Popcorn Can Oven

Wow! Thanks very much to Mary Harrison and Cheryl Hamm, for posting their designs for the popcorn tin oven on the WAGGGS-L Mailing List! Mary learned about these ovens at a training given by the Colonial Coast Girl Scout Council, VA.

Instructions: Take one of those 3 pound popcorn cans (the type you get at Christmas time) and punch a half dozen holes in the bottom for a vent (keep them close together - maybe in a 2 inch diameter circle). Turn it on its side, seam side up. Find the horizontal diameter and measure down about two inches. Poke four holes along the length across from each other, and make a rack using clothes hanger wire. Attach a screen door handle to the top and to the lid of can. Hang an oven thermometer inside, and you have a *great* oven.

It is MUCH better than a box oven because it is sturdier and non flammable, yet still recycles. It doesn't roll because you lay the charcoal on either side of it. You could also store cooking utensils in it when not in use.

There are a few things to consider when using this method:

1. Steady the can with rocks or dirt, not wood (it can get hot enough to singe the wood)

2. This method does not work well in the winter. There is not enough insulation in the metal.

3. Be sure to file down the metal where you poked the holes (even if they are inside the can).

4. The can does get HOT, watch out for little ones.

5. Put the briquetes in a Jiffy-pop poil plate for cooking, it lets you easily pull it out to add more.

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