How does a solar cooker work?

A solar cooker is a device that uses the energy of sunlight to cook food. It is a simple and effective way to cook food using only the sun's rays as a heat source, and it can be used almost anywhere that sunlight is available.

There are several types of solar cookers, but most of them work by using a reflector or a lens to concentrate sunlight onto a cooking pot or tray. The concentrated sunlight is then absorbed by the pot or tray, which heats up and cooks the food inside. Some solar cookers also have an insulation layer to help retain heat and a reflector to direct sunlight onto the cooking pot or tray.

image credit: Byju's

To use a solar cooker, the first step is to position it in a location where it will receive direct sunlight for most of the day. The cooker should be angled so that the reflector or lens is pointed towards the sun. The food is then placed in the cooking pot or tray and the cooker is left to cook the food slowly over a period of several hours.

Solar cookers are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cooking methods, and they can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including stews, soups, rice, vegetables, and even baked goods. They are particularly useful in areas where access to electricity or other forms of fuel is limited or unavailable.