Kitchen Energy Efficiency

The kitchen contains some of the most energy-intensive activities and appliances in your home. Your refrigerator runs constantly, cooking generates heat, and various small appliances draw power. Simple adjustments can reduce energy use without changing how you cook or eat.

Refrigerator Efficiency

Your refrigerator is one of the few appliances running 24/7, making its efficiency particularly important.

Temperature Settings

• Refrigerator: Around 35-38°F (2-3°C) is sufficient
• Freezer: Around 0°F (-18°C) is adequate
• Colder than necessary wastes energy without improving food safety
• Use a thermometer to verify actual temperatures

Maximize Efficiency

• Keep it reasonably full—mass helps maintain temperature
• Don't overfill—air needs to circulate
• Check door seals for gaps or damage
• Clean condenser coils periodically (usually on back or bottom)
• Allow hot food to cool before refrigerating
• Don't leave the door open longer than needed

Placement

• Keep away from heat sources (oven, direct sunlight)
• Allow space for air circulation around the unit
• Level the unit so doors seal properly

Cooking Efficiently

Stovetop

• Match pot size to burner size—small pots on small burners
• Use lids to speed cooking and retain heat
• Start with hot water from the tap when boiling
• Turn off burners shortly before food is done—residual heat finishes cooking

Oven

• Don't preheat longer than necessary (usually 10-15 minutes)
• Avoid opening the door repeatedly—heat escapes
• Use convection setting when available (cooks faster at lower temp)
• Turn off a few minutes early—retained heat continues cooking
• Cook multiple items together when possible

Alternative Appliances

Smaller appliances often use less energy for smaller tasks:

• Microwave: Very efficient for reheating and small portions
• Toaster oven: More efficient than full oven for small items
• Electric kettle: Faster and more efficient than stovetop for boiling water
• Slow cooker: Low energy over long cooking times
• Pressure cooker: Dramatically reduces cooking time

Dishwasher

Efficient Use

• Run only when full
• Skip pre-rinsing—modern dishwashers handle food residue
• Use eco or energy-saving cycles when available
• Skip heated dry—open the door and let dishes air dry

Hand Washing

If you hand wash, do so efficiently:

• Don't let water run continuously
• Use a basin rather than running water
• Wash in order: cleanest items first, dirtiest last

Small Appliances

General Tips

• Unplug when not in use (many draw standby power)
• Choose appropriately sized appliances for your needs
• Maintain appliances—clean coffee makers, descale kettles

Common Kitchen Appliances

• Coffee maker: Turn off after brewing; don't use warming plate for hours
• Toaster: Low energy use; keep clean for efficiency
• Blender: Minimal energy concern
• Instant Pot/pressure cooker: Very efficient for appropriate recipes

Summer Considerations

Kitchen activities generate heat, which can increase cooling needs:

• Cook during cooler parts of the day
• Use exhaust fans to remove hot air
• Favor no-cook or minimal-cook meals
• Use outdoor grilling if available
• Microwave and small appliances generate less heat than ovens