Energy Saving Ovens

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We all want to save energy, and we can start in our own homes. Did you know that your oven is one of the most expensive appliances you can buy for your home? We use our ovens daily, so to save energy, purchasing one with an Energy Star rating is best. Other energy-efficient devices, like a toaster oven, can also make your favourite foods. Here are a few tips on different ranges that can help save energy and money.

Image	Slow Cookers are a popular and energy-efficient choice. They can use up to 75 to 210 watts of electricity while in use. Slow cookers simmer their meals, and uses less energy. You could even start preparing your meals in the morning, simmering all day, and have dinner ready by the evening.
Image	Microwave Ovens are a practical choice, using 925 watts of electricity to reheat your meals. You could also save more energy by defrosting your meals in the refrigerator instead of using a microwave.
Image	Toaster Ovens are less efficient than microwaves and use about 1200 to 1400 watts of electricity, making them perfect for preparing smaller meals. They also use 50% to 70% less energy than the standard oven.
Image	Air Fryers have gained popularity because they are easy to use, compact, portable, and energy efficient. Without deep frying your meals, Air Fryers use, on average, 1500 watts of electricity, half the power a conventional oven uses.

Here are some tips for using your appliances to maximize your energy savings to help you get the most out of your oven. 

• Cooking multiple dishes at once saves you time and energy.  
• Using glass or ceramic cookware will help cook your foods at lower temperatures.  
• If you have a self-cleaning oven, turning it on after a meal will use less energy to heat the oven back up.  
• Please do not open the oven while cooking; it will let all the heat escape, making your oven work harder.  
• Turning the heat off early will save energy using residual heat left in the oven.  
• Thawing your food will reduce your cook time and reduce energy use.  

Is using a gas stove more energy efficient than electric stoves? Electric stoves use 3 times more power to deliver heat to your oven. Gas stoves give you an instant flame and constant heat to cook your meals more evenly, but you need the correct hookups in your kitchen to use them. Electric stoves are easier to clean and use and have more storage space than gas ones. 

Maintaining your appliances will make last longer:

• Learning how to use the self-cleaning option if you’re oven has one will help clean more efficiently.
• Always unplug your oven before you clean it with water and cleaning supplies.
• Inspect your elements regularly. If you notice an element burning in one place it may spark and short a fuse and will need to be replaced.
• Checking the seal around the oven door to ensure you’re not losing any heat.
• Slide the oven in and out of its spot and clean underneath it, wiping down the side of the oven.
• Professionals advise to thoroughly clean your oven twice a year (leaving burnt food to reburn will cause your oven to work as well and possibly make the food you’re cooking to taste weird.)

By: Tricia Cook, Content Navigator