Folding Reflector Oven

Months ago, while looking for one thing, I found something else that was really interesting.  (Don’t you love how it works on the internet?)  What I found was a set of plans for a folding reflector oven that re-assembled using a tab construction method.  Now rocket-scientist me, I didn’t save the information, I didn’t even save the website.  At the time, I thought, gee, how interesting, and so much more convenient for taking along compared to a) cast iron dutch oven or b) stovetop design commercially produced camp oven for use over a 2 burner portable stove, especially if you don’t have a 2 burner portable stove…

But I digress.

I kept thinking about that oven idea, and I decided I wanted one of those things, even if I had to take the plans to a local sheet metal shop to have it fabricated for me.  So of course when I go in search of the neat plans I’d seen, I can’t find them.  I’m still searching, and eventually, I’ll either devise my own or I’ll find them.  In the meantime, here is some versions that I have found, that may suit other people much better.

http://www.kayak2go.com/reflectoroven.PDF

http://www.blazingpaddles.ca/outdoor_cooking/reflector/index.htm

http://www.sf-canoe.se/dokument/do_it_yourself_reflector_oven.pdf These plans come from Sweden but the directions are in English.

http://waterwalker.ca/fireside/index.php?topic=830.0 this has a photo, but not the plans.  I think plans could be devised with a bit of cardboard & tape though!

http://www.backwoodstin.com/ This site shows the original reflector ovens (modern construction) as they were in colonial times.  Not particularly feasible for packing along in a backpack but interesting in terms of how they were shaped/made as a reference.  You can buy these items from this company in Wisconsin, according to their website.

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/kitchen-spotlight/anne-and-johns-rustic-cabin-kitchen-kitchen-spotlight-112400 This site, once again, shows the original style.  Interesting from a historical perspective, and interesting in terms of design as a reference.

http://www.plans4fun.com/reflector.htm This site charges $5 via PayPal for their plans.

http://scoutmaster.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/09/reflector_ovens.html This site sells complete ovens.  They aren’t cheap, but I don’t know what the materials will cost to make one yourself.  Sometimes, it’s just cheaper to buy one!

I’ve also found a LOT of plans that use cardboard covered with aluminum foil.  Maybe I’m a snob, but I really don’t want to go to a point that I am using anything made of cardboard alongside a roaring fire.  It doesn’t sound…safe? reliable? wise?   I’ve seen aluminum cans melt in a camp fire.  I’ve had aluminum foil somewhat burn through while cooking foil packed foods on a hot fire, and that was with moist food inside of it.  I don’t want to imagine a cardboard constructed oven in that position.

On that note, the search continues.  I’m apt to end up having to experiment with cardboard until I come up with a paper prototype to make a pattern from, then take it to a sheet metal shop & get the pieces cut.  I may end up having to buy one pre-made.