Parabolic Solar Cooker

Basic instructions for Parabolic Solar Cooker

1) Cut out 12 parabolic segments from cardboard.

2) Fold each segment at line between the B and C sections, and the line between the A and B sections

3) Cover each segment with foil to reflect the sunlight.

4) Tape each segment to the next on both sides until all segments are combined.

5) Attach all segments together using flaps at bottom third section of each segment labeled "A" in the photo.

a. Ensure that the flaps are all facing outward.

b. Make a hole in the flap with a power drill.

c. Put a sturdy wire through the hole in each segment until they are combined.

d. Twist wire until secure.

6) Use a wire to keep cooker open and lay on one side.

We tried a cast iron pan, as well as a mason jar and both worked fine.

Cooker reached as high as 220 degrees F. Average was about 144 degrees F.

For this step use the dimensions from the following link to create 12 identical facets. http://solarcooking.org/plans/DATS.htm

After following the instructions on creating the segments, make folds at the appropriate marks on each one.

Next, cover each segment with foil, and secure and fill in any gaps with foil tape.

Then lay them flat on a surface and tape them to each other with duct tape on the back of the solar cooker, leaving the two ends free.

Tape the inside as well, in order to reinforce the adhesive, and improve longevity.

Also, make sure the tape does not interfere with the segment's ability to fold.

After completely combining all of your segments and have them laying flat on a surface, have someone help you stand them up and tape the last two together to create the cone shape.

The outer flaps labeled A in the picture from the first step should be facing out.

Create a hole in the center of each flap at the bottom of the cooker labeled A.

Weave a piece of wire through each hole to secure the segments at the bottom and finalize the Solar Cooker!

Make sure the wire is long enough to fit in all of the holes with excess wire to secure.

Add a longer piece of wire to the top of the cooker for increased stability.

Or use a piece of wire attached to the top and bottom of the cooker (laying on its side) to hold it up.

We used a cast iron skillet and a mason jar to test performance.

It took us two hours to cook brown rice in a mason jar on a sunny day.

The highest temperature reached was 220 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average was about 144 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leave questions and comments below! Also any suggestions for improvement!