The heat absorbing property of black surfaces and the green house effect are utilised in making solar cookers. There are various types of solar cooker out of which, the box type solar cooker is one. The box of the solar cooker is made from non-conducting materials like plastics or fiberglass, with its inner walls painted in black. The walls of the box are made thick with a lining of non-conducting material to prevent loss of heat. Usually, a plane mirror is hinged on the top of the box. The mirror is adjusted in such a manner that it reflects sunlight into the box. The main purpose of the mirror is to increase the effective area for the collection of solar energy. The box is covered with a glass sheet that facilitates retention of heat inside due to green house effect. The temperature inside this type of solar cookers can go from 100 ºC to 140ºC when they are kept in the sun for two to three hours. This type of cookers can be used to prepare food items that require slow heating, for example, for boiling rice, vegetables or dal. The solar cookers are provided with small containers with their outer surfaces painted in black. Two or three items could be prepared simultaneously by using these containers.