ENERGY SAVING TIP #6 (Cooking)

So; how do we save energy in the kitchen??; The kitchen is one room that consumes massive amounts; used in cooking. Whether you cook using grid electricity (ZESA); with LPG gas; with biogas or with solar- the guides below will help you save energy whilst cooking:

1. Preparation Before Cooking [1]

BEFORE turning on your cooking appliances; do all the chopping and cutting- don’t waste energy by having that water boil for longer that it needs to or a stove-plate on without anything on it whilst you are still cutting and sorting the ingredients. Over the long run; this is a lot of energy wasted that could be used elsewhere or be saved on the energy bill!!

2. Use the right utensils

Select the right utensil for the cooking process; product and amount of food that you want to cook. Modern day appliances that save a lot of energy compared to the conventional stove include: toaster ovens, slow cookers, pressure cookers and electric kettles.

Also; wherever possible; for fast cooking/frying processes use utensils that conduct heat faster like aluminium pots and pans; copper bottomed pans for faster conduction of available heat.

The shape of your pan or pot also plays a major role in heat conduction. Flat-bottomed pots and pans allow for more contact between the utensil and the heat source thus saving a lot of energy. Warped (not flat) bottoms are reported to possibly consume up to 50% more energy compared to flat bottoms.

3. Defreeze Your Food First

A lot of heat is consumed in de-freezing food in the pot on a stove; rather defreeze the food before putting it in the pot/pan. Defreezing can be done in the refrigerator (those with defrost function); or just taking the food outside well in time before cooking or in the microwave (which is more efficient than doing it on a stove-top).

4. Put a Lid On It

A simple thing like remembering to put a lid on your pot/pan can save you a lot of energy!! The lid will contain the heat in the vessel rather than losing it to the room atmosphere/air.

5. Match Burner and Pot Sizes

Burners and plates have sizes; and when the size is matched with the pot that goes on top it maximises the efficiency of the heating process and reduces heat loss. Avoid having a very small pot on a big stove plate or vice versa… that is why most stoves have big and small plates.

6. Cook Multiple Dishes

Wherever possible; heat and cook different dishes in your oven at the same time; as cooking separately wastes a lot of energy. If you have to reheat food do it in the microwave

7. Save water heated; save energy used

Use the water that you need as energy consumed is directly proportional to amount/volume of water used. This was covered in detail an earlier article. To view it click this link: https://www.rentechsyst.com/post/energy-saving-tip-2-hot-water

8. Cut Cooking Time Early

For end-of-the-line cooking processes like simmering; turn off the stove early to utilise the low heat naturally left on the plate when turned off; rather than turning the knob to a lower heating stage whilst consuming energy.

9. Keep the Oven door closed

Always remember to keep the oven-door closed when cooking. Also try to avoid over-peeking “to see progress”. The temperature in the oven can reportedly drop up to 25 degrees or more every time you open the oven door. [3]

10. Clean Your Stovetop

This is relevant especially when you are using LPG gas stoves. Burner efficiency can be very low when the burner pan is dirty and blackened [2]

11. Prepare and consume left-overs

All cooked food has what is called “embodied energy”; which is a measure of the amount of thermal energy used to make the food.. so the moment you throw away left-overs you are not only throwing away valuable food but throwing away energy!! So wise-up; embrace left-overs and save food AND more importantly energy whilst ultimately helping save the planet. Use the various food-preservation methods available out there like drying; olive-oil coating etc.

12. Use Energy Efficient Appliances with Energy Star-Ratings

Apologies; but this one we have to keep insisting; and won’t stop :) ; as it relevant in all cases. Ensure that you have appliances that do not waste energy…. this will do a world of difference on your energy bill and size of solar installation.

For FREE tips on Energy Optimisation of your system please do get in touch with our Engineers: or call/whatsapp us on +263713229721

Sources:

1.Easy Ways to Save Energy While Cooking | Energized by Edison

2. 10 Ways to Save Energy While Cooking & Preparing Meals (compactappliance.com)

3. 31 Ways to Save Energy in Your Home | Constellation.

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About Author:

Lovewell Chitiyo is a Mechanical Engineer with 15 years experience in the building services Engineering consultancy, renewable energy systems and sustainable design fields. He is currently studying Masters in Renewable Energy at Stellenbosch University in South Africa

Lovewell is an Accredited Professional with the Green Building Council of South Africa for Existing Buildings Performance and New Buildings; Interiors, holding several qualifications and certification in Renewable Energy and Sustainability.

Lovewell also has vast experience in design, supervision, installation and commissioning of several projects locally and regionally in the last 15 years.