There are a plethora of electrical appliances in a home and the kitchen has many that are used constantly. By following a few simple energy saving methods the household can save electricity, money and the environment.
Common Electrical Appliances in a Kitchen
Every kitchen has all or a combination of the following major appliances:
- Combination Refrigerator/Freezer
- Freezer only
- Hotplate
- Combination Oven/Grill
- Oven
- Grill
- Microwave Oven
In addition, there are the small appliances which are used daily. Some of them are:
- Toaster
- Kettle
- Mixer
- Coffee Maker
Saving 'Standby' Power
When electrical appliances are plugged-in they use standby power even when the appliance is not in use. It is not convenient or practical to turn off major appliances at the power source. For instance it is not practical to turn off the refrigerator or freezer for obvious reasons. It is not convenient to turn off the electric oven or the microwave oven because, in most homes, the power source is hidden when the unit is connected.
However, this does not apply to the small appliances. The toaster, kettle, mixer, coffee maker, etc., can be turned off at the power source to help save electricity.
Other Energy Saving Tips
Refrigerators/Freezers
- Run the refrigerator/freezer at the optimum temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
- Avoid leaving the refrigerator/freezer door open for long periods of time.
- Do not over-fill the refrigerator or freezer.
- Make sure that the cooked food is cooled down before putting in the refrigerator or freezer. Putting hot food in the fridge/freezer raises the inside temperature and in turn needs more energy to cool down the appliance.
Hotplates
- Match the right size hotplate to the pot being used. Using a large hotplate to heat a small pot wastes energy.
- Use the minimum quantity of water required and keep the lid on the pot to avoid the steam escaping.
- Simmering uses less energy than boiling.
- Cook all vegetables at once by using pot dividers and/or steamers.
Oven
- Make sure the seal on the oven door is tight. A loose seal will allow the heat to escape.
- If possible plan to use the oven fully by cooking multiple dishes at any one time.
- Keep the oven door shut as much as possible by not checking the food too frequently.
- Turn the oven off about ten minutes before the cooking is finished and use the residual heat.
- Where possible use a microwave oven to heat food. This takes less time and therefore less energy.
General
- Completely thaw food before cooking.
- Use a small appliance where possible. A toaster uses less electricity than a grill.
- When using aluminum foil, it should be applied with the 'dull' side up.
- Surfaces of the appliances should be kept clean to maximize heat reflection.
- Appliances should be serviced regularly to maintain optimum performance.
Implementing some simple energy efficient practices in the kitchen can save the household electricity, money and help save the environment.
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