How to be a More Efficient Cook
Most of us give very little thought to the energy used when cooking. While you may think about the time spent preparing a meal, you may not have thought about what gas or electricity was used. Although quick meals can be a boon when you are busy, you may be inadvertently wasting energy, so here are some ways you can be a more energy efficient cook. Clean Your Drip Pans and Burner Caps Regularly Keeping your cook surfaces clean and tidy is not just about keeping your kitchen looking presentable, it can actually impact your energy efficiency. A dirty surface cannot reflect the heat as effectively as a polished one, so it wastes energy. So, while you may be in the habit of wiping down your cooktop, be sure to clean your drip pans and burner caps regularly. This will improve the energy efficiency and prevent any debris accumulating to cause a clog that will compromise the performance of your appliance. Match Burner Size to Your Cookware Unless you have an induction range or cooktop, using mismatched cookware means that you’re wasting energy heating the air around your pot or pan. One of the most appealing aspects of induction cooking is that it is 20% more efficient compared to electric cooktops and up to 70% more efficient compared to gas. This is because induction heats the cookware through magnetic fields, so only the pot is heated, and the surrounding surface is not. Unless you’re planning on upgrading your cooktop, you