How To Make a DIY Solar Oven

Collect the necessary materials to construct your solar oven. You will need a large pizza box, aluminum foil, black construction paper, clear plastic wrap, tape, scissors, and a stick or skewer to prop open the lid.

Take the pizza box and clean it thoroughly. This will be the base of your solar oven. Ensure that the box is in good condition without any holes or significant damages.

Using scissors, carefully cut a flap in the lid of the pizza box. Make sure to leave about an inch on the sides and front of the box to create a hinge that holds the flap in place.

Cover the inner side of the flap you just cut with aluminum foil, shiny side up. This will reflect sunlight into the box. Use tape to secure the foil in place.

Place a piece of black construction paper at the bottom of the pizza box. The black color will absorb heat, helping to cook the food more efficiently.

Lay a piece of clear plastic wrap over the opening of the pizza box, sealing it tightly around the edges with tape. This will create a greenhouse effect, trapping heat inside the box.

Find a sunny spot to place your solar oven. Angle the reflective flap so that sunlight can reflect into the box. Adjust the position throughout the day as the sun moves.

Place your food inside the solar oven on top of the black paper, close the lid, and let it cook. The cooking time varies based on the food type and the sun's intensity, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

Check on your food periodically, adjusting the reflector flap as needed to ensure maximum exposure to sunlight. Be careful when opening the lid as it can become hot.

Once your food is cooked, remove it carefully and enjoy! Reflect on the experience, the benefits of solar cooking, and consider ways to improve your solar oven for next time.