Portable Parabolic Solar Reflector

[@GregoryCarrier]

I've been solar cooking for years, and have tried many different systems, including these three. One of the best values for solar is sustainability. You can run out of propane and even have difficulty finding wood. For most boiling and cooking, how long it takes is not critical. My favorite cooker is the Sun Oven. Set it up, and come back later to a cooked meal. No adjustment necessary. Better stationary, but panel cookers can pack flat.

[@patrickconnors8403]

I like the product, but my impression is, this is really still a homesteader, with the exception of moving them to a pre-planned and developed bug out site. Great review, thanks.

[@The1stDukeDroklar]

The sport could be perfect for a very mobile distilling unit providing pure drinking water. Use a small pressure cooker with a cooling coil. A covered above ground pool could be used in combination with these to provide a long term reservoir of easily sustainable fresh water. The above ground pool volume itself should provide plenty of water pressure for quite a while. Edit: 17:35 yup and as you pointed out, smoke from a fire would draw attention, stealth would be a major benefit in the water purification role.

[@PraxisPrepper]

Great video CP. You're always so thorough on your channel. I brought my large cooker to the new location and had some crazy accidental burn issues that came up. I might be making a video about that soon.

[@dutchcourage7312]

Nice review, hoping to get one some day, likely the big one. Hopefully by then with a height adjustable cooking area. Even if 50% of the days in summer are suitable, this cuts off 25% of your cooking related energy bill. That's a lot of gas, trees or coal, and as you rightfully pointed out, using an electric cooker is going to be a real drain on your energy system.

[@hayesman76]

First of all, excellent choice of product to review and your review was outstanding. Having said that - and even though I think almost all your suggestions for improvement were good ideas - I’m much more positive about this product than you seem to be. Yes, there are issues with it, in particular the pain in the *ss it is to disassemble. However, both sizes, even the smaller Sport version, could literally save someone’s life out in the wilderness. IMO these solar cookers are absolutely BRILLIANT. I hope the manufacturer seriously considers making the modifications/improvements you suggest in he video.

[@robt7713]

You should be able to find a sterling engine you could drop in there to generate power. I'm surprised that isn't an optional component.

[@Wachest]

That's why I like reviews

[@straydogg1000]

I could see that working well in a homestead or a bug out situation in the hot months. It would definitely save on time and labour collecting would or using valuable man made fuels that could be saved for the shitty days.

[@Suit_and_tie_reptile_guy]

could you set a magnifying glass in the center to focus the rays even more? that would be great if you could, you would never need a fire to singe paracord or light a smoke again!

[@proudamericanrobman2829]

Good video at 250 ya it seams pretty reasonable priced. Would not buy one till im more home stable. But there a way to build one at a fairly easy effort/price if you can get a free satellite dish. They sell paint-on Chrome paint. Guessing that and a little finish polish should do a comparable job. Not getting in to a price war just a little fyi.

[@tux7]

Good report, thanks. I just bought one in an auction for slightly less than half the price and am looking forward to using it.

[@hunkychunky27]

What if you use a durable glass pot that's oven proof...would that help in not blocking the sun's rays?

[@GregoryCarrier]

Chuck Redhill Visions pots are my favorite for solar cooking.

[@yayayayya4731]

how would that absorb the light energy then?

[@jsbadger]

Thank you for the look and comparison with the original. My 2 cents: first, tie it in with a monowalker in a bugout system and there you have your portability (i couldn't see myself trying to hump that plus a bugout load). Second, just a thought here, but (on the sunny days it would be worth it) what about using it in conjunction with a mini steam turbine, to help generate electricity? Thanks again, CP. Keep up the good work!

[@robertscruton2941]

It does have a cool niche but I sure wouldn't want to lug that thing if I were bugging out. It would be handy in a bug in SHTF situation. I may have to save up for one of those down the road. Great nonbiased review as always!

[@chriscalabrese2209]

Jody Foster uses one of these in the movie Contact.

[@kimjameson7979]

The scene from "Men Who Stare At Goats" is interesting, too.

[@richardm.gramling1772]

Thx for your efforts of showing and demonstrate. I have had the "Sport" model for several months. I found as you stated tracking is very hit or miss. I also found that hot spots was a problem. Raising or lowering your cooking utensils only make the hot spot smaller with lower temperatures. Have you tried the "All American " Solar oven. I have and like very much. Again thx very much for your efforts.

[@hellsscoutact5379]

May be useful but would have to be prepositioned in my system. Just for liquid items as I see it. Thanks good info. Stay strong

[@OH8STN]

I love the idea but I think I'm going to stick with the jetboil. If I can't use the jetboil, I can always build a small fire. Like you I think the bigger fixed location parabolic cooker, seems like an excellent idea for a cottage or retreat location. Awesome video CP, but I don't think it's so practical for field use. Julian

[@outbackeddie]

A Fresnel lens might be a better choice if portability is crucial. If I lived in Arizona or some place where I could count on sunshine most of the year I would definitely be interested in the large unit.

[@dannyg5636]

In my opinion for a bug out situation this is not a practical item to large to be carrying around requires specific environmental factors for proper use. Where it would shine I agree is a stealth factor. At the end of the day can't really beat a fire almost anywhere you go you can fine some sort of fuel for fire. But as a camping item or beach in a none bug out scenario this might be a cool alternative.

[@tashacook4318]

Gettin ready for 4th of July down here. I'm feelling the excitement already.

[@melonshop8888]

MAKE PORTABILITY LIKE PADDLE FLOWER STICK. 🌼🌼🌼

[@Imagineitwrite123]

This is great for the small yard or apartment peeps that plan to Bug In. The price isn't that bad. I wish they had a "no bag" option to make it cheaper. Like $150. But like I said bugging in and not a lot of room to store it...

[@glen1arthur]

I think it would better for camping than hiking or maybe if you have room in your canoe for it. You may want to take extra screws as losing them in the woods would render it useless.

[@marko11kram]

adjusting the focal point, --- like on a flashlight from pinpoint to spot would even out the heat. oh and your idea of tracking the sun-- like the telescope software that tracks a star--- hmmm awesome

[@markfillery1002]

what you want to use is induction cook ware

[@Anger-i6n]

good review and honest opinions

[@RSPDiver]

Great, honest review.

[@sharpuslf]

EUREKA! I need one of these!

[@dickursby1725]

In Finland, they will work on two days out of 365.

[@aquahydroman7623]

Now, that if fascinating.

[@robertroigsantamaria]

the shade the pot casts... is because already hits the pot... so no loss there... well... if you're using a lid...

[@mayamachine]

If you use a pressure cooker you can do anything. Pressure cookers use less power to cook faster. Surprisingly I never hear prepers talking pressure cookers.

[@Sorcerers_Apprentice]

The instructions say you're supposed to use the pull rings to release the connectors for disassembly.

[@coydogoutdoors]

ive heard of people using those things to cook decent size steaks

[@weatherstorms]

I do wish this stove had two more different size magnifying glasses. One for medium, and high heat along with the main magnifying glass.

[@thomasf.5768]

Could they look at an Auxiliary attachment: thermal to DC electricity device?? 😁

[@mikeharrington5593]

A corrugated/ridged/grooved reflector would increase the surface area receiving solar radiation but would that make it any more effective in practice ?

[@jblasutavario9549]

4:43 Yeeooeooowwww! 🔥💧✋

[@Helpisme]

If I had the money I would buy everything u reccomend!

[@timbarnett3898]

Engine high temp chrome paint? I used base for solar panels, an I still have 8ft sections of dish. I'd like too make this unit from my parts at hand!

[@KeillorChristopher]

Encounter Ackley single point I would try metal disc on it to spread the heat oh copper disk perhaps a good thick piece of aluminum disc on top of it that might work hopefully Ray doesn't melt it but it would spread out the Heat of the Sunbeam the full diameter of the pot stand give that a whirl

[@leonardmarks503]

At the temps this dude is cooking, would turning it away from the sun work for cooling it down some? It's like turning a stove on high to cook anything. We have a solar oven that cools down when the sun isn't directly in the sights.

[@Gabdube]

I'd probably want to wear eye protection when working with this, just like with any other piece of light-focusing equipment such as lasers. It's going to take a toll on your retinas otherwise.

[@craigslaunwhite579]

I wonder if this could be rigged to raise the temperature of a heat sink attached to a thermocouple to generate electricity to charge battery sources such as the Kodiak

[@JamieHitt]

When we take a step back into complete honesty, we can punch multiple holes into the bucket of just about ANY piece of gear. If anything, ...preparedness is about offsetting real and potential "cons" with as many real and potential "pros" as humanly possible. Ultimately, ...the goal is eliminating those "cons" and replacing them with "pros". Preppers get a little iffy when introducing an element into the mix that clearly has a grocery list of both "pros" and "cons". Perhaps solving one problem by introducing three more. Truth is, we have five parabolic cookers. They are tools in a toolbox. And like most tools, they require the proper opportunity in order to get used effectively.

[@blackswordshinobi]

yep death Ray can be as that if lot bigger

[@jdlflagstone6980]

Add a series of lenses where the pot would normally go, to focus and amplify the energy. You could likely give someone moderate discomfort at 10 feet away as long as the stand exactly where the beam is focused and slowly move as the sun moves 😄

[@ACheshireCat2001]

Was curious if you can use the little parabolic with just on or two panels beyond the center one... saw you playing with the panel focus points... a bit like played with the 10x makeup mirrors that they put fire danger warnings on... can those panels be individually mounted, or do they interconnect for structural strength? Was inspired to try to check price via your links... unavailable late 2021...the web site still up... hope supply chain issues and so on will allow a comeback... looks like a nice solar toy... I have GoSun stuff... I find a couple Go's a handy size for fast food...and I do make and design my own solar cookers... just got some Solo Stove camp stoves...the property I live on produces plenty of bio-mass ... the Campfire I can fire up using dry rot wood from an old pine...or pruning sticks...dried they do get hot enough for wok cooking... the less flavorful bio-fuel... works okay with covered pots...was impressed with the gasification re-burning... and I have a slash pile to work on... Puget Sound region of Washington state... tends toward overcast a bit too often to make solar main cooking method... did solar cook some sausages last Saturday... Sun getting low for now...short cooking window here... enjoyed the video... the focus on the narrow focus very valid to get a little more even heating.

[@chrisroenker663]

I would like you to try and DISTILL water with that thing. Take lake water or sea water and distill it to get fresh drinking water. :)

[@seanno7027]

more after the collapse please it gives me that dopamine

[@w8lvradio]

If only someone would "reinvent" George Lof's Umbroiler, which folded out like an umbrella...

[@hareth3911]

i wonder what solar oven\cooker canadian prepper has?

[@marshish83]

"You were so busy thinking about wether you could do it, that you never stopped to think if you should" - Dr. Ian Malcolm

[@jasonpettit9984]

,they should use neodymium magnets instead of screws,period,

[@jdlflagstone6980]

That's pretty cool, but not really practical. Like you say it's comparable to a BBQ, not something I'd take camping or bugging out, but itd be a nice novelty item for a camp or cottage I suppose. A few sticks and a match will likely do a better job cooking. Sure there's the smoke issue but with this solar cooker you have a big shining beacon. If opsec is that big of a concern, you'll be eating cold food anyway.. plus I can use sticks any time of day in almost all weather, if done properly

[@CanadianPrepper]

jdl Mac The suns light ia concentrated into a focal point meaning the light wont project beyond a few feet. The opsec issue is easily resolved with a fence. I disagree about the smoke and wood. Wood is finite, requires labor and chopping, scavenging etc. Yes in winter that is possibly your only option but this is a way safer and more efficient way to boil water.

[@jdlflagstone6980]

Canadian Prepper, I agree it has a few things going for it (it's cool for one), id even give the opsec point to the solar dish. I just think it's uses are so specific that it really isn't practical in a "Prepper" sense. However I'm basing that on being in the woods where firewood is not really finite at all, maybe it is more practical for urban areas though. I'll concede that it'd be worth having as a backup, and even as a cool conversation piece, but I still think a wood fire is the best option, followed by a propane stove for backup.

[@executivesteps]

How is converting electricity to heat an “inefficient process”?

[@Zhab80]

If you want to boil water with the sun on the go the "solar kettle" seems like a better way to go about it.

[@SolarCookingGermany]

Good review

[@volt8399]

The company that makes these appear to be out of business as of 2020. I am looking to grab something like this, is there an alternative?

[@volt8399]

The company that makes these appear to be out of business as of 2020. I am looking to grab something like this, is there an alternative.

[@adb6358]

Would love to see your main edc and your main "bob"

[@pamrenwick9929]

Seems like cast iron would be best it's black and holds heat , any ideas about this ?

[@kts8806]

Great product but may only be useful at my bug out property!!

[@terryburns8917]

Do you think cast iron would distribute the heat better than the thin metal pan you used.

[@CanadianPrepper]

Terry Burns nope I tried it same results. In fact the pot pan that is on this video here at the thermal imaging is a cast iron

[@hoopaholic134]

Man I hope to see AAP grilling a big ass steak with one of these things on the 4th of July!

[@1961usman]

Solar panel agriculture Pump system require, 5 kV by this system, is this possible Sir?

[@bigyin2794]

USE CASE NUMERO UNO. Most cooking done in poorer tropical zones is with wood and charcoal hence destroying forest and wildlife habitat, this set up would be incredible if the UN WHO or Bill n Melinda Gates could buy and distribute a billion of the big ones.

[@destinedtobedifferent9921]

“Makeshift DYI Solar Oven” = Makeshift Do Yourself It Oven

[@Washingtonjopir]

The plates should me connected with magnet

[@donniegardner1146]

Do you think cast-iron pan/pot would to better as far as cooking

[@jdlflagstone6980]

Donnie Gardner my guess is it would take longer to heat up, but I think there'd still be the hotspot in the center of the pan. Adjusting the pot placement seems like a good idea to me, or it could be with the angle of the curves of the reflectors too

[@donniegardner1146]

jdl Mac I wounder if that would be the case and maybe to heavy for the solar cooker

[@jdlflagstone6980]

The likely use the exact same curve as a satellite dish, which is designed to focus the waves towards the receiver at the center of the dish. Perhaps a slight adjustment to this curve would make that point less exact/larger surface area

[@CanadianPrepper]

Tried it, same results

[@donniegardner1146]

Canadian Prepper thanks and good review I agree the original I think would be better

[@mcamcay]

where in Canada can you buy this?

[@slaytanic921]

Will you ever carry these?

[@CanadianPrepper]

slaytanic921 I don't think so if I ever did Carrie anything it would be the larger parabolic mirrors

[@highvibes38]

Can we get stuff from USA? I only see it in Canadian dollar

[@glen1arthur]

TJ Desormeau Yes he ships to the US all the time. www.canadianpreparedness.com/shipping-policy/. Right now the Cnd. Fund 1$= .70 to .75 USA funds. You may want to contact him directly on his site.

[@aarphi1984]

11:52 - Respectfully disagree, as I often see people take their 2-burner portable grills as well as camp stoves to the beach.

[@KeillorChristopher]

The poop hits the fan I'm utilizing fire holes get my food cook quick that hold buried go off slightly over into the woods 2 while I'm eating watch and wait to see if someone tries to find me and then I find them

[@cmcclellan9721]

Just wondering CP; If you put a copper "pad" underneath the pot, wouldn't that disperse the heat to a wider area? I get what you're saying and agree, but was thinking (for those not mechanically "inclined") as a temp "fix".

[@straydogg1000]

C McClellan you can buy copper bottom pots and pans. Curious to see how well that would work.

[@cmcclellan9721]

Yea that's true. I was thinking of what I already had. Could get a skillet for outdoors.

[@Gabdube]

Converting electricity into heat is indeed less efficient than turning gas into heat, but it's a whole lot more efficient than turning gas into electricity...

[@GodWasAnAlien]

Never forget...all nuclear power plants do is boil water. Makes you wonder why they don't just use these

[@GodWasAnAlien]

I bet some really savvy dude who was crazy enough to get shot at could make the nuclear industry look like fools with these. Think about a 100 of these set up with steam vents with turbines in them, hooked up to alternators.

[@ronaldferreira4305]

my fingers would burn

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

Honest review, but not my cup of tea. You still get a "like".

[@edi9892]

Why not use a big fresnel lense instead (of a parabolic reflector)? The king of random posted a solar "death ray" built like this and put it on YT.

[@badimpulses17]

Must be nice to get free stuff.

[@rickyboyz1006]

Too bulky

[@JogBird]

looks cheap af to be honest look at the underside shot

[@johnlord8337]

Easier to use the small parabolic with my small Presto pressure cooker (not the bigger canners). Small 4 qt stainless (6#) or aluminum (3.5#) can be used cook, steam, bake, boil water with less time and hassle than open pot cooking and boiling. Only really good for camping, but not hiking, proper homesteading, survival effort, hidey hole, bug out site, ... better to just use a mylar solar cooking oven and a pressure cooker for stealth cooking. Better to make my (re-discovered proven technology) of the Archimedes solar lens that WAS ABLE to convert solar rays via a focussed fresnel lens into a maser/laser-like heat ray against the Greeks.

[@m.b.g.2235]

John Lord ... Hi John,. I have a question. I have a solar oven and I thought that the UV rays and the sun's heat cooked the food. Am I mistaken and UV rays do nothing in cooking with a solar oven. Thanks.

[@rickyricardo4718]

I can see a whole lot of dangerous applications for those puppies. I hope they are expensive.

[@CanadianPrepper]

Thats why you keep it covered

[@mardanananak]

Edit this! This is way, way too long! Too repetitive! Whack it down!

[@mackd7141]

On a boat would be great , or land either way, detachable wings , great points great fire stater , no Im not Tony