Did you know that the cost of cooking in an average home accounts for 4% of gas and electricity bill? Well, that is true and fortunately there are ways through which you can cut down on these costs; use energy efficient cooking appliances and change the way you cook.
5 Tips for Energy Efficient Cooking
Below are 5 tips for energy efficient cooking:
1. Choose Efficient Cooking Appliances
For those who have an energy monitor you have probably noticed that your oven consumes much more power than any other appliance in your home. In fact, fuel consumption for cooking is generally higher than other household activities and that is why it is important to understand how to minimize the amount of energy used while cooking.
Among all cooking appliances, the microwave oven tops the list as the most energy-efficient. It is followed by a hob, and the oven is the least of the three. Therefore, you should consider buying an energy efficient cooking appliance if you are serious about cutting down on the cost of cooking. You should always switch off power whenever an appliance such as the microwave is not in use. You can also choose slow cookers since they are excellent energy-savers, using just a little more power when compared to the traditional light bulb.
2. Implement Energy-Saving Ideas
You can save a lot on power consumption by implementing some simple energy saving ideas. First off, always fill the kettle the amount of water that is required. Secondly, use the kettle and not the hob when boiling water. Thirdly, do not use the grill to make a toast, instead use the toaster. Fourth, cook only what is required, avoid food wastage. Finally, cook in bulk and preserve food whenever possible.
3. Save Energy Using the Oven
To save energy while using your oven follow the following nuggets:
- Keep the oven close when food is cooking so as to avoid loss of heat. You can use transparent lid so as to avoid opening it when monitoring food.
- Use ceramic or glass cookware since they are the most efficient to use in the oven.
- To cook food more quickly cut them into small pieces before cooking.
- Switch off the electric oven at least ten minutes before cooking is over.
4. Save Energy on the Hob
Use ideal energy-saving tips while cooking using the hob. These include:
- Cook the right amount of food in the right pan size.
- Use enough water to cover vegetables in the pan while cooking.
- Use a burner or a ring that is compatible with the pan.
- You can use a steamer to cook vegetables.
- Once the cooking temperature has been reached, turn down the burner or ring.
- For meals such as meat, stews, or whole meals, use a pressure cooker for fast cooking.
- Choose pans that are excellent conductors and retainers of heat. For instance, copper-bottomed pans tend to eat up faster when compared to stainless steel. On the other hand cast-iron retains heat more efficiently when compared to others.
- Keep the rings clean so as to avoid loss of heat.
5. Use proper Working Oven or Hob
For you to achieve energy efficient cooking, you require a cooker that is in good working condition. This will lower the energy consumption and keep your energy bills down. Most people tend to use an appliance until it stops working for them to get a new one. This is a good move but never a smart one. You should replace an old appliance once it becomes faulty or inefficient. Ensure it is in proper working condition otherwise you will end up spending too much in paying energy bills. You should also ensure the door of your oven is well-sealed. This will prevent heat from leaking out when cooking and save on energy lost.
Follow the abovementioned five tips for energy efficient cooking and you will be able to avoid overpaying for the energy you are using.
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