Country Energy - in the kitchen

how to save energy in your kitchen

Cooking can account for well over 15 per cent of your annual energy bill. Add a dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer to this and your energy usage can double.

Fortunately, technology is helping us become more energy efficient.

choose the right oven for your needs

Fan forced ovens perform 25 per cent more efficiently than a convection oven.

think about using a microwave oven

Microwaves save time and will save up to 70 per cent on the cost of running a convection oven.

tips for cooking efficiently with a microwave

Cut food into smaller pieces.
When cooking irregularly shaped food, put the thickest part towards the outside.
Pause the microwave to stir the food or turn it over to reduce the cooking time.

use small appliances when you can

Small appliances such as electric frying pans, sandwich makers and bread makers generally use much less energy than grillers, hotplates and ovens.

general cooking tips to save time and money

Use steamers and pot dividers to cook all your vegetables at once rather than using several pots to cook them all separately.
Use a pressure cooker if you have one, they are very energy efficient.
Use the smaller hot plates to heat saucepans, so that excess heat will not be lost.
Only fill the kettle to meet your needs.
Always place lids on pots and simmer instead of boil.
Take food out of the freezer and allow to thaw in the fresh food section of the fridge before cooking it. Food that is properly thawed generally takes 15 minutes less per 500 grams to cook.
Cleaning and maintaining appliances properly will minimise cooking time and maximise energy efficiency.