Best Solar Powered Stoves for Camping (2025)
Cooking outdoors is an essential part of camping, but carrying fuel or relying on firewood can be inconvenient and sometimes even restricted in certain areas. Solar-powered stoves offer a clean, fuel-free, and eco-friendly way to prepare meals in the wild.
Modern solar stoves have advanced heat retention, making them efficient even on partially cloudy days. They are also smoke free, which means you don’t have to worry about irritating fumes or attracting unwanted attention from wildlife. Whether you’re a backpacker, van-lifer, or off-grid survivalist, our list of reliable solar stoves can be worth your outdoor cooking experience.
We’ll break down the specs, pros, and cons of each model.
| Product | Weight | Max Temperature | Cooking Time | Capacity | Portability | Image | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoSun Go | 2 lbs | 550°F (288°C) | 20 minutes | 13.5 oz (400 ml) | Very Portable |  | ★★★★☆ |
| GoSun Sport | 7.5 lbs | 550°F (288°C) | 20 minutes | 40 oz (1.2 L) | Portable |  | ★★★★☆ |
| SolSource Sport | 10 lbs | 550°F (288°C) | 15-30 minutes | Large Pans | Moderately Portable |  | ★★★★☆ |
| GoSun Fusion | 14 lbs | 550°F (288°C) | 30-60 minutes | 101 oz (3 L) | Less Portable |  | ★★★★★ |
| Sunflair Solar Oven | 1.5 lbs | 285°F (140°C) | 45-60 minutes | 2 trays | Extremely Portable |  | ★★★★☆ |
1. GoSun Go Portable Solar Oven
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
The GoSun Go is an incredibly compact and efficient solar stove for solo campers or those who prefer lightweight, portable gear. With just 2 pounds, it’s easy to pack and carry. The solar oven uses a parabolic reflector to direct sunlight into a vacuum tube, which can heat up to 550°F (288°C). This allows it to bake, boil, and fry with ease.
Its quick cooking time meals can be prepared in as little as 20 minutes, depending on sunlight intensity. The stove’s small size means it holds up to 13.5 oz (400 ml) of food, making it suitable for solo meals. Its durable construction and handle various weather conditions, making it reliable even in less-than-ideal circumstances. However, the performance is closely tied to the availability of direct sunlight. Cloudy or overcast days can affect cooking times and efficiency.
What We Liked:
- Ultra-lightweight and easy to pack
- Prepares meals under optimal sunlight
- Capable of baking, boiling, and frying
- No fuel or electricity required
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only suitable for one person because of its small size
- Not ideal for larger meals or group cooking
2. GoSun Sport Solar Cooker
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
The GoSun Sport is a great upgrade from the GoSun Go, offering more cooking capacity while still maintaining a portable design. It is slightly heavier but still easy to carry for campers who need more cooking space. With a larger cooking chamber, the GoSun Sport can handle meals for up to 4 people, making it a better option for small groups or families. It uses a similar parabolic reflector and vacuum tube system that allows it to reach cooking temperatures of up to 550°F (288°C).
You can prepare meals in approximately 30 minutes depending on the sunlight, and the oven can handle a variety of cooking styles, from baking to frying. The durable construction of the GoSun Sport ensures it can withstand harsh weather, and it is easy to use, even for beginners. However, it still relies heavily on direct sunlight, which can be a limitation on cloudy days.
What We Liked:
- Can cook meals for up to 4 people
- Cooks in less than 30 minutes
- Eco-Friendly, no fuel or electricity required.
- Still lightweight for its size
- Tough to last in various weather
What We Didn’t Like:
- Heavier than smaller models
- Cloudy weather reduces cooking efficiency
3. Solar Oven by All American Sun Oven
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
The All American Sun Oven offers one of the most versatile solar cooking experiences. With a large cooking area, it allows you to cook larger meals or multiple dishes at once, making it an excellent choice for families or group camping. The Sun Oven uses a large reflective surface to capture more sunlight. It will reach temperatures up to 400°F (204°C), enough to cook everything from casseroles to roasted meats.
It’s able to bake, steam, and even boil water, making it a true all-in-one solar oven. The design incorporates a foldable feature, allowing you to pack it up easily when not in use. It’s also made of heavy-duty materials that are built to last. While the larger size and heavier weight (22 pounds) make it less portable than the other options on this list, it is perfect for longer camping trips or basecamp setups where portability is not a priority.
What We Liked:
- Large capacity ideal for families or groups
- Versatile for bake, steam, and boil
- High-quality, long-lasting construction
- Simple design for beginners campers
What We Didn’t Like:
- 22 pounds, not ideal for backpacking.
- Takes up more space in your pack or car
- Longer cooking times
4. Sunflair Portable Solar Oven
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
The Sunflair Portable Solar Oven is one of the most ultralight and compact solar stoves available, designed for campers looking for a simple yet effective way to cook outdoors. Weighing just 1.5 pounds, it’s perfect for solo campers or small groups who need something easy to carry and set up. Despite its small size, the Sunflair can reach temperatures up to 285°F (140°C).
This solar oven uses a reflective, foldable design that packs flat into a carry bag, making it an excellent choice for minimalists who want a reliable, low-cost option for solar cooking. The Sunflair is also highly durable and easy to clean. However, although it’s great for light meals and snacks, its smaller cooking capacity (holds up to 1.5 quarts) may not be enough for larger meals or group camping.
What We Liked:
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Easy setup and operation
- Budget-friendly solar cooking solution
- Made from high-quality materials
- Packs down flat for easy storage
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low temperature
- Best for small meals or snacks
- Performance can be poor on overcast days
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5. Solavore Sport Solar Cooker
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
The Solavore Sport Solar Cooker is a reliable and efficient option for campers who need a solar stove that can handle a wide variety of cooking tasks. With a cooking temperature of up to 360°F (182°C), it can cook everything from meats to vegetables, and even bake bread. It’s known for its ease of use and versatility, allowing you to cook without worrying about fuel or open flames.
It’s slightly heavier than some of the more portable models, but it strikes a great balance between size, capacity, and performance. Its reflective panels ensure maximum sunlight capture, and it has a large cooking space (up to 2-3 quarts) for small groups or families.
What We Liked:
- Cooking capacity for 2-4 people
- Built to last for many years of use
- Can handle a wide range of cooking tasks
- Simple to set up and operate
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the lightest option for backpacking
- Bulky design requires more packing space
How to Choose the Best Solar Powered Stove for Camping
When selecting a solar-powered stove for camping, keep the following key factors in mind:
- Cooking Capacity: Consider how many people you’ll be cooking for. If you’re solo camping, a smaller, more compact stove will suffice. However, if you’re traveling with a group, you’ll need a stove with a larger cooking capacity.
- Portability: lightweight and compact design are crucial if you plan on hiking or backpacking. For basecamp setups, portability is less important, but it’s still a consideration if space is limited.
- Max Temperature: The higher the temperature, the faster your meals will cook. If you need to cook more substantial meals, choose a stove with a higher max temperature (300°F or more).
- Cooking Time: Solar cookers generally take longer to cook meals compared to traditional stoves. Some models take 1-2 hours, while others might require longer. Consider the time available for cooking during your trip.
- Durability: Since you’ll be using these stoves in outdoor conditions, ensure that they are made from durable, weather-resistant materials. Stoves with strong reflective panels and sturdy cases will stand up better to wear and tear.
- Price: There is a wide range of solar cookers at various price points. Consider your budget and find a stove that offers the best value for its features.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a solar stove on a cloudy day?
Solar-powered stoves rely on direct sunlight for efficiency, and cloudy days can reduce their cooking performance. However, many models still work in low sunlight, though they may take longer to cook.
Do I need any special equipment to use a solar stove?
No special equipment is required. Solar stoves are self-contained and use the power of the sun for cooking. However, you can use dark-colored cookware to improve heat absorption.
Can solar stoves cook all types of food?
Yes, solar stoves can cook most types of food, including baking, roasting, boiling, and frying. However, it’s best to use these stoves for slower cooking methods like baking or simmering, as they don’t offer the same quick cooking capabilities as traditional stoves.
How much weight can I expect to carry?
The weight of solar-powered stoves varies. Lightweight models can weigh as little as 1.5 pounds, while larger models may weigh up to 22 pounds. If you are backpacking, consider opting for lighter models, whereas for basecamp cooking, weight is less of a concern.
Are solar-powered stoves reliable in all weather conditions?
Solar stoves work best in clear and sunny conditions. Although some stoves can still function in overcast or partially cloudy weather, cooking times will be slower. It’s important to plan your cooking around sunny days when using a solar stove.
