Cook for free with solar power

The Global Sun Oven is a box-like oven that uses folding mirrors to direct the sun's energy into the oven.

OK, be honest: how many of you or your families have ever had a sunburn? Or maybe I should ask how many times have you heard it was hot enough to fry eggs on the sidewalk?

So now I want you to think about it. There are not many things that are totally free in this old world of ours: one of them is sunlight, the other is wind. No, I am not going to try and tell you how to cook eggs on the engine hood of your family jalopy. What I am going to tell you is how to cook beautiful meals using only the rays from the sun. Would you believe bread? No? How about perfect back ribs, roast beef, pies, cakes, biscuits, soups, stews, baked beans, BBQ brisket, chicken and almost anything else your heart desires.

OK, seriously, for almost 10 years, my wife and I have been using a Global Sun Oven and it is a part of our RV gear no matter where we go. Until you have seen it in action, you probably would not believe it. We have used it to cook fish, outside, while ice fishing on a frozen lake. The design is simple: a box-like oven uses folding mirrors to direct the sun's energy into the oven—it actually amplifies the power of the sun. On a clear summer day we have had temperatures in the oven of 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). OK, you still don't believe me? How about if I say that food will not burn in this oven.

Just so there is no misunderstanding, let me point out the following:
1. This oven is totally environmentally friendly
2. There is no carbon monoxide produced
3. There are no emissions (except delicious aromas)
4. It uses no fuels on earth
5. It saves trees and petro chemicals
6. There is no danger of forest fire
7. It is self starting
8. It will not burn food
9. Food being cooked requires no stirring
10. It is absolutely and totally 100 per cent free to operate

A tempered glass door with a special rubber seal holds in heat and moisture. Almost anything you can cook in a regular oven or on a stovetop can be cooked with a solar oven.

All you need to do is unfold the metal mirrors, put your food in and aim it at the sun—that's it. Longer cooking times require that you turn the oven from time to time as the sun moves across the sky. You can even hard-boil eggs without water or a pot. Not only can you bake, boil or steam, you can sterilize drinking water, even dry vegetables.

So, you still don't believe me? Go to Globalsunovens.com—they are the folks that make these ovens. Or, just search on Google for sun ovens.

The price? Depending on where you live and shipping costs, probably around $400. 

Photo and story by Jim Prentice