Kitchen Karma - 7 Tips For Creating A More Energy-Efficient Kitchen

Are you concerned about the increasing cost of utilities? While saving money is always at the forefront of most people’s minds, sometimes it’s easy to overlook less-than-obvious energy wasters around the home. 

For example, are you familiar with “vampire power”? It’s the power that many home appliances and electronics draw when switched off. There are many ways to increase the energy-efficiency in your home, but in this article, we’re going to focus on the kitchen, where energy usage can be quite high. Here are several tips for creating a more energy-efficient kitchen. 

1. Embrace Induction Cooking

When comparing gas, electric, and induction cooktops, induction cooking is the clear winner in energy-efficiency. Gas stoves come in last, while electric ranges only allow 65-70 percent of the heat to reach food. On the other hand, cookware sets for induction cooktops allow as much as 90 percent of the heat to reach food. This makes for a much cooler kitchen and more effective cooking. 

2. Turn the Heat Off Early

When cooking in the oven or boiling something on the stovetop, turning the heat off a few minutes early can save you money. Don’t worry about the food being underdone as it will continue cooking in the residual heat as you set the table. Just keep an eye on things like poached eggs as too much time in the water can result in a hard-boiled consistency you want to avoid. 

3. Load the Dishwasher Correctly

Everyone knows that you shouldn’t run the dishwasher unless it’s full to ensure optimal energy-efficiency. However, keep in mind that loading it too full can result in sub-par cleaning that requires re-washing. To avoid having to wash dishes a second time when the dishwasher fails to get them clean, load the dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and use the correct amount of soap. 

4. Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Old school light bulbs are a thing of the past as they are highly inefficient. They put out a lot of heat and send your utility bill soaring. Even if your kitchen’s light bulbs are still working, switch them out for modern energy-efficient ones to begin seeing savings on your energy bills. 

5. Seal Your Appliance Doors

The refrigerator is designed to keep cold air in while the oven is designed to keep hot air in. The only way this works is if the seals on their doors are in good condition. To determine if the seals are good, place a sheet of paper in the door when it’s closed. If you can see the paper moving on the outside, the seal has failed and should be replaced to increase the efficiency of the appliance and save you money. 

6. Let the Dishes Air Dry

If you use a dishwasher, skip the dry cycle, and let the dishes dry the old-fashioned way. Simply open the dishwasher door once the rinse cycle has completed and let the dishes air dry before putting them away. 

7. Avoid Wasting Water

People have a habit of using far more water than they need when cooking. For instance, there’s no need to rinse vegetables in running water. Instead, fill the sink with a few inches of water and proceed to rinse the veggies that way. 

Another way to save water in the kitchen is to only use the minimum amount you need to boil food. There’s no need to fill the pot to the top. Just fill the pot to cover the food and boil. 

There are tons of ways to make your kitchen more energy-efficient, but the tips listed above are a good place to start.