All Season Solar Cooker Operating Features

This is a review of the All Season Solar Cooker design and how it meets the important solar cooking criteria of: Collection, Absorption, Retention, Duration

[@IrishAnnie]

I asked my husband to get me this for our anniversary! Not very romantic, but, I want to be able to feed us with all the unrest, but to cut energy costs! 2022 Ukraine issue and food shortages looming…. And, daylight savings is here! One more hour of sunlight. Thank you so much!

[@Namasix]

I've had mine for a month and finally used it today. I put a pan of 6 chicken thighs smothered in BBQ sauce in the cooker a little before 10. They were done in 3 hours & were delicious!

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Thanks for sharing. It is great to learn solar cooking

[@plantabundance]

Hello there. Love my "All Season Solar Cooker'. I made a couple videos reviewing and demonstrating it's abilities. The manual that came with the cooker referred to it as "The Sunflower Cooker' and I have been promoting it as such. Just thought you should know. Take care and thanks for such a wonderful product.

[@lythianegateka2058]

Send here the link of your video please. Thanks

[@dakotastorms1255]

I just got one of these have yet to assemble it I'm super excited to use it. Got it for my emergency kit

[@oldgeekster1]

I can absolutely vouch for the All Season Solar Cooker, and will do so at any opportunity. The wife and I *love* ours! Dave

[@stevensherman5668]

Love it, We bought one last summer this thing is great.

[@randybrown8065]

Great explanation! Detailed & complete!

[@Itsabountifullife]

I just bought mine here in September 2022 and I can not wait to get started solar cooking with it.

[@erngre1]

Mine will delivered tomorrow May 25 th 2019 and I can not wait to try it out.

[@danielmarquez8568]

I'm ordering right now 5/11/18! Thank You

[@threetruths123]

Massive GRATITUDE 🎉 you made a way for me and my family to bake out daily Essene Sprouted Bread 😍🤩🎉🎉

[@myeflatley1150]

You can also use oven cooking bags instead of the Pyrex bowls.

[@mrssamiporter7070]

Just got mine delivered today. It's raining, which we definitely need...but I'm super excited to try this out. 😆 I'm disabled, but it's sooo lightweight, it doesn't matter. Very pleased!!

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Have fun learning solar cooking. Get ready for some easy and delicious meals

[@johnny6148]

just got mine. now the fun starts.

[@jangidgetgillihan3775]

I just ordered one on Amazon!

[@impartialanalyst4392]

Excellent post

[@roselightcafe1754]

This looks like a great idea! Hopefully you have a brochure or heck, just some photocopies of your recipes to give us an idea on how to cook different food items as well as variables on containers for instance cast-iron? Does it always have to be a dark color container for the food? What about stainless steel or enamel coated, all or clear corning ware? White corning Ware with glass lids? Hope you don't mind my asking… Thank you ever so much 👍🏽✝🌻

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

I hope the cookware video answered most of your questions. Check out the polenta video. Also, rice and pasta start in cold water. There are a ton of great solar cooker recipes on line. Most are just like stovetop recipes, or oven recipes. Others use slightly less water or take slightly longer to bake. The real key is using a food thermometer to test for doneness of meats and poultry.

[@tux7]

Excellent.

[@ruiying66]

Brilliant!!

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Thanks, I am having fun with it

[@lillylynn9076]

I just received mine in the mail today. This video is very insightful..although I did not receive a recipe article with it..I Thought you did.

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Hi Sheila, I have a very few recipes on Allseasonsolarcooker.com and also solcook.com.

[@lillylynn9076]

ok..THANKS!

[@cherukunnucool]

What solar cooker will be the cheapest and most efficient

[@lloydpilant4736]

In the video, I noticed the "sun direction finder" :) on the lower panel. In some videos it is on the upper panel, does it make a difference?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

The Sunsight may be mounted on the top reflector or the bottom. Because the array is coordinated, both reflectors are at the same angle to the sun

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

John, The cooker you built from plans has an 11 by 11 cooking area. The one that am manufacturing has a 12 by 12.

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

So you can only cook one thing at a time?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

@@mycharmedunicorn8715 Depends on the size of pot you use.

[@lindakean7392]

Hello! Not having great luck cooking but we have a lot of cloudy days here. I cannot seem to get a "base" as shown in this video. I have followed the instructions from two different videos but still no square base for my Winter cooking or Summer cooking. Could this be a different model of the All Season cooker?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

The current model has a base that measure 17” wide by 12” deep. Earlier models were 12” by 12”. The most important thing to achieve is proper reflector shape. When broken in your reflectors should resemble a stop sign, not a rectangle. Proper shape is the key to performance

[@k9healthy]

Can I use this to bake, for example, muffins? In this case, the Pyrex bowls won't be able to cover the muffin pan.

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Yes you can bake muffins. For baking dishes that do not fit in the Pyrex bowls you may use the supplied reusable cooking bags. Place the muffin tin in the bag, cover the tin with a second muffin tin, face down, cook. Depending on how high your muffins will rise, you can also use a black teflon grill sheet, cut to size. That is what I use for biscuits and works very well, not sticking to the biscuits.

[@howtogetoutofbabylon8978]

Here is my playlist on Solar Cookers for Homesteaders, Preppers, etc kzbin.info/aero/PLsEWVATMY6q1bJ8IDIroXCUuskulvbu4p

[@AN-gl3jx]

Where can you buy it in South Africa please

[@ksking4246]

I'm intrigued by this cooker. I'm in the market for one and in the research phase right now. How does this one compare to the one that I'm seeing on all of the homestead channels on YT that has a price tag of nearly $500 (you all know which one I mean, right?)? Like everyone I want a solar oven that works like I want it to work but won't wreck my budget (the $500 one would!). Any comparison advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@dg6570]

Okay, here's my 2 cents worth...... First of all, I have the All American Solar oven, the Haines 2.0 solar oven, and the Sunflair "mini" (medium size) that I use on a regular basis. I use my All American almost every day in the summer and fall (occasionally in Spring) for main dishes and bread. I use my Sunflair for when I just want to cook small amounts of steamed/baked veggies, rice, or heating up leftovers. My Haines 2.0 is very similar to Jim's solar cooker. To be honest, I haven't had as much success with it, my timing just seems off. Where I live there is quite a bit of wind in the afternoon and the softsided (cardboard type) solar cookers respond more negatively to wind, in my opinion. Others I know say the same. I think it's a personal choice..... If you can only afford a certain one, so be it. You can probably make it work. I had used the All American before, so was pre-disposed to liking it. I also bought it on one of the company's "deal" days and saved a significant amount (over $100). Frankly, it's paid for itself with all the propane I haven't had to use for cooking, and not having to run the AC when I use the oven. I have had it for 4 years, my Sunflair for 10 years, and my Haines 2.0 for 4 years. Hope this helps.

[@Elsie-May]

How to buy in Australia? Would love this 😁

[@SantaRitaMark]

Is there any difference between the All Season Solar Cooker Camper and the Sol Cook All Season Cooker?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

The Camper is larger then the original All Season Solar Cooker. The Camper and the All Season Solar Cooker Camper (17) are the same. The original ASSC is no longer in production.

[@sandypowell6372]

Jim, I cooked chicken with bbq sauce, I put it on for three hours and it did not even phase the chicken. It said am and pm cooking shadow and still nothing. Really disappointed 😞. Does it have to be over 80 degrees in order to cook?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Hi Sandy, Thanks for your question. The most common reason for poor performance is that the cooker does not have its correct shape yet. When first assembled, the cooker will be much taller than it is wide. This is because the cooker is not broken in. Flex the cooker, as shown in the assembly vid and in the instructions. Flex it a lot. Flex it many times. This will weaken the plastic joints and allow the cooker to rest in the proper configuration. It should look more like a stop sign This will resolve the temperature issue. Do not attempt to cook on days when you cannot see your shadow, The clearer your shadow, the better the cooking, No shadow, no cooking. Please try again and let me know your results.

[@wingochambers2562]

Does the cooker work in anything less than full sun? I'm wondering if the day is at all overcast, whether it will still cook, albeit slowly.

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Wingo Chambers . This cooker and all solar cookers work in reduced sunlight situations. Generally, if you can see your own shadow, you can cook. Not talking the shadow under a car, but your own shadow when standing. I have had great results on days with broken clouds (look up edge-of-cloud effect to learn why), great success on hazy days, works OK but slower on overcast days but if the overcast gets so thick you cannot see your shadow or if it rains, you cannot use a solar cooker. Hope this helps

[@wingochambers2562]

Jim La Joie That helps tremendously -- I could not have hoped for a better answer. Thank you!

[@francostacy7675]

I realize the environment will impact the temp. However will this boil water

[@IrishAnnie]

Can I ask you, how can you bake bread in the solar cooker?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

I get best results as follows. Make your dough as usual. Do the second rise in the bread pan. Place a turkey roaster in the cooker. Put the loaf, still in its pan in the turkey roaster. Put the lid on the roaster. Put the covered turkey roaster inside the supplied cooking bag. Do not wrap the bag tightly on the raster. But do close the open end or tuck the open end in a back corner of the cooker. Se the sun sight to focus one hour ahead of the sun. Check back in 90 minutes. For extra browning, keep the cooker tightly focused for the last 20 to 30 minutes What is happening? The black roaster is absorbing the sunlight and getting very hot.. The roaster has become an oven and the bread is baking. This works with the black Granite ware roasters. If your roaster is not black… it will not work

[@cherukunnucool]

Can solar water heater used for any kind of cooking

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

The All Season Solar Cooker can be used for baking, roasting, boiling, simmering, every type of cooking except for frying. It does especially well with grains

[@robinwilson8435]

How do I get bread to brown in mine? I put it into a dark loaf pan and it's wrapped in the oven bag that came with it. I do have a 4L pyrex bowl I bought, but need a second one. Any suggestions?

[@user-xw1fe9ow7r]

I get best results by creating a "roasting" chamber with my turkey roaster. Bread goes in the bread pan, pan goes in the roaster, roaster goes in cooking bag. Your. bread will be evenly baked and will brown. I also use the turkey roaster for roasting a turkey thanksgiving and Christmas

[@robinwilson8435]

@@user-xw1fe9ow7r do you use the roaster's lid or a clear lid? Or leave it off?

[@user-xw1fe9ow7r]

The roaster lid, not clear. Because turkey us very light colored, as is bread dough, the black roaster lid works best. @@robinwilson8435

[@jesseherbert2585]

Where do you get the pot stand?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

It is included. Target carries them, 9.99 for a 3 pack. "wilton elite" cooling rack

[@jwwm2]

Personally, I can't fit those Pyrex bowls into the ASSC I made...

[@markcameroon6613]

and in Canada middle of winter 4 hours of sun if were lucky in -30? will it work ?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Weather being clear, and using the sun sight as instructed, yes. Rice, small potatoes, polenta, pasta. Just don't go too big. Snow on the ground will improve cooking. If windy, use a glass enclosure instead of the cooking bags.

[@markcameroon6613]

@@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker thanks jim

[@bigtoad45]

How does it stand up to wind?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Check out AsscWind on KZbin. It does very well

[@mourrefrais]

solar kocher für mourre frais?

[@satarapolice1281]

How to purchase this sir

[@bondojoe8161]

Wouldn't that be more efficient if the panels had mirrors on them?

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

My design goal was light weight and high durability. Mirrors are heavy and fragile. The reflective material is an industrial grade film that is 99 percent reflective

[@bondojoe8161]

@@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker Thanks!

[@rockinginafreeworld3256]

Nice product, but cannot be purchased where I am.

[@amanzella6508]

the trivot should be white

[@adolphedjasrabaye7753]

Great ! so good for my country can i have your contact please

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

[e-mail]

[@scottrundle]

Jim, Very nice video. Glad to be working on this with you. To anyone who wants one just go to amazon.com and type in all season solar cooker.

[@erngre1]

Well I got it today and let me tell you it is a hot mess to figure out. I have nick named it the cryptic yellow thing box. And it is different than the one shone in this vid. WTF

[@lindakean7392]

mine seems to be also. I cant for the life of me get a square "base" like this video

[@lloydpilant4736]

The video is of the older model. The new ones have a base 12" x 17"

[@bethelteshuwah9824]

Not having too much success with diy cookers in Midwest america

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Hi Bethel, there are hundreds of DIY designs for solar cookers. Some work better than others, but they all work under IDEAL conditions. That means bright sunshine between 10 am and 2 pm. The All Season Solar Cooker is a little different because it can collect sunshine from dawn until dusk. What does this mean to solar cooks? It means. you can start earlier in the day and get useful heat. That puts you ahead of the game in case clouds arrive later. If you are using the All Season solar Cooker, be sure that you have the correct shape as described on page 2 of the instructions. Correct shape will easily add 100 degrees or mored. The All Season solar Cooker was carefully designed to make the best of use of the sun. There its not a better one out there - regardless of price. Because it is lightweight and foldable, the user must understand and heed the directions on page 2. Remember, the oven in your kitchen has many times the power of a solar cooker, so expect cooking to be slower and gentler. Do not overload the cooker (a 13 pound turkey is about the best I can do in winter) Use the proper pots and be sure to use the cooking bag as instructed. The pot, the cooking bag, the cooker all work together. Remove any one and cooking will fail. proper shape is so important, I cannot emphasize that enough.

[@cherukunnucool]

is this dangerous for ur eyes

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

When assembling the cooker, work in a shaded area or face the cooker away from the sun. When adding food, turn the cooker away from the sun. When adjusting the sunsight, stand behind the cooker (or in front - your body will shade the cooker. If you have sunglasses, wear them

[@susan319]

Very poor assembly instructions. You should show us what you were doing up close not from a distance and try talking that would help not very happy with assembly instructions at all

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

Thanks for your input. I am working on a better vid.

[@k9healthy]

@@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker Hi Jim: Please inform us of the new video. As global warming continues, I really cannot cook inside my house during the entire summer (basically 90+ degree every single day). I look forward to using a solar stove. By the way, can I use a Staub or Le Creuset Dutch oven that is not black? In this, I cannot use the pyrex bowls and the material is thick. Thanks.

[@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker]

@@k9healthy Flat black is best. Other dark colors will also work. Dark Red, Dark Blue are OK. Yellow, white, light green - are not OK. Use the supplied cooking bags. The key here is to absorb light into a dark surface. The color white reflects all light. The color black sends no light back. The more light you absorb, the better the cooking. Cooks who do not follow this instruction will experience less than stellar results.

[@lloydpilant4736]

@@JimLaJoieAllSeasonSolarCooker I bought the plans for my solar cooker many years ago. I watched the video yesterday because I had taken my cooker apart and found the video very helpful with no problems.

[@chi-juiho2131]

Pro tip maybe pay your people enough so your own daughter can stop stealing his exs gi bill stipends

[@Jonsiebert1]

That escalated quickly.