How to save electricity in the kitchen

Are you looking for ideas to further slash your electricity bill? Learn the most energy efficient ways to cook, wash dishes, bake, use a slow cooker, and more. Here are some great ways to save electricity in the kitchen.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Boil Water -- Using a microwave to boil water is more energy efficient than boiling water in a kettle over the stove, so try to use your microwave to heat water whenever possible. In the summer months, you'll have the added advantage of not heating up the entire house every time you boil water.

2. Cooking -- For those times when you need to use a stove burner, be sure the burner is no larger than the pot that is on top of it. Try to using a lid on the pots or pans and reducing the heat whenever possible.

3. Baking -- If you have air conditioning, try to avoid baking during the summer months, as this will cause your air conditioning to have to work even harder. If possible, use a smaller toaster oven or convection oven. If you must use your full size oven, be sure it is cleaned regularly so it is more efficient. In the winter months, when you are finished baking, turn off the oven and leave it open a crack to release the warm air as it cools off. For most recipes, especially if they require long baking times, you can eliminate the need to preheat the oven.

4. Slow Cooker -- In the summer months, try placing your slow cooker in the garage to keep from heating up the rest of the house.

5. Kitchen Lighting -- Be sure to replace your existing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs. CFLs use about 75% less electricity and give off much less heat.

6. Washing Dishes -- A fully loaded dishwasher is the most energy efficient way to get your dishes clean. Don't pre-rinse dishes, and try the normal cycle instead of pots and pans. To maximize efficiency, when the dishwasher is done with the rinse cycle, open the door and pull out the racks so the dishes can air dry.

7. Refrigerator -- Make sure your fridge is well organized so you can quickly find what you need and close the door without letting out too much cool air. Every few months, vacuum your refrigerators back coils to keep it running efficiently.

8. Freezer -- If your freezer is mostly empty, it will need to work harder to keep the air cool. Keep your freezer full, or fill jugs of water to freeze. You'll have the added bonus of an emergency supply of water on hand.

[LilacGirl]

on 8/10/2008 These are all good suggestions for saving energy in the kitchen.

[momofour]

on 8/10/2008 Great tips! I never preheat my oven!

[SeventhSibling]

on 8/8/2008 Excellent advice!!

[thesquirrelymom]

on 8/3/2008 Thanks for the tips!