Now that Mindanao has its sights set on energy security by transitioning to a more sustainable energy mix by 2030, it is high time residents rethink their energy consumption as well. As households continue to be the largest contributor to the country’s energy consumption, the way we live daily has a direct impact on both our energy bills and our carbon footprint.
One aspect of life that deserves special attention is food consumption. Specifically, our daily cooking habits. Energy efficiency in the kitchen is an essential consideration for both environmental sustainability and economic savings. By adopting more energy-efficient cooking methods and technologies, we can significantly reduce our energy use, leading to lower electricity bills and less strain on power grids.
The Importance of Energy-Efficient Cooking
Traditional cooking methods commonly involve appliances and fuel sources that consume substantial amounts of energy, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2021, the most consumed type of fuel in Filipino households is still fuelwood, which is used for food preparation and heating purposes.
Even modern Filipino kitchens are still equipped with traditional cooking appliances. Electric ovens can use around 2 to 5 kilowatt hours (kWh) for a standard baking session. A kilowatt-hour is what you would use if you ran an appliance of 1000 watts for one hour. Meanwhile, while gas stovetops also require significant energy input for ignition and heating.
As climate change becomes increasingly urgent, finding ways to minimize energy consumption in our homes is critical. Reducing energy use in cooking not only lowers energy bills but also conserves resources and lessens our environmental impact. Studies have shown that adopting energy-efficient cooking practices can lead to a 20-30% reduction in energy use, which is a considerable contribution to the overall demand for energy at a national level.
Smarter Choices
Fortunately, energy-efficient cooking appliances designed to minimize energy consumption are not only widely available now in the Philippines; they are also significantly more affordable. Here are some smarter choices for your kitchen.
Induction Stovetops
Induction cooktops are revolutionizing how we think of energy use in the kitchen. They are about 80-90% more energy-efficient, primarily because they use electromagnetic energy to directly heat your cookware instead of the air around it, minimizing energy waste. They also heat up much quicker, further reducing energy use. Studies indicate that induction cooking can be up to 50% faster than traditional methods, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save both time and energy.
Induction stovetops are a far superior choice to gas cooktops when it comes to our health and safety, too. Unlike LPG, electric cooking methods like induction do not emit air pollutants like methane and nitrogen oxide. And because there is no open flame, the risk of fire is significantly mitigated.
Air Fryers
Air fryers have quickly gained popularity for their ability to cook food using rapid air circulation, requiring very little oil. Aside from being able to cook a range of dishes, air fryers heat food much more quickly than conventional electric ovens. Swapping out electric ovens for air fryers can potentially lead to energy savings of approximately 70%.
Air fryers are oil-free, versatile, economical, and good for the environment – and there are a plethora of brands and models available online that suit any budget.
Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens are another efficient option compared to traditional ovens. They use electromagnetic radiation to heat food directly, which significantly cuts down on cooking times and energy consumption. In fact, microwaves can be up to 80% more efficient, especially when reheating leftovers or cooking small portions, thus reducing waste energy when compared to larger ovens where heat is lost during preheating and the cooking process.
More Tips for Smarter, Energy-Efficient Cooking
Appliance size matters
Larger appliances generally consume more energy. A smaller microwave oven will, for instance, use less energy compared to a large conventional oven to perform the same task. It is best to use an appliance size that matches the cooking task.
Use the Right Size Cookware
Using appropriately sized induction pots and pans for your induction stovetop is crucial for heat efficiency. Large induction cooking zones may not respond to small-sized pans. Pots that are larger than the cooking zone may result in wasted energy as your food will not cook evenly. Selecting the right size cookware ensures better heat conduction and more cooking efficiency.
Keep Lids On
When cooking, keeping lids on pots and pans can help retain heat and moisture, reducing cooking time significantly. By covering your dishes, you decrease energy consumption and enhance the speed of cooking, making meals not only quicker but also more energy-efficient.
Batch Cooking and Meal Prep
Planning meals in advance can lead to energy savings by allowing for batch cooking. This method makes it possible to use your oven or stovetop for several meals simultaneously. Preparing multiple dishes at once reduces the overall cooking time and energy expenditure.
Optimize Cooking Times
One can also take advantage of residual heat by turning off the stove or oven a few minutes before the cooking time is up, allowing the remaining heat to finish cooking the food. Additionally, cooking items that require similar cooking times together can maximize energy efficiency.
Adopting energy-efficient cooking methods presents numerous benefits for both the environment and household budgets. By making conscious choices about appliances and cooking techniques, we can play a significant role in reducing their energy consumption. The ongoing development of innovative cooking technologies continues to pave the way for even more sustainable kitchens. With awareness and practice, we can foster a greener, more energy-secure future through smarter ways of cooking.
