Clever cooking
Using more energy efficient cooking appliances and changing the way you prepare food can make a real difference to the amount of energy you use. You can also save money, time and reduce your greenhouse emissions.
Save on oven use
If you are buying a new oven, look for energy efficient fan forced models with triple glazing and a high standard of insulation.
Tips for improving how you use your oven:
- If possible, use an electric frypan, pressure cooker or microwave oven as an alternative to traditional electric ovens, they all use a lot less energy than an electric oven.
- Check the door seals with a piece of paper. If the paper slips out from between the seal and the oven door, you could be losing a lot of heat. Replace the seals to prevent a lot of wasted energy and money.
- Don't open the oven door unnecessarily while cooking.
- If possible, cook several things at once in the oven.
- Consider cooking in bulk and freezing. Reheat in the microwave to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save time.
Save on microwave use
Tips for improving how you use your microwave oven:
- Thaw frozen food in the fridge instead of defrosting it in the microwave.
- Turn the microwave off when you're not using it.
Save on stovetop cooking
Tips for improving how you cook on the stovetop:
- On an electric stovetop, use pots and pans with flat bases that are the same size as the elements.
- On a gas stovetop, keep the flame directly under the pot or pan and don't let it run up the sides.
- Keep the lid on when possible, to reduce heat loss.
- Simmer instead of boiling vigorously to save energy.
- Consider using a pressure cooker to save energy and cook faster.
Other cooking hints
Other tips for cooking efficiently:
- Don't boil more water than is needed, on the stove or in the kettle.
- Use a toaster to toast bread, don't toast it under the grill - this saves around three quarters of the energy.
More information
More information is available from Your home technical manual - energy use.
Rebates & assistance
As a home owner, renter or landlord, you could be eligible for financial assistance and home assessments to help you start saving energy and water sooner.
Find out about government rebates and assistance.
Why do it?
- Save money
- Prevent unnecessary energy use
- Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated from cooking
Did you know?
Boiling water with an electric kettle or gas cooker generates about half as much greenhouse gas as a microwave oven or an electric stove. You can save even more energy by only boiling as much water as you need.
What else can I do?
Take Action
Page last modified: 20 Aug 2009