Stoves, cooktops and ovens aren’t Energy Star rated because
most models use about the same amount of energy. But there are certainly ways
to use less gas or electricity when cooking.
1. Keep your burner caps and drip pans clean
Dirty surfaces don’t reflect heat as well as polished
surfaces, thus wasting energy and potentially your time.
2. Match pots and pans to the size of your burners
Unless you’re using an induction cooktop or range, you’re
heating a lot of air while you try to heat your food. Induction cooking is 20%
more efficient than electric and 70% more efficient than gas. To mitigate energy loss, choose the appropriate sized pot or
pan for the size of burner you’re cooking on.
3. Cover your pots while boiling water
When you think about it, it makes no sense to boil water in
an uncovered pot. Using a cover helps water boil faster while creating pressure
and preventing evaporation.
4. Skip preheating
Unless you’re baking and require precise temperatures, you
don’t need to wait till your oven reaches 350 degrees to throw your food
in. Better yet, shut off your oven a few
minutes early and let residual heat finish off your dish.
5. Use the microwave
Using the microwave as an alternative to the oven cuts
energy use in half. Plus, it’s faster!