Nowadays everyone wants to save on their monthly energy bills. One option you may not have thought of is to save energy when cooking. Not only does this make a big difference in the long run, but it also saves you a lot of money. Learn how to save on electricity and gas when cooking with these quick and easy methods.
This way you can save electricity and gas when cooking
Use the right size pots & pans
When cooking on your stove, you should make sure you use the right size pots and pans. If you are preparing a smaller meal, you should also use a smaller pan. It is estimated that a 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner wastes about 40 percent of the heat that the burner produces on electric cooktops.
Additionally, putting a lid on your pots and pans will retain heat for longer and you will use less energy to cook your meal. Even though these measures may seem small, they can make a big difference in the long run.
Tip – Choose the right device:When choosing between an oven, toaster oven and microwave, it is also important to find the right balance. Smaller devices are often the best choice.
Save energy when cooking – clean the stovetop frequently
Burner efficiency can decrease dramatically if burner pans become blackened from heavy use. The best way to ensure you don't waste energy on a dirty stovetop is to keep it shiny. Clean them often to prevent buildup. If you know you're going to cook a large meal, take the time to clean the stove before you start cooking.
More energy saving methods in the kitchencan be found here!
Invest in quality cookware
A warped pan can waste about 50 percent of the heat used on the stove. A flat pan, on the other hand, uses almost all of the energy. If you use high-quality cookware made from highly conductive materials, you will typically achieve the same results but use about 25% less heat. Glass or ceramic pans are better suited for the oven, and pans with a copper base are better suited for the stovetop.
More energy saving tips for the householdyou can find here!
Save electricity and gas when cooking – reduce cooking time
Typically, the less time you spend cooking, the less energy you use. Stick to energy-efficient cooking methods and reduce cooking time by planning ahead. Thaw all frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of cooking them in the microwave or oven. Also, do not cover your oven racks with foil. Improve air circulation and shorten cooking time by staggering multiple pans and waiting until the last minute to preheat the oven. Avoid opening the oven door to check too often. This is not only a waste of energy, but also poor cooking practice in general.
Prepare additional servings
Make your life easier by cooking extra portions that you can easily reheat later. This not only saves you time the next day, but you also don't have to worry about using any extra energy other than that needed to reheat your food. Frozen, home-cooked meals are also a good alternative to fast food as they are often healthier and cheaper.
Saving energy when cooking – other useful tips
A few simple cooking tips can help save a small amount of energy occasionally, but they all add up in the end. Try to cover pans when possible to prevent heat loss and use less fat and liquid to shorten cooking time. Turn off the pan a little earlier and let the residual heat finish cooking the dish for you.
Try using countertop appliances
Some of the most energy efficient cooking methods are also some of the simplest. Invest in a pressure cooker or slow cooker so you can safely prepare meals while you're away from home. You can also try a solar cooker or a variety of other devices that save energy when cooking and make your life easier. Rice cookers are also a good alternative to cooking rice and other grains on the stove. Not only are they designed to cook rice to perfection, but they also use much less energy than your stove.
Save electricity and gas when cooking – embrace the leftovers
Leftovers don't just have to be the old food from the night before. Cook in large quantities and freeze pasta sauce in individual portions, for example. Reheat leftovers in the toaster oven or microwave instead of cooking them on the stove. The microwave uses more energy, but cooking times are generally significantly shorter. If you store pasta in the fridge, brush it with olive oil so you don't have to boil a new pot of water every time you want to cook it. Plus, soups and stews store well in the freezer and are easy to reheat.
What other methods can you use to save energy in your home? You can do thatread here!
