Save energy while cooking this Christmas

How to save energy when cooking 

Plan ahead

Before you start cooking, plan your menu and prep ingredients in advance. This helps you avoid keeping the oven on longer than necessary and reduces last-minute stress.

Use the right size pan

Match your pan to the size of the hob ring. A small pan on a large ring wastes heat, while a large pan on a small ring takes longer to cook.

Keep lids on

Cover pots and pans with lids to trap heat and cook food faster. This simple step can cut energy use significantly.

Don’t peek too often

Every time you open the oven door, heat escapes and your oven works harder to get back to temperature. Clean the glass door before cooking so you can see inside clearly, and use the oven light instead of opening the door.

Cook in batches

If you’re baking mince pies or roasting vegetables, cook them together. Using the oven for multiple dishes at once saves energy compared to heating it up several times.

Make the most of residual heat

Turn off the oven a few minutes before the cooking time ends, it will stay hot enough to finish the job. The same goes for hobs: switch them off early and let the residual heat do the work.

Choose energy efficient appliances

Microwaves, slow cookers, and air fryers often use less energy than a full-sized oven. They’re perfect for side dishes or reheating leftovers. Check out Energy Saving Trust’s guide to which cooking appliances are cheaper to run. Additionally, if you need to replace an old appliance, opt for an energy efficient model if you can.

Make the most of leftovers

Finally, avoid food waste and get creative with your Christmas leftovers. You can make delicious sandwiches with leftover ham and/or turkey trimmings, cranberry sauce, gravy and stuffing.

Find more advice on how to save energy while cooking at home

These simple steps can help you cut costs and reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying a festive Christmas. If you’d like personalised advice or want to learn more about energy-saving solutions for your home, contact us today.

For more energy saving tips, read our top tips on how to save energy in the kitchen.