Saving energy when cooking

• Microwaves cook food three times faster than standard full size ovens, saving up to 70 per cent of electricity used for cooking.
• Fan-forced ovens cost 35 per cent less to run than conventional ovens. They force the heat evenly throughout the oven, reducing your cooking time by one-third.
• Save electricity by using efficient appliances like pressure cookers and electric frypans. They use about half the energy of a full-size oven.
• Use pots and pans with flat bases that closely fit the size of the hot plate.
• Cooked food must be kept at 60 degrees Celsius and above to stop growth of dangerous bacteria. At 80 degrees Celsius you'll be wasting energy.
• It takes a lot of energy to bring food to the boil, but once boiling the energy setting can be cut by two-thirds. Some vegetables cook quicker in the microwave in less water, with higher retention of water-soluble vitamins.
• Place food in the oven immediately after the oven is turned on and you'll save energy.
• Use the oven light to check on food in the oven rather than opening the door.
• Use dividers and steamers to cook vegetables in the same pot.
• It's best to thaw frozen food in the refrigerator, later assisted by microwave if necessary.