5 Things You Can Do to Save Energy While Cooking

Holiday cooking and baking are one of the joys of the season (mostly for the folks who get to indulge on the rewards). But when the holidays are over, how much fun will you have when you see your giant electrical bill?

Here are 5 super simple ways to save a little energy in the kitchen…

#1. Go Small

Rather than turning on your big oven or range, go for the toaster oven. Need to beat something? Choose the whisk or handheld blender over the super deluxe blender or food processor.

#2. Elemental Basics

Match your pot and pan size to the element, or you will be wasting energy heating the space around the pot. Whenever possible, refer to #1 – as in, choose the small burner.

#3. Bake it Real Good

If you’re baking in ceramic or glass containers, congratulations, you are an energy saver! Why? Because these materials conduct and retain heat better than metal – which means that you can lower the temp by 25 degrees F, or 20 degrees C and still cook the food in the same amount of time.

#4. Tops and Bottoms

So many recipes try to convince you that you need to cook uncovered, when really there are but a few exceptions. Put a lid on it to keep the heat in.

#5. No peeking!

Your oven is working hard to cook and bake your food – so why do you need to micro-manage? Opening the oven door allows 20% of the heat to escape, so opt to use the oven lamp to check in on your amazing meal.

Make a difference − share this environmental tip with your friends.

Related environmental tip

• Get all the heat you can get (from your appliances)
• Automatic Savings
• Keep your cool in your fridge