How to Save Energy in the Kitchen: 21 Tips & Tricks

5th November 2024

Learn how to save on power costs by reducing energy usage in the kitchen.

In today's world, being mindful of our energy consumption isn't just about saving money; it's also about sustainability. By embracing energy-efficient practices in the kitchen and opting for energy-efficient appliances, we can cut down on energy consumption.

Statistics reveal that the average Australian household spends between $296 to $372 per quarter on their energy bills. But by making simple changes to our daily habits, we can significantly reduce these costs.

Read on for our 21 tips and tricks on how to save energy in the kitchen.

Energy-efficient fridges

The refrigerator is often the largest energy consumer in the kitchen, working tirelessly 24/7. The annual cost of running a fridge can range from $80 to $218, depending on factors such as size and usage habits. Here are some practical tips to maximise the efficiency of your fridge:

• Allow air circulation: Position your refrigerator at a reasonable distance from the wall, especially if it faces direct sunlight. Ensure adequate space inside the fridge for proper air circulation.
• Keep it cool: Avoid placing the fridge near heat sources, including direct sunlight, to reduce energy consumption.
• Let it cool: Also avoid placing hot or warm food items in the fridge to help maintain a cool internal temperature.
• Check the seal: Inspect the door seal regularly by placing a thin piece of paper between the seal and the door as you close it. If the paper slides out easily, it's time to replace the seal. Clean the seal and check for debris or tears.
• Optimal temperature settings: Maintain the fresh food compartment between 3 and 4°C and the freezer compartment at -18°C to ensure food safety while ensuring it doesn’t consume more energy than it needs to.
• General tips:
  • Minimise unnecessary opening and closing of the fridge to reduce energy consumption.
  • Before going on holiday, consider emptying the fridge if possible and activating the energy-saving 'holiday' setting on newer models.
  • Avoid using an old fridge in the garage, as it may consume significant amounts of electricity trying to cool in a hot environment, leading to increased energy bills.

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Cooking appliances

The next in line of highest energy usage in your kitchen are your cooking appliances. Cooking costs on even highly efficient, modern appliances could get to over $1,000 per year for the average household.

Here are some tips to help reduce energy wastage:

General tips:

• Opt for smaller appliances when appropriate: A microwave is more energy-efficient than an oven, and a toaster is preferable to an oven grill. If your budget allows, assess your kitchen setup to identify opportunities for adjustment.
• Defrosting food: Instead of using the microwave to defrost food, make a habit of planning ahead and transfer it from the freezer to the fridge the day before to thaw safely.
• Consider using a slow cooker: Slow cookers use just a little more energy than a traditional light bulb.

Oven efficiency:

• Once again, a proper seal is essential to keep heat from escaping, causing the oven to work harder to keep the temperature constant.
• Be sure to clean and inspect the seals regularly.
• Avoid preheating the oven earlier than necessary.
• Use timers and the oven light to monitor cooking progress rather than opening and closing the door frequently.
• Replace the oven light promptly when needed to maintain visibility without wasting energy.
• Use the fan forced option. Fan-forced allows you to cook at a lower temperature.

The cooktop:

• Remember to switch off the cooktop immediately after use to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
• Solid cooktops retain heat longer, so take advantage by turning them off a few minutes early and completing cooking using residual heat.
• Match pot and pan sizes to the cooktop to minimise heat loss
• Use lids while cooking to trap heat and accelerate cooking times.

The final word

By incorporating these simple yet effective practices into your cooking routine, you can reduce energy waste, lower your utility bills, and contribute to a more sustainable kitchen environment.

It’s also smart to be aware of the appliances in your kitchen that drain energy. Calculate the costs according to your provider and consider where you can save energy in the kitchen.

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