Ovens

pies from the ovenCooking with gas is considered better than with electricity because there are lower associated CO2 emissions, despite that fact that it requires a little more energy to cook a given amount of food with gas. Gas is also around one third of the cost.

If you currently have an electric cooker you could probably save around £50 a year in energy costs by switching to gas – the payback period will depend on how much you pay for your new gas cooker.

Cooking tips:

  • Use the correct sized ring for your pan

  • A gas flame should just touch the bottom of the pan to be at its most efficient – if it is licking up the sides most of the energy is being wasted

  • A clean electric hob is more efficient than a dirty one

  • Put a lid on saucepans – reduces heat loss and condensation

  • Use a steamer or multi-compartment pan to cook many items at once

  • Use a pressure cooker – uses far less energy as the cooking time is reduced

  • If you are using the oven anyway, think about what else you can put in it at the same time

  • A microwave heats only the object you put in it, and so is very efficient

link to gas comparison calculatorThe Energy Saving Trust provide information on products and retailers.

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