Over Thanksgiving break I brought home my solar cooker to work on. I ran into a couple of problems such as it was too cold, we used the wrong tape, and to top it off I ended up having surgery. I took out my solar cooker and my Dad and I realized our packing tape on the inside of the box would heat up and lift. That would not help us much if we have to continue sticking it down. I also added a lid of plexi glass so we could see the food and it would also keep the heat inside. We plan to cook hot dogs and s'mores. At first we thought we could not do s'mores because the marshmallow might explode. I remembered my mom but these marshmallows that you can cook in your microwave. Building the box has been fun but also difficult we have run into many walls (not literally). We had a great time painting and decorating out box. One of the hardest parts was trying to decide what materials work and how much will we use. It is difficult to think of things we can use that they might find in Haiti. We are continuing our project in the spring because it is too cold (not really but for Texans it feels like we are in Alaska).

solar cooker

      I recommend doing a panel or a box solar cooker. I like the panel more because it is cheaper and not as many materials are needed. As you know most people do not like wasting money or even spending it. The box solar cooker may be a little harder to make. Which can create people to dislike it because we like things that are fast and easy. The one good thing is that the Box cooker probably holds in more heat than the panel cooker. Nowadays it is all about how fast things can be done fast wifi, checkout lines, wash dishes, laundry, get ready, and so much more. The panel cooker is easier to access and easier to store. We have so much stuff that we like things that can compact and put away into a little space. You are not able to do that with a Box solar cooker.

       These are mostly used in third world countries. They were thought of because women were cooking in their houses with fire. Not a good plan many people die from cooking in their houses with no ventilation. These are a healthy and easy way to cook food. For the most part they are cheap which is a definite plus. I am so glad we have what we do and since we have a microwave, stove, and oven. It is our chance to branch out and help those who do not have what we do.



Photo credits