Cooking Habits Represent the biggest potential for Energy Savings in the kitchen.

Cooking Habits Represent the biggest potential for Energy Savings in the kitchen.

 Cooking habits, not technology, represent the biggest potential for energy efficiency and savings in the kitchen. Tests by the U.S. Bureau of Standards have shown that some people use 50 percent more energy than others in order to cook the same meal. Several strategies can help you save energy using your existing cooking equipment.

·       Use the oven only when cooking large dishes or batches - conventional ovens or ranges are inherently inefficient because in order to heat up food, they must first heat up about 35 pounds of steel and a large amount of air; tests indicate that only about 6 percent of the energy output of a typical oven is actually absorbed by the food.

·       Think small - opt for a smaller appliance, such as a toaster oven or microwave, whenever possible.

·       Turn the oven or stove burners off a few minutes before your food is ready - they will remain hot enough to finish cooking the food.

·       Don't preheat the oven unless you are baking or a recipe requires it.

·       Bake with ceramic or glass pots and pans - this will allow you to lower the oven temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

·       If you have a self-cleaning oven, plan to clean it right after you've finished baking something so it doesn't have to heat up a second time.

·       Don't peek - opening the oven door can lower the internal temperature as much as 25 percent.

·       Don't cover oven racks with foil - this reduces heat flow and increases cooking time.

·       Make sure your pan covers the coil of your range - if you can see coil peeping out from the sides of your pan, you need a bigger pan (or a smaller burner).

·       Put a lid on it - cover pans while cooking to prevent heat loss.

·       Plan ahead - defrosting food in a microwave may be convenient, but defrosting it at room temperature is free.

·       In warmer months, try to use a grill to keep the heat outdoors - remember that the less energy wasted in heating food, the less work your air conditioner will have to do to keep your home cool.

Considering these steps are easy to do and come at no extra cost. Making a habit out of them will save you both energy in the kitchen and money on your electric bill.