Thanks to this simple gesture, which many people ignore, you can save up to 25% energy in your oven.
The oven is one of the biggest energy guzzlers in the house. But there’s a feature you can use to save money.
The oven is an essential part of our kitchens, but did you know that it can also be a real energy waster? It consumes a considerable amount of energy, especially if it’s not used in the most efficient way. However, there are a few simple things you can do and an often overlooked programme that can save you up to 25% in energy costs!
The first tip for saving energy is to use the rotating heat function on your oven.
Most modern ovens have this feature, but few people use it properly. Unlike static heat, which only heats from the bottom and/or the top, circulating heat uses a fan to distribute heat evenly around the oven.
This even heat distribution saves on preheating and cooking time. The heat reaches the food more efficiently, reducing cooking time. Another advantage of rotating heat is that it is often possible to lower the temperature without compromising the quality of the cooking. By reducing cooking time and temperature, you can significantly reduce energy consumption. It’s a simple gesture that may seem insignificant, but can make a big difference to your electricity bill.
This cooking method allows you to cook several dishes at the same time: the heat circulates throughout the oven, so you can cook several dishes at different levels without mixing smells and tastes. By cooking several dishes at the same time, you reduce the time you use your oven and therefore your electricity bill!
To reduce your oven’s consumption even further, you can use these other tips. A common mistake is to systematically preheat the oven when it’s not necessary. While some recipes require the oven to be hot from the start, many dishes, such as gratins or roasts, can be cooked directly in the cold oven. By not preheating, you save a lot of energy because the oven doesn’t have to come up to temperature before you start.
Another very simple way to save energy is not to open the oven door while you are cooking.
Every time you open the door, you lower the temperature inside and the oven has to use more energy to recover the lost heat. Instead, use the glass and the interior light to check the cooking process without disturbing the heat balance.
Finally, you can switch off the oven before the end of the cooking time. The oven retains heat for several minutes after switching off. Use this residual heat to finish cooking your food without using extra energy.
