12V Toaster Oven Build! DIY 144 Watts Under $50 solar powered efficient portable cooking Dash Mini

[@rhotau3325]

...no Internet of Things (IOT) LOL, one of the best lines I've ever heard!!!

[@solarpoweredge]

@rhotau3325 Haha!!! :D

[@redzebra6688]

Absolutely amazing! I can only imagine how much hard work that was. Highly appreciated!! You’re a genius, Dave! Can’t thank you enough. 🤗👏👍

[@solarpoweredge]

Welcome sir :) it's certainly an untold story... I'm very thankful for all the good feedback! !

[@HighQengeneering]

Very Nice!! This DIY "Hobby" oven is designed and built better than the appliances currently occupying my kitchen! I am humbled by your skills and dedication. ~Engineer Scott

[@solarpoweredge]

@user-gf5sg4ep3v Means a lot , thank you :) 👍

[@gregg2097]

when i see a bbq being thrown out, i collect the lid temp gauges all the time. so your idea is wonderful

[@solarpoweredge]

@gregg2097 Excellent :D I never wan to throw stuff away, because next week I'll probably need it

[@mickwolf1077]

nice conversion, with good insulation there will be minimal heat loss and more heat goes into the food. the only heat loss problem now is the glass door and back.

[@solarpoweredge]

@mickwolf1077 Thanks :) I have a newer design which adds more insulation, it's a lot more work though

[@cartercarter6126]

Nice job....I have a couple suggestions. I use Roxel rock insulation. In your quantity it would be a dollar. Second is to incorporate a external fuse block. Carter Canada......thanks for this

[@solarpoweredge]

@cartercarter6126 Hi and thanks... you're right, that stuff is really cheap... and good call on the fuse, a 20 Amp auto fuse would work well

[@solarpoweredge]

@TheRainHarvester A small 12v battery could easily blow the fuse, but a small panel (100w for example) only makes about 3-5A

[@68HC060]

I'm tempted to ask: "WHAT? - No built-in flash-light?" 🤣 Finally a guy who knows how to make good videos. 😃 -I hate when people have to speak 500 words a second uninterrupted, but this video I get everything that is said. And in addition the project is easy to understand. Edit: Good sound and pleasant voice. Thank you!

[@solarpoweredge]

@68HC060 Maybe it should have a flash light controlled by an App with bluetooth 🤣 Thank you for your kind feedback, it means a lot! there is more than 100 hours of just video editing in this thing and finally decided it has to stop haha. Used 2 different editors, both were horrible. Anyway I am really glad you enjoyed the presentation and sound, thanks again :)

[@68HC060]

@@solarpoweredge -I know how hard it is to edit video (I've been working on a TV-station myself and also taught video-editing/recording). It's difficult to find good software today; the best I've tried was Final Cut Studio 2 (and that's something people can't run today). A few years ago, I actually planned on building an oven myself (designing everything, including the enclosure). I had the same idea about using the insulation you're using (I bought some for the prototype), but unfortunately lots of things came up and stopped my work on the project. -I'm looking forward to resuming my project when it becomes possible again. I can tell from the way you work, that you know exactly what you're doing. 😃 BTW: I'm located "over the pond" - in Denmark, also interested in making low-voltage solar+battery power. Most machines are transforming from 230V to 12V or 24V here internally and since most power supplies just use a standard iron core, the loss is at least 40%. Even a washing machine can run on 24V and you can get the sun to heat the water, so you're washing for free. Not only that, your dryer can also pump solar-heated water into a heat-exchanger and you have a dryer for free as well. 😉 Vacuum cleaners can also fairly easy be switched to 24V motors.

[@68HC060]

@@solarpoweredge- I forgot to mention... The timer could be used, but it might not be able to switch several Amps on/off without burning. -To keep the timer, it could likely just switch on a high-power MOSFET and you should be all set (remember the resistor on the Gate, so the MOSFET won't be fried). If the MOSFET is fully open or fully closed, then it will not heat up.

[@solarpoweredge]

@68HC060 Greetings across the pond to Denmark :) It's amazing how bad video editing software is. I hope with patience there will be better options eventually. I am glad to find others who see value in low voltage DC appliances! Even many who would continue to normally use 230/120v would find freedom and independence in low voltage DC portable appliances options. I think there is a Huge market for them... hopefully in the future I'd have time to work on DC washing machines and vacuum cleaners too. PS best wishes on your future projects :)

[@solarpoweredge]

@68HC060 That's a good idea and should be simple to do... need to shop for some MOSFETs... honestly I did test the timer with 12v and it worked, but that was "unprofessional". A MOSFET would make the timer very safe

[@newmonengineering]

Very nice job. Personally I would have used a hole saw without the center bit to cut out the elements and then just riveted it back on with a larger thin sheet. To do it properly I would use a block of wood on each side clamped with a prefilled hole for the saw to guide it through. This eliminates the need to disassemble the frame. But over all this was awesome

[@solarpoweredge]

Good idea, thanks!

[@Reaper4367]

mighty fine effort! Cheers for sharing.

[@solarpoweredge]

@Reaper4367 Thanks!! :)

[@errolcain4071]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful video keep on keeping on

[@solarpoweredge]

@errolcain4071 Welcome and will do :)

[@rickybritton7212]

Thank you Brother. I can't Thank you enough, and Thank you for your Paryes. I will be watching for your Videos, I am very excited to own One of your awesome and amazing Stoves. Ps. Your Shrimp you cooked look Very Tasty, I am sure anything you will do will be Top Notch. Again Thank you Brother. Sincerely your freind from Mo Rick. God Bless 🙏

[@solarpoweredge]

@rickybritton7212 Welcome brother and thanks for watching :) yes shrimp is the best! well as long as I don't burn it :D

[@koningbolo4700]

A heavier duty automotive relay should work well and allow you to use the AC rated timer and thermal cutout thingy...

[@solarpoweredge]

Right on! Got some heavy duty 12/24v contactors that should work

[@stevemorris3710]

Fantastic work! They sell 300w toaster ovens in England but they are 24v. Trucks are 24v outside of North America.

[@solarpoweredge]

@stevemorris3710 Thanks - I wish Dash would build this and sell it for 20 bucks. Maybe with all the insulation it would cost more though

[@stevemorris3710]

Yes for sure! I'm astounded that commercially produced versions are totally uninsulated, just two layers of thin steel. Your version is way ahead already. Keep up the good work Sir! 🙂

[@solarpoweredge]

@stevemorris3710 Thank you Sir for your kind comments :) unfortunately they tend to make ovens super-cheap thin metal boxes. I guess that's how they keep the costs low. Oh well, we can build our own ovens far better :)

[@paulsthormes251]

Thanks for sharing I definitely building one 👍

[@solarpoweredge]

NP :)

[@ACheshireCat2001]

I have the original form of this oven, got it on a sale because the 550 watts AC is usable with several of my solar powered Goal Zero power stations... It was interesting to see what is inside... I won't modify it, I am look for vessels to use inside it.

[@solarpoweredge]

@ACheshireCat2001 Great way to cook without a big inverter, I still have one unmodified for that purpose :)

[@mr.makeit4037]

I wonder if this could also be made into a hybrid? Leave the internal components in place, and add two additional diy dc voltage coils to the unit. Also, since buying so many ryobi 40v platformed tools, i have over 25 40v ryobi capacity batteries which power many things in my home, charged via solar. I have reused speakers, side tables, etc and made them into solar generators, all of which are portable and can be used in my shop and small camper. This oven conversion might be another project using these solar charged ryobi 40v batteries. Great video.

[@solarpoweredge]

Hi, and thanks... great ideas and you have some cool projects. Actually my own personal ovens are hybrid 12/24v or solar panel input. But I did not address that here to prevent people from getting too confused. Just focusing on simple 12v. Also have an oven that can run on Kobalt 40v batteries, but don't own many of those. Most of my batteries are 18v, which can also power the mini ovens. 100w solar panels can power it too. Here is one of my earlier ovens operating off of only solar panels, yet can still can accept battery input: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5uQpJRml7-Dedk This oven design is intended to use 2x18v tool batteries, 100w panels only, or 12v, or a mix of solar + battery: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX3MqIGkfbWff5I

[@gregg2097]

i have a convection oven that i plan on converting into an ac and dc convection oven, which i paid $25.00 years ago at a garage sale and use a lot, you are wonderful bro

[@solarpoweredge]

@gregg2097 Thank you :) right on, I love converting ovens to DC, so many options and no fuel needed

[@koningbolo4700]

If ceramic insulation is not available one can use rockwool (not fiberglass)

[@solarpoweredge]

That's some good stuff, will look for some sheets of it

[@ratgreen]

Awesome build. As someone else said, I was thinking you could use a 40a automotive relay, that are cheap, common and robust, and run the coil through the thermostat, that way its not high current DC going through a low current AC thermo switch, its just a few milliamps of dc, so very little risk of welding contacts etc. That way you can have temp control. Hell you could even buy an oven thermostat and install that, they are cheap too. Or even another thermo switch, rated at a common temperature you use, like 180'c and then another one at 200'c, and have a switch that lets you chose which thermo switch is in circuit to have 2 selectable temperatures. With fibreglass wool insulation you can usually 'split' it and make it thinner, it usually peels apart fairly nicely so you can have thinner slices of it to use. Would be 10X cheaper than ceramic wool and easy to get as any DIY store. Instant sub.

[@solarpoweredge]

@ratgreen Thanks for subscribing! Good ideas.... I should get some auto relays. I am looking at other insulation types for a newer build. Funny enough the ceramic stuff peels apart very easily, but it sure is dusty. Sometimes I carry the "after the apocalypse survival" thing to the max - no electronics, not even a switch. But I eventually added a switch and timer in later builds. Got to try that automotive relay though, perfect idea for 12v :)

[@ratgreen]

@@solarpoweredge I look forward to it. I've been wanting to make a 12v toaster which in theory should be fairly easy to do by modding a cheap toaster. Just use the existing nichrome wire and reduce its length, or rip them out and use new more suitably sized wire instead to get it to 300ish Watts.

[@solarpoweredge]

@ratgreen Working on a 12v toaster... already got it torn apart. Haven't finished it... if I do I will upload and share

[@solarforfuture]

great!

[@solarpoweredge]

:) 👍

[@KB-lm2km]

I just found your site and I am definitely in agreement with you. That price of a battery is what keeps solar from being available to everyone. Thank you for your research

[@solarpoweredge]

@KB-lm2km Welcome! Right on... thanks a lot for watching and commenting! DD

[@peterxyz3541]

I need to make this!!!!!!!!

[@solarpoweredge]

@peterxyz3541 :D right on! I can't get over what a tiny 12v battery can cook :)

[@tossancuyota7848]

im gonna definitely build one myself thanks for sharing such noice thing

[@solarpoweredge]

@tossancuyota7848 You are welcome! Happy building!

[@davidrobertson1980]

Can't get these in Australia from amazon, they offer similar for HUNDREDS lol but I see they're made in Indonesia - our neighbors, so I will be investigating further, I like the price point there!

[@solarpoweredge]

@davidrobertson1980 I am shocked, they sell these ovens by the stacks. How about the My Mini oven from Wal Mart? Maybe you can get a Mini from Indonesia. Otherwise, could you just find the smallest reasonable toaster oven in Australia, and modify that instead? It should be 100% possible, if a bit tedious :)

[@Deveak]

Check mouser, they have Dc rated thermal switches like that. Pricey when the amps get high.

[@mikehughesdesigns]

or you can just use a 12v 60A auto relay. run the timer through the relay coil...

[@solarpoweredge]

@Deveak Mouser has everything !

[@solarpoweredge]

@mikehughesdesigns Good idea

[@lesallison9047]

A bit concerned about the wire running across the door return spring, other than that a fantastic job! ✌️💚 🇬🇧

[@solarpoweredge]

@lesallison9047 Thanks! :) and you're right... maybe a sheet of tough material to separate the wire, I'll try to figure something out

[@ravenmoon881]

Can i use a mymini toaster oven for this mod?

[@solarpoweredge]

@ravenmoon881 Yes I think so, I have not taken that oven apart... I suspect it's similar

[@kchinkflinch]

Thanks for sharing the excellent results of all your efforts. It really shows how much work you put into this. Looking forward to seeing the super ultra efficient 85 watts (19:29) design sometime - did you do that using diodes as a heat source rather than the resistive elements? I've just acquired 6 x 30V 255W panels and looking into what to do with them and I'm inspired by your work in the other video, using the diodes as MPPT's. Was thinking, as a PV2L heater, I might try with the TO-220 packages connected to a heat-sink and maybe a fan if needed. Just wondering if you have any thoughts about using the TO-220's with a single 30V panel and how to run a 12V fan from the same panel without any other electronics?

[@solarpoweredge]

@kchinkflinch Thank you sir, your feedback means a lot :) I would like to make a diode oven, and have been thinking about how exactly to do it. If I can get a good result I will upload and share. Regarding the TO-220s, that sounds like a fantastic project. You can run a fan off those diodes for sure. Please see the video I made and linked below. What one could do is build the TO-220 diode chain first and get it matched pretty well. Then measure for voltage supply at various points as I did in the video. I'd suggest aiming for 8-10 volts in case the voltage swings high. Note the voltage stability won't be perfect, don't want to accidentally put 20v into a 12v fan! If it is stable enough, just move the connection up one diode at a time until you have the voltage required. A voltmeter (multimeter) can be clipped on to watch how the system behaves. PS: TO-220 might require insulation pads between the metal heat sink. Hope this makes sense... if you need it, I can upload a quick video with a more narrow focus on the diode chain / fan power supply topic. Otherwise this video does talk about it, kzbin.info/www/bejne/amO7epV-dp53rJI

[@kchinkflinch]

@@solarpoweredge Thanks for the reply and tip on insulation pads too! Yep, that all makes sense. Sounds like I need to go hunting for the right diodes... and figure out where to put the panels and how to mount them etc. all that good fun stuff 🙂

[@solarpoweredge]

@kchinkflinch welcome! sounds like a plan 👍

[@orangezeroalpha]

For a fan, the simple answer is to get a 24v fan... but couldn't you also run two identical 12v fans in series if you didn't want to use a buck converter?

[@kchinkflinch]

@@orangezeroalpha sounds like it would work in theory. Hopefully I've got another 12v fan hiding somewhere.

[@Gazr965]

Ace. Minimal and does the job. Gaz UK.

[@solarpoweredge]

Thank you sir, greetings across the pond. DD

[@OFFGRID_Trucker]

Hi again.. Cool. What's up with the colors..? Teal is my favorite. I'll be doing this mod. Have a bigger black n decker toaster oven to build with. Could someone add a rheostat inline for temp control..? $29.99 now.

[@solarpoweredge]

@OFFGRID_Trucker Hi, for some reason I always buy toaster ovens that are flat black with brushed stainless steel. But decided to leave this one blue as it does look sharp. I have bigger ovens but they use up a lot more power. The base design does not need a thermostat, but I'm sure DIY'ers will add them depending on their requirements.

[@rickybritton7212]

Outstanding, I loved Learning and Watching, I was wondering if it is possible to Purchase a Stove from you are is there a Stove on the Market, that would be as Conservative your awesome Stoves. Thank you for Sharing. Sincerely your freind from Mo Rick God Bless you 🙏 and your family.

[@solarpoweredge]

@rickybritton7212 Hello Rick and thank you for your kind feedback! I have had several requests to buy these but it's not physically possible for me to manufacture due to health and other constraints. Hope you will understand. My wish is that a company would "see the light" and start building small cheap ovens for everyone. No reason to charge more than 25 bucks with mass production. I believe these ovens are needed all over the world. There is finally a company making 12v ovens but they are much more expensive and just not the same layout. Have you considered just buying a Dash oven and doing the modification? It's a project that takes basic hand tools and nothing exotic. If you need help building I might be able to offer some assitance from here. It's the best I can do for now. Maybe you can find a company to build them!! In any case thanks again for your feedback and comments, God Bless and take care. -Dave

[@rickybritton7212]

Dear BROTHER, I am very sorry for your Health, I know alot about Health issues, myself. It seems alot of my Bad Health issues has been Handed down thru generations, from my Relatives and Father and Mother, I will start Praying for you 🙏 and your family. I am turning 65 year's old this month, I need Caterax Surgery on my Left Eye, I hope to get that Process done, after I Change my Health insurance to Medicare, I hope I will be able to Build your awesome Stove, I know you are going to have Big secsess with your Stoves. Again Thank you for Sharing your awesome Ideals. Please let me know how you are getting along. And if someone picks up on your awesome ideal. Sincerely your freind from Mo Rick. God Bless 🙏 You and your Family.

[@solarpoweredge]

@rickybritton7212 Thank you sir, perhaps when better times come I will be able to build a few of these ovens for people, and you'd be first on the list. When my health improves or any breakthrough I will be sure to post an update and share. I hope you are able to get the necessary surgery and wish you all the best. PS thank you for your prayers and I will pray for you too. I hope there are better times ahead. God Bless you and your family. Please stay around and feel free to email me or post here if you have any questions about the ovens or any project. -Dave

[@acuraintegra101]

We sell these dash ovens at my work for 20 bucks 😅 I have one I run it on my solar box with a 100w solar panel.

[@solarpoweredge]

@acuraintegra101 They're pretty awesome!!

[@errolfoster1101]

just wondering how would it go just using a 12v car fan heater and making a fan oven in a closed box

[@solarpoweredge]

This is an interesting thought, probably need to think about the fan - oven can get 450 degrees inside, so we'd need a melt-proof fan or just remove the fan

[@ekeretteekpo3004]

144W! 😮 Now, I'm thinking of something like this that runs off an inverter consuming similar 144W! I mean, it should be possible given this video. Damn! Edit: If I heard correctly, you modified an AC oven. Are there such ovens that run on lower power like this DC version you created?

[@solarpoweredge]

@ekeretteekpo3004 Right, it's modified :D brand new without modification, the oven uses about 500 watts! After modification, 144w. It has ceramic fiber insulation, same stuff used in kilns. I think there are a very few companies making 12v DC ovens, but they tend to be very expensive and not really this compact and fun. This oven costs maybe 25 bucks, and it takes a few hours to modify. They work very well... I'm no cook but this oven will bake bread, roast meat etc. and only use a small battery! Maybe a company will see this video and get the picture :)

[@peterxyz3541]

👍👍👍

[@solarpoweredge]

@peterxyz3541 :) :D 👍

[@johnhenny639]

A simple 12v 20amp car relay would work so you can use temp and timer without any issues

[@solarpoweredge]

Good option for many folks. I'm testing the timer and thermostat with DC, but can't recommend it

[@PhonePhone-sf8te]

A few questions. I just picked one of these up an hour after seeing it. Why couldnt you just use the coil stretched and shortened like the other one? also can you provide some information about the 85 watt system so I could possibly use that for when I create mine? I would like a thermostat to be able to lower the temps by about 100 degrees.

[@solarpoweredge]

@PhonePhone-sf8te Hi, this channel caters to "high tech survival" and therefore everyone needs to know if they don't possess nichrome supplies it's possible to carefully re-use existing wire. There are several other reasons why I make my own coils, sometimes don't even use nichrome, but I have never explained it... perhaps in a future video. Sadly a lot of detail gets left out due to time and other pressures. This work took about 2 years and technically isn't even a finished product! PS More detailed info about heating elements are found in my PV DC heating and PV2L videos, as they are all very technically related to this oven project. The 85 watt oven is like a more advanced version and there is also more than one type, I need to make a video or videos of that when "allowed". When I can get those things done I will certainly upload and share with you folks. Thanks for watching, please stay tuned! DD

[@PhonePhone-sf8te]

@@solarpoweredge Thanks for the reply. I have heating element coils but that's set aside for a diy kiln system and I'd like to keep this side project as cheap as possible so I'll attempt it with the wires from the oven modified at least for now. Ill be looking forward to your future videos.

[@solarpoweredge]

@PhonePhone-sf8te Welcome! stretching both coils will provide a lot of leftover wire - for spares or future projects.

[@marcelb.7224]

Is this insulation food safe?

[@solarpoweredge]

It's not advisable to contaminate the food... can use compressed air to remove any ceramic dust before using the oven

[@frederickwoodman2755]

Thank you so much I hope it reaches Third world countries I noticed a question about is insulation safe. If you drink bottled water or eat packaged food out of packaging that can’t be recycled because it’s not safe to recycle 😮

[@solarpoweredge]

@frederickwoodman2755 Yes, it would change their world! I've seen people catch fish they couldn't eat because they literally had no way to cook or freeze it... You are right about the insulation. I think as long as we don't chew on it or breathe it, no problem. (Even fiberglass requires a breathing mask, they use that in stoves all the time)

[@craftymulligar]

Would you use welders wire. ? Heard someone used a piece to cut foam other than the wire you used. Is it the same stuff or lot different?

[@solarpoweredge]

@craftymulligar Hi, it is true that other wire types can make heat. In my opinion I'd stick with Nichrome for ovens. Because it forms a protective oxide coating when heated. Normal wire generally doesn't do that, so it may not last as long. It could still work though

[@spicer41282]

The Chnl I've Been Waiting For! Sub'd and 👍Liked 👍

[@solarpoweredge]

@spicer41282 Thanks a lot! Glad you're here!

[@vevenaneathna]

okay this is all cool info but entirely impossible to follow in less than 10-15 minutes. its like a labyrinth of information spread out between dozens of links and 30 min videos with 90% repetitive content and explanations. for example, try to follow this video "guide" and order nihchrome heating wire. you wont get very far. go to page 385, read the words on page 385 backwards while skipping any words that appear on page 214, now skip to page 40 to see if you are doing this correctly, make sure to reference page 5311 for exceptions to the rules on the previous odd page numbers or else you will burn your house down.

[@solarpoweredge]

Understand that I am pretty locked down and limited in video work due to my health. This video was never finished... after an epic year and a half battle I decided to just upload the 30 minutes. That said, learning to build an oven is not a 15 minute job and it absolutely can burn a house or RV down.

[@vevenaneathna]

@@solarpoweredge well you did better than me, i still havent gotten around to uploading some of the videos i filmed. sorry for the late night frustration. ended up ordering 1mm niychrome wire, i think it will be easy enough to calculate the needed length with online calculators

[@solarpoweredge]

@vevenaneathna No problem... those calculators should be useful. Also I've found some wire manufacturers publish resistance specifications on their website which can be useful.

[@SolarPunk80]

I thought his was the Dash Mini 😂

[@solarpoweredge]

:D