Solar Oven questions for those that have built one!

[simpleman]

I am wanting to build a solar oven and was wondering if anybody else has built one before? I am using a old pane less window for the top and plywood and possibly 2 x 2's for the frame. Main question is how do I do the bottom? Have read several different ways would like to know what works best from someone that actually did it! Thanks!

 

[Proud Prepper]

I use a Mylar radiant barrier over the wood (more durable) or cardboard (less weight)base first to protect it from heat, then cover with aluminum foil that can be changed out as needed.

Other than that there numerous designs and methods.

 

[simpleman]

Thanks, I have only seen lining it all with aluminum foil. Like the mylar radiant barrier too!

 

[GaRp58]

Main question is how do I do the bottom

While I was training people who came to my survival camp, I used several sheets of glass for all 4 walls and the top also, sitting them all on a black piece of wood.
Another one was 3 ft x 3ft square with all flat black inside and a hinged all glass top. Aluminum was not used at all.
The funniest one I taught was just a tractor tire innertube inflated and laid flat on the ground over a black board and covered with a single glass plate.
You can bake bread in these ovens but cannot get a good crust tho. Use a bit more yeast or baking powder or mix.
Any soup, tea or stew which will get done at around 80°C/175°F will get done in these solar ovens.
You also need cast iron pots/pans or copper/stainless with them painted flat black also. All black parts except the glass cover.
Aluminum is good when using it in a reflector oven, but not for a good baker, just black.
Check youtube for lots of videos and get some ideas for your project too.