Introduction: Parabolic Reflector for Solar Cooker
Do you need a parabolic reflector for cooking or to light a fire? Here's a easy solution made with only three parts.
Step 1: Parts
For this easy solar cooker you need three parts normally have at home:
- a plastic bow, size is not really limited. Only by the blanket size.
- a space blanket (silver/gold)
- a Dunlop bike valve (maybe another fits also)
Also you need tools:
- hot melt glue
- drill, diameter like the valve
- sandpaper
Nothing more.
Okay, let's start!
Step 2: Install the Valve
The valve is to deflate the bowl:
- Drill a hole in the bowl. Drill size same like the valve diameter.
- Turn the valve from outside in the hole and seal it from inside with hot-melt glue.
- Be sure you install it the right direction: inside is outside because of the vacuum.
Step 3: Add the Space Blanket
The space blanket is the reflector:
- Flatten the space blanket and fix the edges on a flat surface, Do not stretch to much. Golden side up. Assure that there are no holes in the blanket.
- If you are fast: Make a line of hot-melt glue on the border of the bowl. Press the bowl top down to the blanket.
- If not: Put the bowl top down on the blanket. Make a line around the border of the bowl to fix the blanket.
I'm not fast.
Step 4: Trim and Deflate
And the vacuum in the bowl do the parabolic shaping:
- Trim the overhanging blanket.
- Now you are finished and you can deflate the bowl e.g. with your mouth.
- If the bowl is not fully closed you can fix it with hot-melt glue.
Step 5: Usage
You have to go outside now:
- You can use your mirror for cooking if you build a big one
- Or to light a peace of paper like I did.

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5 Comments
5 years ago
very genius idea :)
7 years ago on Introduction
I don't know where will I get the space blanket from.....does the air pressure need to adjusted at every use or is your one completely airtight?
And this is a very good idea,m going to make a big one with a large dist sort of thing that I got in my backyard.(if possible....)
7 years ago on Introduction
YOU SIR ARE A GENIUS!!!!
:D
8 years ago on Introduction
With a midi size palangana (plastic circular basin) and a sheet of aluminized polystirene I cooked some hamburguers, using this method. It is good.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Nice to hear that I'm not the only one who made this.