Save While Cooking

Use the Right Cookware

If you’re looking to replace old pans, it’s worthwhile thinking about the right kind of pots and pans for cooking. Glass and ceramic dishes are best for use in the oven, while copper-bottomed pans heat up much quicker than stainless steel ones. In addition, cast-iron pans are good for retaining heat.

Use the Right Size Pans

Use the right sized pan for the amount of food you’re cooking. When you use a bigger pan, it’ll take more energy to heat all that excess water and extra space. If you can see the stovetop area poking out from under your pan, switch it to a smaller one. A small pot on a large burner wastes energy. The solution is to make sure to match the pan size according to the cooking element.

Keep the Oven Door Closed  

Every time you open the oven door, the oven temperature can drop 25 degrees from its original cooking temperature. Avoid wasting energy by using the oven light or a timer. Use a digital timer or one from your phone, instead of using a wind-up model to cook your food. You can also check if your food is cooked by looking through the oven window.

Use Other Appliances to Cook

Limit your use for the stove or oven. Beyond microwaves, don't forget about toaster and convection ovens, air fryers, slow cookers, pressure cookers and other small cooking appliances. These handy appliances use less energy and generate less heat than a standard oven. Unplug these appliances after you're done using them.

Limit Pre-Heating

Some dishes do not require the oven to be completely pre-heated; however, when baking, if the heat is not at the right temperature, it can extend the length of time to cook it and may use more energy and time by not pre-heating. 

Clean the Oven 

Use a kitchen degreaser and gently clean the seal on your oven door. In addition, keep your oven’s metal burners clean. By cleaning your oven, you can ensure that your oven works to heat and cook your food properly and efficiently. If you do not, your oven can use more energy than needed.

Cover Your Pots & Pans

Always cover your pots and pans. It sounds super simple, but by covering your pots and pans, you’re trapping in the heat so you can cook food quicker, with less energy to heat and cook your food. 

Turn Off the Heat Before Finishing

Turn off the heat from your stove or oven a few minutes before your food is fully cooked. The remaining heat in the pot or dish will continue to cook even when the stove or oven is turned off. 

Boil Water as Needed

Try to only use as much water as you need. The more water you use, the more time and energy you would need to boil that extra water. In addition, when boiling water, try to use an electric kettle to heat water instead on top of the stove.

Cook in Batches

Plan ahead to cook or bake your dishes at the same temperature. Cooking as much food at one time means you’ll save time and energy than cooking lots of different meals. You don’t have to eat it all at once, of course. Eat what you need, then portion off the rest to meal prep for the week. Take some time to cool off your food before putting it in your refrigerator or freezer to prevent bringing unnecessary heat transfer.

Go Electric

Invest in Energy Star or electric appliances with an electric cooktop and convection oven. This may save you money in the long run. Check with your local utility company if there are rebates available.