Continually, solar power innovations cross all kinds of borders into new, less conventional realms. From portable solar kits to cigarette lighters, the solar movement is conquering the wide world of gadgetry. The kitchen, where most of us spend a fair amount of time, has certainly not eluded the solar run on technology.

Ironically, if unsurprisingly, the best way to harness solar energy in the kitchen is to get out of the kitchen. The solar cooker, or solar oven, is not terribly new. Using solar energy to heat food is likely millennia old, but the idea of the solar cooker can be traced back to the latter part of the 18th century. Since the 1970s however, solar ovens have gained in popularity and now there are several different models out there. You can even make one yourself if you’re so inclined. Cooking food via solar energy can take significantly more time, so for the solar user on the go, there is the solar hybrid oven, which provides a conventional electric backup.

For the coffee drinkers out there (everybody raise your hand…okay…too many to count) you can purchase solar roasted coffee. This is just about as green as a coffee bean can get. Another gadget out there is the solar powered kitchen scale. This scale comes batteries not required because it can operate using natural and artificial light. To be fair, however, spring and iron-weight scales also don’t use batteries but only with a solar scale can you get a guilt-free digital readout.

Of course, let’s not forget the solar home system. While the smaller gadgetry may be just the ticket for those of us who can’t yet afford the price tag, if you’re in a position to put your house “on the sun” then go for it. There is no greener kitchen than one that is 100% solar powered.

Photo Credit: Solar Store