How to Make Pizza Box Solar Cookers
Go green with an easy-to-make pizza box solar cooker. Using an old pizza box, a little aluminum foil, plastic wrap and some glue you can make a simple and functional solar cooker. A pizza box solar cooker can reach temperatures as high as 275 degrees F. You can make s'mores, heat pizza or even bake cookies using solar heat in a pizza box solar cooker. Making a solar cooker is a great way to teach energy conservation to your kids or as a science project. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Large pizza box
- Ruler
- Marker
- Razor or box cutter
- Black construction paper
- Aluminum foil
- Clear plastic wrap
- Non-toxic glue and tape
- Stick or straw
Instructions
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1
Measure 1 inch from the edge of the lid on each side of the pizza box with a ruler on and draw a square with a marker. Cut the square on 3 sides (front and both sides) leaving the back of the box uncut and creating a flap.
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2
Fold the flap toward the back of the pizza box and make a crease in the fold. Cut aluminum foil the same size as the flap. Apply glue to the flap and glue the aluminum foil in place. Smooth out all wrinkles.
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3
Cut a piece of plastic 1 inch larger than the opening cut in the lid of the pizza box. Apply glue to the rim of the opening on the inside of the box lid. Glue plastic to the inside of the lid, making sure to have a tight seal so no air can escape during cooking.
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4
Line the inside of the pizza box with aluminum foil on the bottom and sides. Glue the foil in place. Cover the foil on the bottom of the box with black construction paper and tape it into place. The black will absorb more sunlight and heat.
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5
Place the food inside the pizza box cooker and close the lid. Prop the flap open with a straw or stick, face the cooker toward the sun, and adjust the flap to reflect the maximum amount of sun into the window of the pizza box cooker.
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Tips & Warnings
Place a thermometer inside the solar pizza box oven for a few minutes to see what the temperature is before attempting to bake cookies.
When using the oven, check the food every 15 to 30 minutes.
