Prices and shipping costs to destinations outside of the Continental USA, Click here 

• Australian Customers: We invite you to see a similar solar cooker available in your country at: Australia's Sun Cook Solar Oven 

Comparisons Details for the Cookit 

Cookit

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 

Comparison Details for the Sun Chef Cooker Parabolic Sun Chef Cooker

 Sun Chef Cooker

Materials: The Sun Chef is a lightweight, parabolic solar cooker, composed of anodized, weather resistant aluminum tube framing and highly polished anodized aluminum reflector petals Temperatures: Avg: 500-650 F

High Temp: 650 F - 900 Watts of power

Special Features:Simple Dowel/shadow focusing mechanism, Non oxidizing materials

Availability:Only parabolic cooker manufactured in the US. 

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Very rigid and rugged design
• Reasonable midlevel price for a parabolic cooker
• Light weight, easy to move
• Very stable and wide three point tri-pod stand, easy to adjust and very safe.
• Small enough to store and transport easily, parabola quickly detaches from the stand
• Cooks almost as fast as in home electric/gas stovetop
• Safe, sturdy and deep pot receptacle reduces possibilities of tipping/spilling pot or pan
• Deep parabola design keeps focal point inside of bowl area, reducing risk of errant focal point burning something.
• Deep parabolas spread their focal points somewhat compared to a shallow dish parabola making them not quite as intense, because they spread the focal point onto the side of the pot/pan.
• Parabola can rotate on its horizontal axis a full 360 degrees.

Cons:

• A little on the expensive side for a parabolic of its size, but it is US manufactured
• Parabolic is not real heavy and can move about with a brisk wind. Can be braced with weight though
• Deep parabolas are a bit less effective in the early and late stages of the day due to the low angle of the sun spreading the focal point even wider (this can happen with a shallow parabola as well, just not as much.)
• Must use only heavy gauge cookware in order to avoid scorching
• Requires more frequent "tracking of sun" or, focusing; ...about every 20-30 minutes as opposed to less frequently when using a solar oven. (this is the case with all parabolas)

Average price on market is: $349.95 (including shipping)

More Sun Chef Information

Comparison Details for the Tulsi Hybrid

Tulsi Hybrid

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 absorption Cooking pots w/Lids:

4-Stainless steel pots w/lips, hard black coated for UV heat absorption

Energy source: Solar & electric power for backup Electrical 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
• Can be use purely as an electrical low watt oven if there is no sunshine

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: $329.00 (including shipping)

Comparison details for the Cleardome Octagon Parabolic 

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 degrees 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 distillation 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 parabolas, therefore is not as stable in the wind like the heavier more permanent parabolas.
• 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

Compare our solar cooker prices to other sites on the internet and you will find that we are as low as, if not better than the majority of sellers offering solar cookers; and we will back up our products with a 180 day satisfaction guarantee. We offer more than just a sale, we offer top quality customer service. 

If you reside outside of the United States and would rather purchase solar cookers in your own country please see our listings page of International Solar Oven Vendors. 

See more details on the following links of our full line of solar cookers, get the information to make a more informed decision when purchasing your own solar cooker. 

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