Prepping for wind

Prepping for wind.

Most solar cookers suffer in the wind. The stronger the wind, the greater they suffer.

Let me start by stating that I have been cooking with the ASSC for over 15 years and have never modified it for wind, other than to make sure there is a heavy potful of food inside.

That being said, one user, Churro, has made a very worthwhile suggestion:

"5.0 out of 5 stars

Great product- made a slight improvement

January 29, 2019

Length: 17.00Verified Purchase

I am fairly experienced with home made panel cookers, The assembly instructions were clear enough, especially after watching the video on youtube. The instructions mention breaking it in to achieve the proper shape. I found a nice workaround using small office clips and some masonry twine. I clipped the clips to the corners and tied the twine with a prussic knot to draw the upper and lower panels together. Proper shape and more rigid, still adjusts easily."

And this user was correct. So here is how to achieve Churro’s suggestion:

You will need 6 binder clips, size 1.25. and cordage. This can be anything but preferably not with much stretch. Braided cordage is best. I use paracord.

Just tie the cord to one arm of each clamp. The distance between the extended arms of the clamps should be 23”. Simple as that. I used a single overhand knot for each clamp

Installed, the cords and clips will keep the cooker from flexing too much in very strong winds.

Next, you will want to add some weight. Shown here is a 14 pound paver, measuring 12 inches by 8 inches. Home Depot. I covered one side of the paver with reflective material, then placed the supplied rack over the paver.

With that much weight and a pot of food, your cooker is not going to tip in wind.

The final two clips are used on the sides where the reflectors come together - see photo. These hold the side reflectors tight against each other in strong winds.

These side clips must be released when you adjust the cooker for azimuth. Then reattached. Simple.