By: Brad Goar
A microwave oven is typically your best cooking option if you’re looking to save energy. Convection ovens are also energy efficient because food cooks faster than a regular oven, and generally at a lower temperature. This works well to obtain a caramelized effect when roasting meats and vegetables. Let’s take a look at how cooking appliances compare to each other.
Microwave vs. oven
Microwaves use approximately 80 percent less energy than an electric range or oven. That means if it takes a few minutes to cook something using a 1400-watt microwave oven, it will take more power and much more time to deliver the same end results with a range or standard oven. Convection ovens also make a difference. The heated air is continuously circulated which reduces cook times as well as the temperatures required. On average you'll use 20 percent less energy running your convection oven, as compared to a standard oven.
Microwave vs. slow cooker
Compared to a standard electric oven or range, slow cookers consume considerably less energy. Similarly, cooking with a microwave is more efficient than using a slow cooker, or crockpot. Even though a slow cooker will use less power per minute than a microwave, the cooking time of several hours will result in much more overall energy consumption than the microwave oven. Ultimately, microwaves use about half the electricity as a slow cooker.
Your recipe for energy efficiency
According to the federal government’s Energy Star program, which rates appliances based on their energy-efficiency, cooking or re-heating small portions of food in the microwave can save as much as 80 percent of the energy used to cook or warm them up in the oven. So, use your microwave when you can for maximum energy savings, but enjoy using your other cooking appliances when they are needed to achieve the taste you need for the recipe.
How to save more
Also remember that FPL’s New Energy Manager provides personalized saving suggestions based on your consumption history and opportunities, and it can help you find quick ways to lower your energy bill during the holiday period.
The industry-leading Energy Analyzer breaks down and itemizes the actual cost and use of energy throughout your home. For the first time, you’ll know what it really costs to run you’re A/C, appliances and devices, and get recommendations on how to save on your bill.