In this article I am presenting a very special and unique DIY prototype project. There is also a video presentation if you prefer, posted below.
For years, I believed the need for flexible, multi-voltage mobile small-scale DC cooking appliances would dramatically increase over the next few years; and that there should be more choices on the store shelf in this area. But repeated searches turned up nothing. So I started looking into how to build these appliances myself.
Over the months, I have been developing various DC cooking appliances in my workshop, including several types of low voltage 12V / 24V DC powered ovens.
One of the results of this process is my Ryobi 18V portable job site oven – it’s packed with features. (I am a big fan of Ryobi, maybe they will pick up on this oven). This prototype was first tested in June of 2023.
An oven like this should be available on the store shelf! It brings high-power cordless oven cooking along on the go – this is an idea whose time has come. I believe the technology in this oven is mature enough to make a successful product should it ever be developed.
The use of commodity lithium ion power tool batteries to operate a mobile electric oven in the field has never been done with these features.
I have a lot of prototype ovens in my shop but have not been able to publicly demonstrate all of them. One prototype previously documented is a small portable electric oven prototype I built which can fit in a backpack. It operates off a single 18V power tool battery or a 100W solar panel – link here and here. Another idea whose time has come!
Power Sources – Ultra Flexible
My Ryobi 18V portable job site oven is much more powerful than previous battery ovens I have built. It is powered by 2 Ryobi 18V power tool batteries which are teamed up to run the oven.
It will also support a standard 12V DC input. Plus an optional PV solar panel input, which can not only help power the oven, but also charge the batteries.
As if that wasn’t enough, this oven can also run as a PV-to-load (PV2L) solar electric cooking appliance – meaning straight off a solar panel array (if large enough) with no batteries at all.
There has never been an oven so flexible and versatile before!
Development Background
I had tremendous difficulty while developing this oven and getting it to work. It was a long process. Something like this just doesn’t seem feasible and indeed it is a steep challenge.
There were thermal problems, safety and power delivery issues and difficulty figuring out how to get such high dissipation levels from small tool batteries. Integrating solar, battery and 12V power sources is a challenge in and of itself.
Obviously, an oven like this can’t run off a single 1.5AH 18V battery. That’s why there are 2 large 18v batteries minimum. I had previously built several DC cooking appliances before this project, and my experience there helped me sort out the variables – the end result was the first early test of the oven was a success. So I put some finishing touches on it and started up the camera.
The oven lacks high end sophisticated electronics – there is no WiFi, bluetooth, IoT or other assorted nonsense. I believe portable DC / solar field appliances should be robust, reliable and straightforward in their design and content. Everything doesn’t need an app. Just turn it on and go. It cooks the food. Simple to use and anyone can understand it.
Applications and Benefits
I really like this oven, it has worked very well even in such a prototype form. If competently taken into production, this oven could be a real hit.
Baking temperatures in early testing reached in excess of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Weight – it’s not heavy at all; completely portable and easy to move around. In fact I think it weighs less than the batteries.
Applications include off electrical grid, remote job sites, and camping. It could also work for RVs, truck driving, van dwelling, travel and so forth.
Another key application area is preparedness, high tech survival, and areas of the world where times are hard and cooking fuel is in short supply.
Summary
Because this oven uses renewable solar energy and is very flexible, it’s able to cook endless meals for FREE anywhere. This oven is one of my many dream concepts and prototype inventions.
I happen to be a huge fan of Ryobi since I was a young boy. The first product I ever used was their cordless string trimmer with a 12V lead acid battery – that is when my dad would let me use it. He was also a fan of this Japanese company.
It is my belief that Ryobi really should have their own solar related product line. Come on Ryobi – build my oven! I’ll buy two of them…
I think everyone should have access to low voltage DC ovens and appliances with high power. We’re going to need them for the times ahead. Times will change.
Upcoming 12V Oven Projects
I have also been working on building DIY 12V and 24V electric ovens in my solar workshop. If you are interested in this type of work, please keep an eye out for new posts and videos.
Thanks for reading and see you later! -DD-
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