Homemade Sun Ovens
- 1). Locate two boxes of similar shape, one approximately 5 inches wider and longer than the other. To check the size, place the smaller box inside the larger one. There should be 2 to 3 inches of space between the boxes on all sides.
- 2). Cut the top flaps off the boxes. If necessary, cut the boxes so they are similar heights, with the smaller box being about 1/4-inch shorter.
- 3). Center the smaller box inside the larger box and glue it in place. Allow adequate time for the glue to dry before you proceed to the next step.
- 4). Cover all interior surfaces of both boxes with a layer of aluminum foil. This includes the inside of the large box, the inside and outside of the small box, and the inside bottom of both boxes. Avoid wrinkles in the aluminum foil as much as possible, although small folds and wrinkles won't do much harm. Glue the foil in place where necessary.
- 5). Stuff the crumpled newspaper into the area between the two boxes until the space has been filled. The newspaper should be snug but not tightly packed.
- 6). Create a makeshift lid for both boxes from a flat piece of corrugated cardboard. The cardboard should be 1 inch to 2 inches larger on all sides than the opening of the large box. Fold, cut and tape the outer sides of cardboard to create a rim that allows the piece to fit snugly over both boxes.
- 7). Cut away the center portion of the lid so that it forms a "window" over the opening of the smaller box. The edges of the lid should fully cover the gap between the two boxes, but no more. At this point, the "lid" piece should look like a picture frame with 2 to 3 inches of cardboard on each side. Cover the underside of the lid with aluminum foil.
- 8). Glue Plexiglas or heavy plastic laminate across the opening of the lid. Be sure the edges are glued securely to prevent heat from escaping once the oven is in use.
- 9). Cover one side of a second flat piece of cardboard with aluminum foil. This piece should be roughly the width and length of the outer box. With the foil side down, tape one edge of the cardboard piece securely to one edge of the lid, forming a flap that can be adjusted to reflect sunlight through the window.
- 10
Remove the lid and place the food you want to cook inside the box. Replace the lid and set your sun oven in a bright, sunny location. Prop the flap open with a wooden dowel or sturdy piece of wire so that it reflects the most possible sunlight into the box. Use a simple oven thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the sun oven.