
| Health topic | Waterborne diseases |
|---|---|
| Classification | Preventative |
| Scope | Commercialized |
| Manufacturer location |
United States |
Cholera is a growing epidemic in many places in the world with limited or no access to clean water. Cholera, and other waterborne infections, can be effectively prevented by pasteurization, but many current devices are costly, or require fuel or electricity.
CooKit is a commercial solar-powered cooker. It is composed of cardboard and foil in a shape that most efficiently reflects sunlight. A heat-resistant bag must be placed around the pot in order to retain heat. When not in use, CooKit folds to the size of a notebook.
While CooKit has wide-spectrum applicability, especially for campers and the environmentally conscious, it has been designed with developing world health in mind. CooKit is now manufactured independently in 25 countries, and users have the option to build their own with detailed instructions online, or to order a pre-made cooker from Solar Cooker International's website. The device costs between $2-$7 to build.
Solar Cooker International is a non-profit NGO. It receives funding through donations, private institutions and through direct sales of its products.
Safapour N, Metcalf RH. Enhancement of solar water pasteurization with reflectors. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1999 Feb; 65(2):859-61.
Solar Cookers International. (2011). Annual Report. PDF available here.
Bontkes JS and Jongloed W. The CooKit: Its introduction, acceptation and follow-up in Gorom-Gorom (Northern Burkina Faso). PDF available here.
| Authors | Lonny Grafman, Chris Waterguy, Emilio, Kathleen Sienko, Amir Sabet Sarvestani |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
| Organizations | Appropedia Foundation, University of Michigan |
| Cite as | Evashiu (2012–2026). "Global Health Medical Device Compendium/CooKit". Appropedia. Retrieved September 30, 2026. |