During Thanksgiving, you probably aren’t thinking about saving energy when you’re planning that perfect holiday dish. Here are four ways you can save energy in the kitchen with minimal effort.
- When possible, cook with smaller appliances. Using smaller kitchen appliances, like slow cookers, toaster ovens, air fryers and convection ovens, is more energy-efficient than using your large stove or oven.
- Unplug appliances that draw phantom energy load. These are the appliances that draw energy even when they’re not in use, like coffee makers, microwaves and toaster ovens. The Department of Energy has estimated that one home’s energy vampires left plugged in year-round can add up to as much as $200 in wasted energy costs. Unplug them when they’re not in use.
- Help large appliances work less. Keep range-top burners clean from spills and fallen foods so they’ll reflect heat better. When it’s time to put leftovers in the refrigerator, make sure the food is covered and allow it to cool down first.
- Use your dishwasher efficiently.
- Only run full loads, and avoid using the “rinse and hold” function on your machine for just a few dirty dishes. You can also save energy by letting your dishes air dry.