Whatever the case, having a solar generator handy when cooking outdoors adds so much convenience to these pleasurable moments.
Aside from cooking outdoors, you will learn later that solar generators can also save you from many headaches in the kitchen when disaster strikes.
Can You Use a Solar Generator for Cooking Outdoors?
First things first - Are solar generators a practical purchase for outdoor cooking?
Absolutely. Solar generators are made for outdoor recreation activities like RVing and camping.
And after your vacation, you can use them as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and backup generator when unexpected outages occur.
However, we want to point out that a UPS feature is not common for solar generators.
Advantages of Having Solar Generators When Cooking Outdoors
It’s undeniable that most, if not all, of us are used to gas, propane, wood, and charcoal when cooking outdoors.
In a nutshell, they are still a viable way of cooking. But for those of you who are interested in shifting to solar-powered electric stoves for cooking outdoors, here are some of the advantages:
- Safety: Electric stoves don’t risk open flames or produce toxic fumes, making them safer to use than gas stoves (a top consideration especially if you have children nearby). On top of this, current off-the-shelf gas canisters are also prone to gas leaks which are considered both a health and fire hazard.
- Less Mess: Outdoor cooking on campfires and grills may have its rustic charms, but electric stoves are generally easier to wipe down and store.
- Flexible Energy Supply: Whether you are cooking on your patio or in the wilderness, as long as sunlight or an AC outlet is available, you don't have to worry about where to re-supply your fuel.
- Eco-friendly: While it is arguable that traditional cooking fuels have a substantial carbon impact, the fact remains that gas, propane, and especially charcoal emit carbon. Using solar-powered cooking equipment eliminates the need for traditional fuels like charcoal or propane, reducing your carbon footprint and preserving the environment.
- Emergency Use: It is no secret that outages occur now and then. Having a solar generator handy allows you to cook during blackouts.
- Quiet: Unlike gas generators, solar generators have little to no noise.
Other Appliances For Cooking Outdoors
You can power many outdoor cooking appliances using solar generators, such as crock pots, slow cookers, portable ovens, electric smokers, etc. These appliances operate around 500 to 1800 watts each.
On top of this, there are plenty of other complementary appliances that you can power before and after cooking outdoors, such as:
- Coffee Maker (Small: 60 watts, Large: 800to 1000 watts);
- Toaster (500 to 1000watts);
- Portable Fridge (preserves fresh ingredients and cold beers for 50watts ); and
- Others (think heaters and mosquito lamps)
And yes, a solar generator with suitable power and surge capacity can let you run a microwave (1200 watts).
What to Consider When Purchasing a Solar Generator for Cooking Outdoors
If you feel that having a solar generator for outdoor cooking sounds convenient and plausible, let us give you an overview of what to consider when choosing one:
- Power output:Solar generator power output varies, so choosing one that can provide enough power for your cooking needs is essential. Consider the wattage your cooking appliances require and select a solar generator with sufficient capacity.
- Battery Capacity:Solar generators typically come with a built-in battery that stores energy from the sun. Make sure the battery capacity is sufficient for your needs, as you may need to run the generator for several hours to charge the battery before cooking.
- Solar Availability:Solar generators rely on sunlight to generate power, so placing them in a location with good sun exposure is important. This requires experimentation to find the best spot for your specific location and time of day.
- Portability: If you plan to use your solar generator for outdoor cooking, you'll want to choose one that is portable and easy to move around. Look for models that are lightweight and have carrying handles or wheels.
Overall, solar generators are a practical option for outdoor cooking if you have the right size and take the necessary precautions.
Which Solar Generator is the Best for Cooking Outdoors?
VITA 550
With a 600-watt power output (1200W surge peak) and 538-watt-hour energy capacity, the VITA 550 is perfect for small appliances such as 500-watt electric hotplates, portable fridges, and single-serve coffee makers.
INFINITY 1500
For more significant outdoor gatherings, we recommend the INFINITY 1500. It has a 2000-watt power output (4000W surge peak) and a 1512-watt-hour energy capacity.
For your convenience, here is the summary of the primary specs of each portable solar generator:
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity |
538Wh |
1512Wh |
|
Weight |
17.99 lbs |
36.4lbs |
|
Dimension |
12.2 x 8.4 x 7.8 in |
16.5 x 9.1 x 11.3 in |
|
Battery Chemistry |
LFP |
NCM |
|
Wall Charge Input |
500W Max. |
1500W Max. |
|
Solar Charge Input |
240W Max. |
800W Max. |
|
Car Charge Input |
12/24V, 8A |
13.6V, 10A |
|
AC Outlet |
600W Max. (1200W Surge Peak) |
2000W Max. (4000W Surge Peak) |
Final Thoughts
Cooking outdoors offers a unique experience that is different from indoor cooking. Whether it's the sense of adventure, connection with nature, or socialization, cooking outdoors can create memories and bring people together.
Modern energy storage technology, such as solar generators, preserve these moments by offering convenience while helping in the fight against decarbonization. This allows you to cook your meals without relying on fossil fuels or propane, making it a sustainable option for camping trips or outdoor gatherings. Additionally, solar generators are portable and easy to use, making them a convenient alternative to traditional cooking methods. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can cook delicious meals while reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying the beauty of nature.
