Before we dive into the specifics of a solar rice cooker, let's first understand what a solar cooker is and how it works.
History of Solar Cookers
The concept of using the sun's energy for cooking isn't new. The first academic description of the principles of a solar cooker was made by Horace-Bénédict de Saussure in 1767. The principle of cooking meals by sunlight was largely developed in the French Foreign Legion in the 1870s, signifying the start of a revolution in sustainable cooking. From then on, various types of solar cookers have been invented, including the solar panel cookers, solar box cookers, and parabolic solar cookers.
How Solar Cookers Work
Solar cookers use the energy of direct sunlight to heat, cook, or pasteurize food and drink. They are simple, low-tech, and inexpensive devices that can help reduce fuel costs, air pollution, deforestation, and desertification. This makes them not only an environmentally friendly option but also a cost-effective one.
The working principle of solar cookers is relatively straightforward. Food is prepared as if for an oven or stovetop. However, because food cooks faster when it is in smaller pieces, food placed inside a solar cooker is usually cut into smaller pieces. Different containers can be used for cooking different foods separately.
In comparison to other types of cookers such as a gas rice cooker or an electric rice cooker, a solar cooker doesn't rely on fuel or electricity. This makes it a unique and versatile option, especially when you're seeking ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
As you delve deeper into the world of solar cookers, you'll discover how this simple concept has been innovated to create a variety of cookers, including the solar rice cooker, the focus of our article. So, stay tuned as we explore the world of solar-powered cooking!