Cooking

Cooking accounts for about 3% of all the energy used in the home.

Your oven and stovetop can use considerable energy, with the average home spending $80 a year by using these appliances. Microwave ovens cost only 14 cents an hour to run and their cooking times are much faster than conventional ovens and stovetops.

Gas cooking is more efficient than conventional electric ovens and stovetops, saving energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Induction stovetops, while initially expensive to purchase, save even more energy and reduce cooking.

How to save energy when cooking

Think about the most efficient way of cooking your food. Consider using microwaves, electric frying pans, or pressure cookers, as up to 90% of the energy used by ovens is wasted.

If you simply want to boil some water, consider using an electric kettle or gas stove top. They use about half as much energy as an electric hotplate. Take care not to boil more water than you need.

Other ways you can save energy when cooking are:

• Putting lids on pots to boil water, simmering gently, or using a pressure cooker can halve your energy use.
• Use pots and pans that match the size of the element you are using. If using a gas stove, keep the flames low and don’t allow them to move up the side of the pot.
• Plan ahead.  Thawing food in the fresh food compartment of the fridge before cooking might take longer, but it is the healthiest and most economical way.
• Reduce the time your oven is turned on by using the minimum pre-heat time and turning it off toward the end of the cooking time, letting it coast slowly down from its set temperature.
• If cooking in the oven, avoid opening the door unnecessarily and consider cooking several things at once – but don’t overcrowd the oven and block the air flow.
• Cooking in bulk, freezing the food, then reheating in a microwave oven uses less energy and saves time.

• Induction cookers, which save energy by using an electromagnetic field to heat the pot, rather than heat the element, use 50% less energy than ordinary electric hotplates, however not all cookware is suitable for them. More information about induction cookers is available at: http://theinductionsite.com/how-induction-works.shtml

Purchasing an oven

Here are some energy saving tips to consider when purchasing a new oven.

Gas stoves use 50 less energy and create less greenhouse gases than electric ovens. There is little price difference between gas and electric ovens, though you may need to have gas plumbing installed if you’re not already connected. Contact your local gas provider to inquire about this.

Fan-forced ovens use up to 35% less energy than conventional ovens. These ovens produce savings through reduced cooking times and food is more evenly exposed to heat.

Consider installing an oven with triple glazed windows and a high standard of insulation. This will allow less heat to escape, meaning that it takes less energy to heat your oven.