
10 Best Solar Kitchen Appliances & Their Reviews
Are you thinking about purchasing one of the energy-efficient solar kitchen appliances? Do you want to reduce your energy consumption?
Switching to energy-efficient solar power could make a significant impact on lowering monthly utility bills. The use of solar power is no longer limited to installing solar panels outside our homes.
Solar energy can now be employed to operate items that we use at home, from ovens and cookers to refrigerators and freezers, and even kettles.
The benefits of energy-efficient solar power appliances are numerous.
Let’s check them out!
1. Haines 2.0 Solar Cooker And Dutch Over Kit
Solar ovens and cookers are probably the most widely available solar kitchen appliances.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a sun oven, the Haines 2.0 Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit is a great choice.
Made from metalized polyester and polycarbonate materials that should not oxidize in the sun, this solar cooker has two-fold benefits. Rigid enough to maintain its shape even under windy conditions, it is still sufficiently flexible to be adjusted to the position of the sun.
Its four ‘petals’ can be slanted to best utilize a high or low sun.
The double-angle sides of the reflector maximize its cooking power.
Under ideal conditions, the Haines 2.0 Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit can reach a temperature of 325ᵒF.
This enables quick high-heat cooking as well as adapting to slow cooker recipes.
It also comes with a cooking sleeve, 4-quart pot, circular windscreen, and a thermometer.
The cooking sleeve helps to insulate the pot, eliminating the need for cooking bags.
The circular windscreen produces oven-like conditions around the pot.
Weighing only 1lb 9oz, without the pot or packaging, the Haines 2.0 Solar Cooker, and Dutch Oven Kit is highly portable.
Additionally, it has package dimensions of only 14 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches, easily fitting into the nylon mesh carrying case.
Summary: The Haines 2.0 Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit are economical, durable, multi-use, and portable.
You can cook delicious solar food at home or wherever you go.
Pros & Benefits:
- Reaches a temperature of 325ᵒF under ideal conditions
- Energy-efficient sun oven
- Highly portable
- Durable
- Affordable price
2. All American Sun Oven
This is another excellent choice for a sun oven/cooker.
Probably, the main benefit is its sturdy design.
Constructed from black heavy plastic and a wooden frame, it is rugged and heavy, weighing 22 pounds.
Although this is not a portable type, the oven has other benefits.
Its solid design traps the heat inside, reaching a high temperature quicker than other sun ovens, even when sunlight is not consistently available.
This model is also helpful in limiting wind resistance.
The All American Sun Oven, with its polished, mirrored, and rust-proof anodized aluminum reflectors, can reach temperatures of 360-400ᵒF under ideal conditions.
This excellent solar oven can cook within 20 minutes of the time a conventional oven or stovetop takes, or just slow cook all day.
This means that you can bake, boil or steam a wide variety of foods and favorite dishes.
Details: It has product dimensions of 24 inches x 15.5 inches x 20.5 inches.
The cooking chamber is large and roomy at 14 inches x 14 inches and comes with an aiming device built into the handle of its glass door to angle at the sun for maximum benefit.
It also comes with a free CD of hundreds of recipes as well as CDs and videos on safety precautions and emergency procedures.
The manufacturer, Sun Ovens International, also offers a more expensive product version of the All American Sun Oven that comes with pots, pans, and racks.
Summary: This is not a choice for those seeking a portable solar oven but the All American Sun Oven benefits from a strong, solid design with a large cooking chamber, high temperatures, and sun-catching features.
Pros & Benefits:
- Reaches a temperature of 360-400ᵒF under ideal conditions
- Quicker heating speed than other sun ovens
- Large cooking chamber
- Strong and sturdy
- It comes with an aiming device
- Energy efficient
3. Smad 7.5 Cu.ft. Solar Refrigerator/Freezer Double Door Compressor
After sun ovens and cookers, the next most widely available energy-efficient solar kitchen appliances are solar refrigerators and freezers.
The Smad 7.5 Cu.ft. Solar Energy DC Refrigerator/Freezer Double Door Compressor Fridge is a great solar refrigerator and freezer.
There are 2 compartments in this solar refrigerator and freezer – one is a refrigerator and the other is a freezer.
You can maintain very accurate temperature control over this solar refrigerator and freezer combination for 2 reasons.
First, the air is forced by an inner fan to help achieve a uniform temperature.
Second, an LCD screen enables you to accurately set the temperature.
You can set the temperature of the refrigerator part from 32 to 60ᵒF and the temperature of the freezer part from -7 to 60ᵒF.
There is an LED dual separate temperature control system.
The Smad 7.5 Cu.ft. Solar Energy DC Refrigerator/Freezer Double Door Compressor Fridge has a storage space of 7.5 cubic feet.
3.3 cubic feet is allocated to the refrigerator part and 4.2 cubic feet to the freezer part.
With so much storage space, you can fit lots of groceries in this solar refrigerator and freezer.
It has product dimensions of 47.7 inches x 29 inches x 32 inches and weighs 132 pounds.
This solar fridge has a very thick cabinet that provides great insulation important for heat preservation and energy saving.
It also has a fully hermetic compressor with integrated control electronics.
The Smad 7.5 Cu.ft. Solar Energy DC Refrigerator/Freezer Double Door Compressor Fridge has a top-load design.
Its double top doors can be opened without difficulty.
It has 4 casters at the bottom which makes it portable.
There are also 2 power adapters with this solar refrigerator and freezer.
Pros & Benefits:
- 2 compartments – one is a refrigerator and the other is a freezer
- Very accurate temperature control with an LED dual separate temperature control system
- The storage space is 7.5 cubic feet
- The very thick cabinet provides great insulation
- 4 casters on the bottom enable it to be easily moved
4.
The ACOPOWER R40A Portable Solar Fridge Freezer is another excellent solar refrigerator and freezer.
With its adjustable temperature, this solar refrigerator and freezer can cool, chill, or freeze, and thereby, function as a refrigerator or a freezer.
Its digital control panel helps you easily set the temperature you want.
It can cool at temperatures of approximately 34-43ᵒF which will permit you to have foods available to eat whenever you want them.
It can chill at temperatures of approximately 27-38ᵒF which will be ideal for a beverage on a hot day.
Imagine the refreshing taste of a chilled drink when you come home during the summer.
It can freeze at temperatures of approximately 14-27ᵒF which will allow you to maintain frozen foods.
The ACOPOWER R40A Portable Solar Fridge Freezer has a storage space of about 1 to 2 cubic feet.
Its package dimensions are 25.2 inches x 20.8 inches x 16.5 inches.
It weighs 33.8 pounds and it has a replaceable Lithium-ion built-in battery which can alternatively be charged by solar power.
It also has an AC port (standard wall plug) and DC power (any 12/24 V DC outlet or generator DC outlet).
The battery lasts up to 10 to 15 hours if fully charged.
The ACOPOWER R40A Portable Solar Fridge Freezer is very portable.
Its trolley design, retractable handle, heavy-duty wheels, and compact size make it easy to move around.
Pros & Benefits:
- Adjustable temperature to cool, chill, or freeze
- Functions as a refrigerator or freezer
- Storage space is about 1 to 2 cubic feet
- Has replaceable Lithium-ion built-in battery
- Very portable
5. Contemporary Energy’s Solar Kettle Thermal Flask
Many people believe that the most important way to start the day is with a cup of coffee.
If you want to use solar power to have that cup of coffee, you may want to purchase a solar kettle.
An excellent selection for a solar kettle is the Contemporary Energy’s Solar Kettle Thermal Flask.
From the outside, this solar kettle looks like a thermos.
On the inside, there are 2 glass tubes made from borosilicate glass and reflectors designed to capture solar energy.
These 2 glass tubes and reflectors work together to collect 3 times more solar energy than a plain tube would.
With this solar energy, this solar kettle can quickly warm its contents in as fast as 15 to 20 minutes and reach a boiling point of 200ᵒF in less than an hour.
There is a helpful temperature gauge on the cap of the solar kettle.
When finished cooking, if you keep the solar kettle closed, the contents should remain warm and ready to eat or drink for hours.
Besides being used to make coffee, Contemporary Energy’s Solar Kettle Thermal Flask can also be used to make tea or soup.
It can also cook meals such as hot cereal, eggs, noodles, rice, potatoes, or anything else that can fit within it.
It can also be used to purify water for drinking.
There are so many foods and beverages that you can make in this solar kettle.
This solar kettle weighs 2.65 pounds, has dimensions of 5.9 inches x 5.9 inches x 18.1 inches, and has a capacity of 3 cups (500 ml).
Thus, it can make 3 cups of coffee.
It’s durable and shock-resistant with no moving parts.
It has been tested to not be damaged by hail up to 25 mm in diameter.
This solar kettle comes with a 24-month limited warranty against manufacturing defects.
It’s available in blue as well as red.
Pros & Benefits:
- Quickly warms its contents in as fast as 15 to 20 minutes and reaches a boiling point of 200ᵒF in less than an hour
- Makes 3 cups of coffee
- Durable and shock-resistant
- 24-month limited warranty
- Available in multiple colors
6. SolCook’s All Season Solar Cooker Camper
SolCook’s All Season Solar Cooker Camper represents another outstanding option if you’re looking for one of the energy-efficient sun ovens.
This solar cooker features smart construction.
The different sections of this solar cooker are connected in such a manner that they can be laid out in several different arrangements.
These different configurations will give you a significant level of flexibility to choose the applicable sun angle for your solar cooking which is the key to heating a solar cooker.
As a result, you can cook efficiently with this solar cooker any time of day and not only when the sun is up.
SolCook’s All Season Solar Cooker Camper reaches a temperature of up to 400ᵒF under ideal conditions.
As a result, it can cook the most common in-home cooking recipes which require temperatures in the 300-400ᵒF range.
Also, you’re not restricted to only slow-cooking recipes.
When open, this solar cooker offers a cooking space that is 12 inches deep and 17 inches deep since it does not use a door, but instead a cooking bag.
Its cooking capacity is nearly unlimited.
It’s large enough that you can cook a whole turkey in it and just about any size of pot or pan will fit within it.
Imagine Thanksgiving using this solar cooker!
It has package dimensions of 18.3 inches x 16.3 inches x 4.5 inches and weighs 4.75 pounds.
Sol Cook’s All Season Solar Cooker Camper includes a “sunsight”.
With “sunsight”, you can easily locate and use the best sun angle for the solar cooker to perform at its best.
It also includes a trivet to help with cooking.
It’s available at an affordable price.
Pros & Benefits:
- Reaches a temperature of up to 400ᵒF under ideal conditions
- Cook efficiently any time of day and not only when the sun is highest in the sky
- Cooking capacity is nearly unlimited
- It comes with a “sunsight” and trivet
- Affordable price
7. Sundanzer Solar-Powered Refrigerator
Another outstanding solar kitchen appliance for people specifically looking for a solar refrigerator, rather than a solar freezer, is the Sundanzer Solar-Powered Refrigerator.
This solar refrigerator features very small energy consumption.
As a result, it needs less expensive power systems resulting in lower operating costs.
This feature is very important in remote locations where the use of a solar refrigerator is too pricey.
With the money you save by using this solar refrigerator, you’ll be able to buy more food to store in it.
It can run on a solar panel, battery, and 15 amp charge controller.
This Sundanzer Solar-Powered Refrigerator has a storage space of 8 cubic feet.
For smaller needs and budgets, there is another Sundanzer Solar-Powered Refrigerator model with a storage space of 1.8 cubic feet.
The 8 cubic foot Sundanzer Solar-Powered Refrigerator has product dimensions of 30 inches x 38 inches x 50 inches and weighs 150 pounds.
The 8 ft3 Sundanzer Solar-Powered Refrigerator also comes with a basket on top for food organization.
This solar refrigerator includes a patented low-frost system to reduce frost and moisture build-up for low maintenance.
Constructed with a galvanized steel exterior and aluminum interior, it has a high-efficiency motor and a heavily insulated cabinet (11 cm of polyurethane insulation).
Its lid provides an additional food preparation area known as “counter space”.
It adds to the environmental benefits of using a solar appliance because its refrigerant is CFC-free.
Pros & Benefits:
- Very small energy consumption
- Storage space is 8 ft3
- Patented low-frost system
- High-efficiency motor
- Heavily insulated cabinet
8. DUIER’S Hanging Solar Raw Food Dehydrator
A food dehydrator removes moisture from food to help limit the growth of bacteria and preserve the food.
If you’re looking for a food dehydrator, you should consider DUIER’S Hanging Raw Food Dehydrator – Solar Powered.
Utilizing a solar-powered dehydration method, this solar food dehydrator is designed to capture heat and distribute it evenly without the need for electricity.
It also does not require solar panels.
Instead, it’s a passive system that achieves drying based on airflow and warmth from the sun.
It works especially well when there is low humidity.
With this solar food dehydrator, most foods can be effectively dehydrated within a few days.
It works well on making meat jerky (beef and chicken) and also for dried fruits and vegetables.
After using this solar food dehydrator, you’ll be able to add food dehydration to your culinary skills.
DUIER’S Hanging Raw Food Dehydrator – Solar Powered comes with 5 plastic trays that can be adjusted to fit your needs.
All you need to do is place your food on the trays and let this solar food dehydrator do its job.
It can work even in a shaded corner.
It has package dimensions of 15.1 inches x 14.8 inches x 3.3 inches and weighs 4.9 pounds.
This raw food dehydrator is very affordable.
Pros & Benefits:
- It captures heat and distributes it evenly without the need for electricity
- Most foods can be effectively dehydrated within a few days
- Works well on meat jerky (beef and chicken) and dried fruits and vegetables
- It comes with 5 plastic trays
- Affordable price
9. Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven
Another very good sun oven is the Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven.
The word “mini” is perhaps the key feature of this solar oven.
It weighs only 1 pound and 12 ounces.
It folds down to the size of a 3-ring binder (2 x 11 x 13 inches).
Thus, it’s highly portable and therefore, an attractive choice for someone looking for portability in a solar oven.
The ability to fold down this oven also helps to give it durability as it protects the more fragile inner parts.
The Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven reaches a temperature of 285ᵒF under ideal conditions.
This temperature is fine for slow cooking.
It comes with various extras including a solar oven thermometer, a trivet, a collapsible silicone pot, a cookbook, and a bag.
These extras will be especially helpful to persons who are beginners and inexperienced with solar cooking.
With all these extras, you’ll soon become a solar Gordon Ramsay!
This solar oven floats and will still work even if it ends up in the water.
The Sunflair Mini Portable Solar Oven has a 30-day return policy.
Sunflair also manufactures other larger sun ovens at affordable prices.
To those looking for a socially responsible purchase, Sunflair donates a portion of its proceeds towards providing a safer, healthier, and greener cooking experience for all.
Pros & Benefits:
- Reaches a temperature of 285ᵒF under ideal conditions
- Highly portable
- It comes with various extras that are helpful to persons who are inexperienced with solar cooking
- 30-day return policy
- Affordable price
10.
Another very good solar kettle that can be used to help make coffee is the MarsRock Stainless Vacuum Solar Kettle Vacuum Cup.
Consisting of an evacuated solar collector tube, food-grade stainless steel, and silicone material, this solar kettle works by first heating its contents through the absorption of solar energy.
It can receive 360 degrees of sunlight which makes it faster to heat up.
It maintains its inside temperature by vacuum insulation.
This solar kettle can heat water from room temperature to more than 175ᵒF.
In addition to making coffee, this solar kettle also makes tea or cooks instant noodles.
It also provides healthy drinking water, with no rust and no smell.
The MarsRock Stainless Vacuum Solar Kettle Vacuum Cup has a net weight of 580 grams, has a package size of 9.84 inches x 3.15 inches x 3.15 inches, and has a capacity of about 1 cup (230 ml).
Thus, it can make about 1 cup of coffee.
It’s easy to carry and durable.
It’s also affordable.
With this solar kettle, who needs an expensive coffeemaker?
It’s available in red, green, gray, and brown as well.
Pros & Benefits:
- Can heat water from room temperature to more than 175ᵒF
- Makes about 1 cup of coffee
- Easy to carry and durable
- Affordable price
- Available in multiple colors
Final Thoughts
Energy-efficient appliances, such as solar kitchen appliances, may be able to qualify for certain tax credits or rebates.
You should discuss this issue with your local tax advisor or government officials.
While the above list has described the 10 best solar kitchen appliances today, as we look to the future, there is no limit to new solar kitchen appliances that may be developed.
Imagine a solar dishwasher, solar garbage disposal, solar blender, or solar bread maker.
With the increasing need and demand for solar power, human creativity and technology will likely continue to expand the list of best solar kitchen appliances in the future.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article.
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