Energy Efficiency and Your Cooking Appliances

source: Jenn-Air

Most cooking appliances do not come with an Energy Star rating but new technology and innovations are introducing more features and options that allow cooking appliances to function more efficiently. For example, gas ovens and cooktops now have electronic ignition which can save approximately 30% more energy than the older models with a pilot light that always burns.

Similarly, induction cooktops use about 50% less energy than older cooktops with exposed coils and convection ovens use about 20% less energy than conventional ovens.

Here are more energy saving tips:

• Look for cooking appliances with sensors which will help you cook your food more efficiently.

• Variable power settings will allow you to cook at the appropriate temperature and reduce cooking time.

• Automatic shut-off is not only a safety feature but it’s an energy saver too.

• Do not open the oven door often to check your food. Each time you open the door the oven temperature drops by 25 degrees. Watch the clock or use a timer instead.

• Use your microwave more and your regular oven less. Microwaves not only cook faster, they use less energy too.

• Use flat bottom pans with tight fitting lids to minimize heat loss and match the pan size to the burner size.

• Don’t pre-heat the oven longer than needed.

• Make sure oven door seals are tight.

• Use a separate oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is accurate.