Posted on 07/02/2012 8:39:25 PM PDT by ChildOfThe60s
Solar Cookers A Critique of Solar Cookers from the June 2007 issue of Cook’s Ilustrated Magazine Cooks Banner
Solar cookers use just the sun's rays to work—they don't require fuel or emit smoky fumes, and they use minimal water. They're environmentally friendly, but are they really useful?
Before we started to test solar cookers, we were skeptical—could anything simply left in a pot or box to cook in the sun actually taste good? But we were proved wrong—at least partially. We also didn't anticipate just how much fun solar cookers would be. Whenever we had a sunny day, we wanted to try cooking something new. But these results still beg the question: Are solar cookers more than just a toy for a food hobbyist?
Background: Cooking in the sun has a long history. The contemporary impetus for using solar cookers is largely economic and environmental. Solar cookers don't require any fuel, they don't create smoke pollution, and they use minimal water; all factors that make them attractive for use in developing regions around the world. Over 100,000 are reportedly used in India and China. Most solar cookers are produced by nonprofit organizations; profits from cookers sold in the U.S. or Europe subsidize cookers shipped elsewhere. In the U.S., sales are geared to several audiences: those who advocate environmentally sound practices, people in sunny climates who want a fuel-efficient way to cook that doesn't heat up the kitchen, outdoor enthusiasts who like their portability, and food hobbyists who enjoy experimental cooking.
(Excerpt) Read more at solarovens.org ...
Nothing wrong with that. I have a propane grill, Coleman stoves and a generator. The government probably knows we got that stuff anyway. I just hope to be home when they come to try to take it away.
That's like putting salt and Tabasco on open wounds.
I bought a new pick up back in 1980. Driving it home, I noticed 55 was highlighted in the speedometer. I couldn't black that out fast enough.
I think your reasons are very sound. Living in earthquake country can cause lengthy disruptions in public utilities too.
I’m curious though, this thread got me thinking about solar water distillers. Are there any good commercially available solar distillers?
Very good question. I'd like to find one of those. SHTF scenario means water will be a serious problem. I have a pond, but its water would take some heavy duty purification.
Also those of us living near sea water would find a solar distiller possibly helpful.
The reverse osmosis system is what ships use, they can be expensive and require power to operate that may not be available in an emergency.
I saw this one water purifier that is used in the 3rd world, you have to burn fuel, but according to the video, it is extremely efficient. But it didn’t distill, so no good for sea water.
I’ll have to go back and look for it.
Seriously, you've gotta try poaching salmon in the dishwasher just once.
It comes out perfectly & makes for quite the conversation piece at a dinner party.:)
Personally I don't actually add dishes & soap to the cycle but hey...that's just me.
I love fresh salmon but can’t eat it. It makes me have weird dreams all night long and I mean all night long.
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