What is the most efficient way to Bake or Roast this Winter season?
Using a toaster oven or a microwave oven can save you more energy than a conventional oven. Microwaves are typically utilized to defrost meats, heat leftovers, or even beverages. Toaster ovens are used for baking and roasting but can also reheat prepared meals.
The toaster oven heats the food slowly but evenly, and the microwave only needs a few minutes to reheat. You will save energy and money if you choose one or the other.
The typical oven uses about 2,500 to 5,000 watts of electricity depending on the model, age, length of cooking time, and the temperature it's set at. A microwave, on average, uses 700 to 1,300 watts, and the toaster oven uses 1,200 to 1,800 watts of electricity, depending on the temperature and length of cooking time.
Microwaves and toaster ovens have a lot of settings that allow so much versatility in your cooking. Both will maximize your energy savings and your electric bill and are safe to use.
Toaster ovens are hot while in use, but they have an automatic shut-off button, and microwaves are cool to the touch, but both can heat food hot enough to burn you, so always be careful.
Higher-watt devices don’t always mean better cooking. A toaster oven or microwave with a lower watt usage can easily prepare meals just as well as the conventional oven, but they are more energy efficient.
By: Tricia Cook, Content Navigator