How to Reduce Energy Use in the Kitchen
Buy appliances with the Energy Star designation if you are buying new appliances in the United States., Realize energy savings of about 20 percent by using a convection oven, which circulates air around the food you are cooking., Use a microwave...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Buy appliances with the Energy Star designation if you are buying new appliances in the United States.
The Energy Star designation is given to energy-efficient appliances in a program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. -
Step 2: Realize energy savings of about 20 percent by using a convection oven
Convection ovens work better the more surface area the food has.
That is, they will work better on cookies or muffins than banana bread.
You may need to reduce the baking time a little when using convection. , Although microwave ovens use more energy than conventional ovens, the shorter cooking time saves energy. , They let you reduce the oven temperature as much as 25 degrees (13.88 degrees C). , Don't open the door to peek at the food, as opening the door reduces the temperature by up to 50 degrees (27 degrees C). , For example, if you're roasting a chicken, you could also roast potatoes and vegetables alongside it.
You might even be able to bake bread, biscuits, or dessert.,,,, If you use a large burner for a small pan, you waste electricity or gas.
Turn the flame or coil down to the minimum setting for the heat you need to cook your food adequately.
For example, smaller pots of water boil when the burner is set lower. , The more water you use, the more energy is required to bring the water to a boil and keep it boiling. , Pressure cookers, which are either stovetop or electric, raise the temperature of water before boiling and trap steam.
Do a web search for pressure cooker recipes. ,, Preparing meals from the beginning uses more energy than reheating food.
Save energy by reheating food on the stove or in the microwave oven rather than a conventional oven. ,, This uses less energy than a stove or oven.
Grilling outdoors also prevents heat from being released into your house, which may cause increased air conditioner use. , Using a tea kettle decreases energy by about 1/3. ,, Don't wash under running water, especially not hot water. , Dust and debris insulate the heat exchange process, and reduce your refrigerator's efficiency., Use a cover to prevent splatters.
Messy microwaves heat less efficiently. -
Step 3: which circulates air around the food you are cooking.
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Step 4: Use a microwave oven when possible.
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Step 5: Bake in glass or ceramic vessels.
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Step 6: Keep the oven door closed.
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Step 7: Bake more than one thing at a time.
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Step 8: Turn off the oven a few minutes early
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Step 9: and let the food continue to cook in the heat still in the oven.
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Step 10: Cover pans whenever possible
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Step 11: as leaving pans uncovered while cooking results in more heat loss.
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Step 12: Turn off the stove burner a few minutes early when boiling foods such as pasta
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Step 13: potatoes and eggs
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Step 14: as the hot water continues to cook the food.
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Step 15: Use the correct burner for the job.
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Step 16: Use the minimum amount of water when boiling food.
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Step 17: Use a pressure cooker to save energy and reduce cooking time.
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Step 18: Cut food into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time.
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Step 19: Increase the amount of food you make so you can refrigerate or freeze the food and simply reheat it later.
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Step 20: Thaw food in the refrigerator instead of using a microwave or conventional oven.
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Step 21: Grill outdoors.
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Step 22: Use an electric tea kettle to boil water for coffee
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Step 23: tea or cooking instead of a stove-top kettle or pan.
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Step 24: Run the dishwasher only when it is full.
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Step 25: Wash dishes with the plug in the sink.
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Step 26: or vacuum the dust off the refrigerator coils about once per year.
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Step 27: Clean the inside of your microwave when it gets splattered with food.
Detailed Guide
The Energy Star designation is given to energy-efficient appliances in a program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.
Convection ovens work better the more surface area the food has.
That is, they will work better on cookies or muffins than banana bread.
You may need to reduce the baking time a little when using convection. , Although microwave ovens use more energy than conventional ovens, the shorter cooking time saves energy. , They let you reduce the oven temperature as much as 25 degrees (13.88 degrees C). , Don't open the door to peek at the food, as opening the door reduces the temperature by up to 50 degrees (27 degrees C). , For example, if you're roasting a chicken, you could also roast potatoes and vegetables alongside it.
You might even be able to bake bread, biscuits, or dessert.,,,, If you use a large burner for a small pan, you waste electricity or gas.
Turn the flame or coil down to the minimum setting for the heat you need to cook your food adequately.
For example, smaller pots of water boil when the burner is set lower. , The more water you use, the more energy is required to bring the water to a boil and keep it boiling. , Pressure cookers, which are either stovetop or electric, raise the temperature of water before boiling and trap steam.
Do a web search for pressure cooker recipes. ,, Preparing meals from the beginning uses more energy than reheating food.
Save energy by reheating food on the stove or in the microwave oven rather than a conventional oven. ,, This uses less energy than a stove or oven.
Grilling outdoors also prevents heat from being released into your house, which may cause increased air conditioner use. , Using a tea kettle decreases energy by about 1/3. ,, Don't wash under running water, especially not hot water. , Dust and debris insulate the heat exchange process, and reduce your refrigerator's efficiency., Use a cover to prevent splatters.
Messy microwaves heat less efficiently.
About the Author
Jessica Smith
A passionate writer with expertise in lifestyle topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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