GRIDFALLSurvival
← All guides

Fire & Heat · Half day · Advanced

Parabolic Solar Cooker for Frying & Boiling

Focus sunlight to a hot spot that boils water in minutes and can fry eggs—like a stovetop with no fuel.

This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.

Ask AI about this

Warning

The focal point can burn skin and blind you instantly. Wear dark eye protection and cover the dish when not cooking.

  1. 01

    Find a dish

    An old satellite dish already has a parabolic shape. Strip the receiver arm.

  2. 02

    Cover with reflector

    Glue small mirror tiles or mylar over the inside surface. Smaller tiles = better focus.

  3. 03

    Locate the focus

    Aim at the sun and move a stick through the beam; where it smokes is the focal point. Mount the pot holder there.

  4. 04

    Cook carefully

    Use a black pot. A 1m dish boils 1 liter in ~10 minutes.