Gas prices are soaring, making it essential to cut energy bills. You can slash costs while cooking without compromising on delicious meals. Discover proven ways to save energy in the kitchen.
The key question is: gas or electricity for cooking? What about induction? Historically, gas was more economical due to lower prices compared to electricity. Today, with gas costs skyrocketing, electricity—especially for solar panel owners—often proves cheaper. Induction cooking, a form of electric cooking, is the most efficient, followed by ceramic hobs and then traditional electric hobs.
Cooking demands significant energy, with ovens or stoves often running for hours. Fortunately, simple adjustments let you reduce consumption while enjoying tasty food—vital in tough economic times.
Whether using gas or electric, shorten cooking times and minimize energy use by:
Note: Traditional deep-fat fryers are energy-intensive. Switch to air fryers or oven-baking for fries and snacks.
Tip: No need for specialty products—regular frozen fries work perfectly in ovens or air fryers. Oven snacks are reliable, and most others should adapt well too (untested personally).
For a creative, low-energy method, try a haybox or thermal cooker. Boil rice, potatoes, or stew, then remove from heat and insulate in the haybox.
No haybox? Place the hot pan on a trivet, cover with a sleeping bag or thick blanket to retain heat. The food continues cooking passively. For stews, check occasionally and re-boil if needed—minimal energy overall.
Avoid using multiple pans unnecessarily. Boil eggs with vegetables in one pot to cook everything at once.
Got a fireplace? Use it for simmering soups or stews, doubling as heat and stove.
Think creatively: some use kettles for eggs or noodles (with caution), sandwich makers for steaks or eggs, or warm cars for dough rising. Keep dishes warm with tea-light rechauds instead of stoves.
For outdoor options, a simple fire setup with wood, firebricks, and a grate works wonders—common in places like India and Suriname with chulha stoves.
From basics like lids to innovative ideas like hayboxes and alternative appliances, these strategies make a real difference.
How do you save energy while cooking?
