Thermal Performance, Recent Developments, and Future Application Prospects of Solar Cookers: A Focused Review

ABSTRACT Home cooking is considered one of the most basic and urgent needs in human nutrition, especially in low‐income communities. With growing concerns about the depletion of fossil fuels and the problems of global pollution and its repercussions, the need for alternative energy sources becomes apparent. The presence of high‐intensity solar radiation in many parts of the world represents an important source of energy. High energy consumption is linked to many human activities, most notably cooking. Many energy sources have been used for cooking, such as wood, animal waste, fossil fuels, and cooking gas, but their environmental and economic impacts have led to a serious trend toward using sustainable, free solar energy. In recent decades, solar cooking has been developed significantly. Despite all this, the use of these cookers remains limited. This article lists the latest technologies used in food cooking processes and explains how to employ enhancers to increase the system's efficiency. This review examines the engineering design of solar cookers, their components, and their heat transfer characteristics. A range of engineering enhancements has been used to boost the efficiency and performance of solar cookers, especially enclosed models. The practical use of mirrors and transparent insulating materials has significantly increased the efficiency of cookers. The improvements had a significant impact on both thermal and financial performance. Therefore, more effective policies must be put in place to secure economic and developmental support. Crucial enhancements and various innovations in solar cooking appliances encourage a scientific approach to research and development.