SBCI's Foldable Portable Cooker Tested by Kathleen Jarschke-Schultze What comes in its own carrying case, saves you time, energy and money, is efficient, looks good, can be sent anywhere the mail goes, will open a whole new dimension to your life and is fun to use? The answer is SBCI's foldable, portable cardboard solar cooker. Packaging and Documentation The unit arrived in a cardboard box (23" x 27" x 4") via UPS, although it can be mailed anywhere there is mail service. The box is sturdy and has a black plastic carrying handle which is handy and probably kept it from being tossed around by the shippers. In opening the box, I found the instruction manual right on top. I like that. The assembly instructions are great with step by step procedures using both easy to understand words and large, clear diagrams. I believe you could assemble this cooker using only the diagrams if you couldn't read English. Amy Wilson (of Great Northern Solar) and I assembled the cooker in about 20 minutes. To disassemble it and put it back into its carrying case took about six minutes. The assembly instructions take up the first half of the manual with extra instructions about using the oven in windy areas. The Box Cooker The cooker parts come already covered with aluminum foil. The window material is a double layered (thermal pane) of tough, 4 mm special polyester film which stands high temperatures and long exposure to sunlight without getting brittle or cloudy. It is not puncture proof so it must be protected from sharp objects. It is already attached to the window frame. This means there is no gluing or taping involved. In fact, no tools other than your mind and your hands are needed to assemble this cooker. Even the outside of the cooker is covered in foil, which gives the cardboard some added protection from the elements. This does not mean you can leave it out in the rain however, it simply means it will last longer in humid climates. The Cooker uses one reflector focused through the the box's window. This reflector folds down over the window when not in use and holds the heat till you are ready to eat. Inside is a 19" x 23" x 6.5" cooking area. The unit weighs eight pounds. It is a very attractive solar cooker. The last half of the manual is instructions in English, Spanish and with diagrams on how to use the cooker. Cooking hints, safety tips, cooking times for various types of food and cooking speed factors. There is also a short part about how to teach others about solar cooking and 'About SBCI'. The carrying case also has cooking instructions English, Spanish and pictorial. Solar Box Cookers International is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 to promote solar box cooking for health and environmental benefits worldwide. SBCI provides educational materials and training on how to make, use and teach others about solar box cookers. Performance The SBCI cooker performed well in the field, literally. I cooked a variety of foods, chicken, rice, and muffins. The one reflector design does not reach the higher temperatures of the multi-reflector solar cooker but the food still gets done. I also used a variety of cookware, black pots, Visionware¨, and black muffin tins. I was pleased that so many types of cookware fit easily into the cooker. I was able to cook several dishes at once. Conclusion I am very impressed with this kit. It is quick to assemble, looks really nice, works very well and costs $50. It can be shipped easily. It stores and travels easily. The documentation is wonderful. It is the best one reflector kit I have seen. Access Author: Kathleen Jarschke-Schultze continues to cook with the sun c/o Home Power, POB 130, Hornbrook, CA 96044 Maker: Solar Box Cookers International (SBCI), 1724 11th St., Sacramento, CA 95814 USA ¥ 916-444-6616 ¥ FAX 916-447-8689