Now, we’re not talking about ways to help you put your feet up! We’re talking about energy consumption. With energy bills soaring along with inflation, a lot of us are thinking more seriously about how to reduce energy consumption around the home. And with the kitchen accounting for an average of 47% of our total household usage (according to the energy saving trust), it’s one of the first places you’ll want to look. From choosing more efficient appliances to changing your habits, there are plenty of ways to save energy in the kitchen. Below are some of our simple, energy-saving tips.
Energy-Efficient Appliance Choices
All new appliances feature an energy rating ranging from A-G, with A being the most efficient. Comparing energy ratings when purchasing appliances is an easy way to make the most energy-efficient choice. You may also want to look out for water consumption stats and noise ratings.
Generally, the larger the appliance, the more energy it will take to run. While this might sound obvious, if you’re focusing on energy ratings, you could easily be misled. For example, a large American-style fridge freezer and a small under-counter fridge might both be rated A, despite the fact the larger fridge uses substantially more energy. This is because appliances are categorised by size. If you’re looking to reduce energy consumption, you should aim to choose the smallest size suitable for you and your household.
Many manufacturers have recognised the importance of making their products more efficient. As well as enhancing existing appliances, some have devised new technologies to help us save energy in the kitchen. The latest induction hobs use less energy than their gas and electric counterparts. Dishwashers have also become more efficient. You might even be interested in investing in a stylish, energy-saving boiling water tap. And don’t forget the old kitchen stalwarts, the slow cooker, air fryer and instant pot — they can save you money on your energy bills too.
Opt For LED Lighting!
Switching from inefficient incandescent lighting to modern LEDs is a real no-brainer. There’s no easier way to save energy in your kitchen and throughout your home as a whole!
Save Energy When Cooking
Cooking is one of the main reasons we use our kitchen. Fortunately, there are plenty of small tweaks you can make to save energy while you cook.
Whether you have different tastes or prefer to eat at different times, lots of households cook their meals separately. However, as well as being more sociable, cooking meals for more than one is much more efficient. You can even cook in batches, setting some portions aside to freeze or microwave later in the week. Speaking of microwaves, they are easily the most efficient way to reheat smaller quantities of food.
When you do cook, there are a few simple ways to save energy…
- Use an appropriately sized pan for the quantity you’re cooking.
- Place your pan on the correct size hob ring.
- Put a lid on your pan and turn down the heat.
- If you’re using an electric hob, turn it off just before you’re finished cooking, as it will take a while to cool down.
- You can do the same with your oven. Plus, if you’re not cooking anything too technical, you can put it straight in the oven rather than wasting energy preheating.
- Experiment with energy and time-saving appliances like slow cookers, air fryers and instant pots. You might even find an easier, tastier and more cost-effective solution to preparing your favourite meals.
Chill & Freeze Food Wisely
There are also a few ways to save energy when chilling and freezing food…
- Never put warm food in your fridge or freezer. Always wait until anything hot reaches room temperature. Just be careful not to leave it out too long, as this can allow bacteria to grow.
- Reduce the number and length of time you open your fridge door. For example, try to get all the ingredients you need out before you start cooking. Keeping your fridge/freezer organised can also help cut down rummaging time!
- Defrost your freezer regularly (around once a year) to ensure it runs at optimum efficiency.
- Make sure you leave enough space at the back of your fridge freezer for ventilation.
Waste Less When Washing
Last and definitely everyone’s least favourite task — the washing. The good news is that modern dishwashers are often more efficient than washing up by hand. Below are a few tips to ensure you’re using your washing appliances efficiently…
- Always fill your dishwasher before running a wash cycle.
- Use the eco setting whenever possible.
- The same rules apply when doing laundry. Always make sure your washing machine is full.
- Wash clothes at a lower temperature where possible.
Giving a bit of extra thought to purchasing appliances or carrying out everyday tasks will quickly help you save energy in the kitchen. Reducing your energy consumption isn’t just good for your bank account. It will also benefit the environment. If you would like to discuss your upcoming kitchen project or find out more about the appliances we sell, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 02381 040 013 or click here to see our suppliers.