I am thinking about buying a reflector oven. Can anyone recommend a good brand name or model?
Is there anything better on the market for baking than a reflector oven that would be small/practical in size?
Thanks
Case
Oven
I have a Palco reflector oven and I think you can still get them. I also have a bakepacker, large size that is used as an insert inside a 4 quart aluminum pot. The reflector oven does a good job but it requires coals from a good heat radiating wood fire to operate - so you need considerable time in camp for preparing and tending a fire to make it practical. You use a standand camp stove with a bakepacker. So you can mix up your biscuits, muffin mix, or cake and get them baking much faster. You bake in a plastic bag so cleanup is easier also. Piragis outfitters in Ely used to be a source for bakepackers, but I don’t see it listed in their current catalog. Give them a call anyway, last week (end of July) their were at least a half dozen used ones in their closeout store for under $10 each.
Don’t Bother
I wouldn’t bother with that type of oven. You live in the west where open fires are often restricted for obvious reasons. Nobody I know, in Idaho, would consider using one. Dutch ovens, bakepackers, Outback and folding Coleman ovens are what people I know use.
IGIA Dualetta
http://store.yahoo.com/igiaonline/dualetta.html
While you’re laughing, take a look…I bake biscuits, cornbread, pizzas, on a canister stove (pocket Rocket)…with a diffuser to spread the heat evenly, place the biscuits on the perforated center divider…bake over low heat…works great…I cook bacon in the bottom skillet while the biscuits bake on the center divider…I bought the early model that has pushbutton removable handles, makes it easy to pack…
build one
I haven’t but why don’t you build one:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=9927&messageid=1123190624
Try the "Outback Oven"
I use an “Outback Oven Ultralight”
(http://www.backpackerspantry.com/departments.asp?dept=10), and bake all sorts of stuff in regular pots & pans (with lids of course) on a regular camp stove!
It helps to use a stove that has an adjustable flame control. I’ve been using it for years and don’t leave civilization without it!
The beauty of a reflector…
…is that you can build them quite easily. There is something to be said about self-sufficiency, even when it comes to gear.
These are excellent instructions:
http://www.blazingpaddles.on.ca/outdoor_cooking/reflector/index.htm
My oven
I use an MSR blacklite cook set. I have two pots, a big one and a small one with one lid that fits everything. I take a piece of aluminum foil and fold it several times until it is about 1/4" wide, then I coil it up loosely and stand it up in the bottom of the big pot, then I put what I want to bake in the smaller pot and put it inside the big pot on the foil coil. The coil provides an air space under the inner pot. I put the lid on and put it on a stove on low for 15-20 minutes. Since the blacklite is non-stick, when it’s done and cools a bit I take the inner pot out and just flip it over, tap the bottom and out falls a nice cake. I have made bannock, cup cakes and muffins too. There is quite a good selection of just add water cake and muffin mixes at the grocery store. Very simple oven made from pots I usually have along anyhow.
Mike
Fun to play with
You asked about reflector ovens and lots of folks have told you why not to get one. They’ve also given some good alternatives (I love my Outback Oven!). However, I also have a reflector oven and it is awfully fun to play with. Yes, it takes some messing around with the fire, and it takes more experience, but that’s part of the fun. It is so cool to see the items browning, and it’s a fun piece of “gee whiz” to a lot of other folks.
I have one from Rutabaga’s paddling shop (http://www.rutabaga.com). It’s not inexpensive (~$50), but it is very small and very light.
Enjoy!
Pam
Freden Oven
Pam is, I believe, refering to the Freden Reflector oven. Here is the direct link to the item:
http://www.rutabaga.com/product.asp?pid=1006901
Another option…
Build your own oven from roof flashing and a few 9 inch pie pans, it rolls up, and packs small…
My Oven photos:
http://community.webshots.com/myphotos?action=viewAllPhotos&albumID=548081842&security=ZDtjxW