Frequently Asked Questions about SK-14

What can I cook in my SK-14?

Because the SK-14 uses sunlight to heat the cooking chamber, it will bake, roast or cook many different foods. Consider using it to prepare vegetables, breads, pastries, and and all kind of meals.

Do I have to change the recipes?

Not really. Because the SK-14 , when adjusted to face the sun properly, will reach conventional cooking temperatures, changes to your recipes are not required.

How do I adjust the SK-14 correctly ?

Adjusting the SK-14 is easy. Move it to a sunny location and turn it to face the sun. Use the shadow behind the focus peg to make sure that the chamber is facing the sun as completely as possible.

Do I have to cook at high temperatures ?

No. Simply orient the SK-14 to "lag the sun" by making sure the shadow is not exactly on the focus peg. The temperature will be now lower.

If I forget about the food will it burn?

Although you may overcook your food and dry it out, it is difficult to burn food in the SK-14. As the sun moves out of orientation with the SK-14, the temperature in the cooking chamber cools. About once an hour the SK-14 should be reoriented to the sun to help it maintain temperature. To cook faster, reorient more frequently.

How does the SK-14 work?

Sunlight is collected in the dish and reflected down onto the cooking area in.

Do I need to use special pots or pans to keep the heat from being reflected back out of the cooking chamber?

Yes. Dark or dull pans work best in the SK-14, but polished pots and pans also work . May take a little more time.

Can I use the SK-14 in cloudy weather?

Because the SK-14 uses sunlight as fuel, optimum performance will be achieved during sunny days. On cloudy days, however, you will be able to cook on a limited basis if shadows are visible. Cooking with the sun is not the same as cooking in a completely regulated conventional stove so experimenting yourself on various weather days will be the best teacher.

Can I use the SK-14 in winter weather?

Of course. The sun is as hot in winter as in summer. There is increased loss of heat to the air in winter and slightly more time will be required. Whenever the sun is shining brightly and correctly into the SK-14, and the dish is protected from wind, the unit can reach cooking temperatures during the winter.

Can I use aluminum foil or roasting bags?

Absolutely. Locking in the juices to your food is just as important for flavor in the SK-14, as in a conventional stove or oven.

How much food can I cook in the SK-14 at one time?

SK-14 can hold a single 10 liter pot or a multiple pot cooker of similar size.

How do you clean the SK-14?

A little soap and water cleans up most cooking spills. A little bit of dust on the mirrored surface won't effect cooking ability substantially. You will occasionally want to wipe down the reflective surface with some soap and water or with a non-streaking and environmentally friendly glass cleaner.