6 ways to save energy in the kitchen
When it comes to our homes a huge priority now is to save energy in the kitchen as well as other rooms where possible. The cost of living crisis is a big problem, but even when things have calmed down, saving money is always going to be high on the agenda.
Your kitchen is one area where you can spend a lot of money. It is the hub of the home where you will likely not only cook but spend time with your family. So how can you save energy in your kitchen? I have come up with a few suggestions that should help you out.
Choose energy-efficient products
One of the first things that you should do would be to use energy-efficient products. Your appliances such as the fridge, freeze, washing machine, and then dishwasher and tumble dryer if you have them, are all energy suckers in your kitchen.
However, if they are older, then they will be using more energy than their new energy-efficient equivalents. This is also something to consider when it comes to your smaller appliances like your kettle, air fryer, toaster, and iron. The newer the product, the more energy efficient it will be.
Saving energy while you cook
Another important factor is to consider saving energy while you cook. Cooking is one of the main purposes of your kitchen but is it possible to save money while you cook?
A change of habits can be the key. I have a couple of suggestions on how you can save energy when you cook food.
Using the kettle to boil water
If you need boiling water for rice or pasta, or a recipe calls for boiling water, then use your kettle for the correct amount that you need. The kettle boils faster and therefore saves you energy than leaving a pan on the stove. Always boil the amount of water you need, boiling more will use more energy.
Air fryers, slow cookers and microwaves
There are kitchen appliances that can save you money when cooking food. Appliances like slow cookers, air fryers, and even microwaves use less energy than an oven.
Use the oven for multiple things at the same time
If you do need to use your oven, don’t just cook one thing in it. You can use the heat of the oven to cook all aspects of your meal. Mashed potato, rice, and even your dessert. Cook it all at the same time and you will only be using your oven once. If you are batch cooking for a few days this is a great way to use your oven for everything and save on energy.
Turn off the oven a few minutes before you need to finish cooking
The residual heat will carry on cooking whatever is in there, but the oven isn’t using any more energy as you will have switched it off.
Don’t leave appliances on standby
If you are one of those people that has appliances plugged in all day every day, then now is the time to get into the habit of switching them off at the mains.
You could also unplug them when they are not in use. This won’t work for some appliances that you need all of the time like a fridge or freezer, but you can certainly do this for things like a kettle or toaster.
It could save you a fair bit of money. You could also switch off appliances like your oven, your washing machine, and your dishwasher. Leaving them on standby means that they are using residual energy. It may only be a small amount, but it all adds up.
Use the right size appliance for your needs
If you don’t have the right size appliance for what you need you may be paying more energy than is necessary. For example, if you have a large fridge/freezer, but only use half the space, it would be more cost-effective to invest in a smaller version.
The same can be said for the washing machine, if you are only filling it up halfway, but the drum is large and designed for big loads, then you will be using more energy.
Fill up the washing machine and dishwasher each time
Don’t use a washing machine cycle or a dishwasher cycle unless they are fully loaded. You will be using the same amount of energy, either way, so you may as well fill it up and utilise it less frequently.
Storing food correctly
Finally, make sure you store food correctly. This means not putting hot food into the freezer and fridge. You use more energy by doing so as the appliance has to work harder to bring the temperature down.
Also, make sure you don’t always open the fridge and freezer, or leave the doors open for too long, as again the appliance has to work harder, and use more energy, to get it back up to temperature.
I hope these tips help you when it comes to saving energy in your kitchen.
