Induction cooking:
Induction cooking is one way to save on energy resources. In induction cooking, surfaces stay cool while the actual food gets warm or hot. This is achieved by the use of magnetic friction to deliver heat from coils to pots on pans on the surface. The ceramic surface of the stove does not get hot and therefore, there are no risks of burns. In order to be effective, pots and pans made out of magnetic materials like iron or steel will give the best results. These stoves are known for their high efficiency ratings when compared to a traditional gas system. Using the right pan or pot for the right medium is critical for saving energy.
Energy saving tips for your oven:
When using an oven, the smaller the better. A large oven where only a small dish is placed is a waste of energy as excess heat is being generated. Ovens require preheating and therefore use more energy than a microwave or stove.
Energy saving tips for your stove:
When using a stove, ensure that the flame of the burner is well under the pot that is being heated. If the flame starts to lick around the sides of the pot, turn it down for you are wasting energy trying to heat the air around the pan and not the pan alone. A clean appliance will ensure that the amount of heat energy that is reflected towards the food is optimum.
Using the right utensil:
Various utensils made of different materials are suited for different purposes. Glass and ceramic are good conductors and at the same time will retain heat better than metal. If substituting a metal baking pan with a glass one you will be able to reduce the oven by 25 degrees, thereby reducing the consumption of electricity. Opening the door of an oven to check will reduce the internal temperature of the oven by up to 25 degrees.
When cooking anything in a pot, ensure that it is covered. This will help the food to cook faster and retain heat in the pot once the meal is done. Using high quality stovetops on stoves can help save electricity. Replacing worn out oven gaskets is crucial to ensure that unnecessary heat is not generated.
Saving energy on the kitchen fridge:
The fridge is a major power consumer in the kitchen. Maintaining the fridge by cleaning the condenser coils will help improve efficiency. A well-organized and well-stocked fridge is ideal as it will be easier to find whatever is needed and cold air will not easily escape, as the fridge does not have too many free spaces. Wherever cold air escapes, the compressor switches on drawing on electricity to equalize the temperature of the fridge. Care and planning should be taken in trying to reduce the number of times the door of the fridge is opened and closed.
Conserving energy on defrosting:
A large amount of energy is consumed in defrosting. Items are taken from the freezer and popped into the microwave. Instead, the item could be moved to the main compartment of the fridge hours or days in advance. This will reduce the time taken for defrosting and provide for a more even defrost eventually.
