British Gas, Octopus, EDF customers can cut energy costs with seven kitchen tips
Householders fearing a huge hike in autumn and winter energy bills have been given some top tips on how to cut back in the kitchen. Ofgem has put up its price cap by 10 per cent to £1,717 annually for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit, an increase of £149.
However, making a few adjustments in your cooking area can make a significant difference to your bills. From smarter appliance usage to more energy-efficient techniques, you can reduce your power consumption and lower bills.
Suggestions given to householders so far have included tackling 'vampire devices' that are unknowingly consuming energy in the background. Experts have also advised on how to save £100 with more efficient use of washing machines and dishwashers, along with a definitive verdict on whether you should leave your central heating on all the time. There are other tips too, as we explain below.
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It's important to remember that, according to Carbon Footprint, using an electric hob costs £301.0 a year, while an electric oven costs £21.08. The average annual cost of a gas hob is £14.12 and a gas oven costs £7.60.
Debra Hutt from Wren Kitchens and Laura Rettie from Finance.co.uk have looked at easy ways you can save energy in the kitchen, reminding us that many habits are using up more power than we think. Here's their advice on how to trim back costs and reduce winter bills.
Prepare meals by batch cooking
Embracing batch cooking isn't just timesaving and healthy, but an energy-saving option. By preparing larger quantities of food at once, you can maximise the efficiency of your appliances and reduce overall energy consumption.
Plan your batch cooking around peak energy hours. Cooking during off-peak times can further reduce your energy bills. Laura says: "Batch cooking is excellent for conserving energy because preparing multiple meals simultaneously reduces the need to repeatedly heat up the oven or turn on the hob."
Always put a lid on your pan
Keeping a lid on your pan while cooking is a small habit that can make a big difference. This helps food cook faster, which means you can turn off the heat or lower it sooner, saving energy.
Laura adds: "Using a lid when cooking with a pan on a hob helps trap the heat and steam your food, this speeds up cooking and reduces energy consumption. You’ll find that this is particularly effective for cooking dishes that require liquids like soups, stews or rice."
Use the microwave if you can
Unlike ovens or hobs that need time to preheat, the microwave is ready to cook as soon as you turn it on. This eliminates the need to wait for the oven to reach the desired temperature, saving both time and energy. According to Carbon Footprint, a microwave will cost £9.07 per year compared to an electric oven costing £21.08 a year.
Laura says: "Microwaves are generally more energy-efficient than conventional ovens. They aren't just for reheating. They can steam vegetables, cook rice, defrost frozen foods, and even bake certain items like chocolate cakes or potatoes. The appliance uses less energy and can cook food faster due to the focused heat source."
Turn off the oven before end of cooking time
Ovens retain heat even after they've been turned off. By switching off the oven a few minutes before the timer goes off, you can take advantage of the residual heat to finish cooking your food. This works best for dishes that don't require precise timing, such as casseroles or baked pasta dishes.
Some dishes are particularly sensitive to overcooking, so turning off the oven early can help you achieve the perfect texture and flavour. For example, vegetables may stay crisper when cooking on residual heat.
Have the right flooring in your kitchen
During winter, you'll be turning up the heating, even if you're cooking. Kitchen floors are known for being cold, especially if they are tiled, and this might make you reach for the heating controls while you are in there. Look at whether an upgrade might help.
For instance, vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of styles and is often backed with insulating materials that help regulate temperature, while engineered wood can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature. You can also start by investing in rubber-backed non-slip mats that are warmer underfoot.
Laura explains: "This might not be immediately obvious, but having the right flooring in your kitchen can contribute to energy efficiency. Choosing flooring that provides insulation and retains heat can help keep your kitchen feel warmer, reducing the need for turning up the heating during those cold winter months."
Opt for energy-efficient appliances
Choosing energy-efficient appliances for your kitchen is a smart way to reduce consumption and lower your utility bills. Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook, they are economical and can make healthy meals quickly. According to Utilita, the average air fryer will cost you around 9p per day to use, compared with an electric oven which costs around 31p per day to use.
Induction hobs are 90 per cent efficient compared to around 60 per cent for gas, as induction creates heat directly in the base of the pan.
Laura said: "Choosing appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings can help you use less energy. In 2020, the UK introduced a new energy label that makes it easy to compare different products' efficiency. It uses a simple A to G system – the closer to A, the more energy-efficient the appliance is."
Don't leave the fridge door open too long
Although it seems harmless, the longer the fridge door is open, the more cold air escapes, and the harder it is for the appliance to hold its temperature. Arrange items in a way that makes it easy to grab what you need, reducing the time the door is left open.
Laura says: "Keeping your fridge door open unnecessarily causes it to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. Try to minimise the time your fridge is left open to prevent energy wastage. Make sure it's properly sealed by testing the rubber gasket for any gaps or signs of wear."
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