Energy Saving Tips

The Kitchen

The geyser, stove, refrigerator and microwave oven consume more electricity in the kitchen than other appliances. Any conservation efforts should target these appliances. Some tips on the use of the stove and refrigerator are highlighted.

The electric stove

Use cooking utensils with flat bottoms and tight fitting covers. Be sure that pots and pans completely cover the stove plates.
Take advantage of the heat sensing control for stove plates. It allows the stove plate to cut off the electricity supply occasionally while still cooking. It does not affect the food, only your electricity bill.
Use a pressure cooker to conserve energy when cooking food that takes a long time to cook, such as pot roasts, stews and steamed puddings.
Don’t overcook foods, especially vegetables. Over cooking increases your electricity bill and destroys essential nutrients.
For full efficiency from radiant stove plates, the stove plate reflectors (underneath the stove plates) should always be kept clean.
Bring foods to boil quickly on ‘high’ setting, and then turn the heat down to simmer and finish cooking.
Do not use the grill to make toast, it is very expensive.
Do not use the stove for space heating; it is very expensive and far less efficient than a heater.
Keep oven doors completely closed until the food is cooked. Every time the door is open, the oven temperature drops, and this heat must be replaced.
Use the oven to prepare the entire meal main course, vegetables and desert at the same time. Remember to plan meals that cook in the oven at the same temperature.
Allow free circulation of heat within the oven.
Place pans and containers so that they do not touch each other, or the sides of the oven.
To keep food warm, place in a 66°C (150°F) or 82°C (180°F) oven. Do not leave it too long or your meal will be dry.