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The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a significant source of energy consumption. From cooking meals to keeping food fresh, appliances in the kitchen are constantly running, consuming electricity and water. However, with a few smart habits and adjustments, you can significantly reduce energy use, lower utility bills, and contribute to a greener environment. Here are five great ways to save energy in your kitchen:

1. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

• One of the most effective ways to reduce energy use in the kitchen is by investing in energy-efficient appliances. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing new appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and microwaves. These appliances are designed to use less electricity and water while maintaining the same level of performance.
• If replacing appliances is not an option, use your current ones more efficiently:
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer full but not overstuffed to maintain optimal airflow.
• Avoid opening the oven door frequently when cooking to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Use the microwave or toaster oven for small meals instead of the full-sized oven.

2. Cook Smart

• Cooking efficiently can save a surprising amount of energy. Consider the following strategies:
• Match the pot size to the burner: Using a small pot on a large burner wastes energy. Similarly, using the right size burner for your pot ensures the heat is effectively used.
• Use lids on pots and pans: Covering your cookware traps heat and reduces cooking time, which in turn uses less energy.
• Cook in batches: If you are using the oven, cook multiple dishes at once, or bake in large quantities to minimise the number of times you need to use it.
• Turn off the heat early: For recipes that require simmering or boiling, turn off the heat a few minutes early. Residual heat can often finish the cooking process, particularly on electric stovetops.

3. Optimise Dishwasher Usage

• Dishwashers are more energy-efficient than washing dishes by hand, especially when used wisely:
• Run full loads: Only run your dishwasher when it is full to maximise water and energy efficiency.
• Skip the pre-rinse: Most modern dishwashers are designed to handle dirty dishes, so skip pre-rinsing to save water and energy.
• Use eco or energy-saving modes: Many dishwashers come with eco-friendly settings that use less water and lower temperatures to clean effectively.
• Air-dry your dishes: Instead of using the dishwasher’s heating element to dry dishes, opt for air drying by opening the dishwasher door after the washing cycle.

4. Mind Your Fridge and Freezer Settings

• Your refrigerator and freezer run 24/7, making them one of the biggest energy users in your kitchen. Keeping them well-maintained and using them efficiently can make a big difference:
• Set the temperature correctly: The optimal temperature for your fridge is between 35°F and 38°F, and for your freezer, it is between 0°F and 5°F. Setting them lower than needed uses unnecessary energy.
• Keep them organised: A well-organised fridge and freezer help with airflow, allowing them to maintain the right temperature with less effort.
• Clean the coils: Dusty or dirty coils force your refrigerator to work harder, using more energy. Regularly clean the coils to keep it running efficiently.
• Do not leave the door open: Every time you open the door, warm air enters, and your fridge has to work harder to cool back down. Be mindful of how long you leave the door open and minimise it when possible.

5. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

• Kitchens often require bright lighting for cooking and cleaning. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is an easy way to save energy:
• Install LED bulbs: LED lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Use them for your kitchen overhead lights, under-cabinet lighting, and any other fixtures.
• Make use of natural light: If your kitchen has windows, take advantage of natural daylight instead of turning on lights. Not only will this reduce energy use, but it can also create a warmer and more inviting atmosphere.
• Use task lighting: Instead of lighting up the entire kitchen, use task lighting for specific areas where you need focused light, like over the stove or counter.

Saving energy in your kitchen is easier than you might think. With a few changes to your habits and the use of energy-efficient tools, you can reduce your kitchen’s energy consumption, lower your bills, and contribute to a more sustainable home. Start with small adjustments today, and watch the savings add up!

What are some of the world’s best energy saving appliances for the kitchen?

Here are some of the world’s best energy-saving appliances for the kitchen, which you can buy from a retailer or duty free shop, recognised for their efficiency, performance, and sustainability. From appliances to cook, at the most affordable gas cooker price in Sri Lanka, to smaller equipment, like blenders, toasters and kettles.

1. Refrigerators: Refrigerators are typically the most energy-consuming appliances in the kitchen. These models are known for their energy efficiency:

• LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator: Features ENERGY STAR® certification and offers advanced cooling technology to keep food fresh while consuming less energy. The InstaView feature allows you to see inside the fridge without opening the door, reducing energy loss.
• Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator: ENERGY STAR® certified and comes with features like digital screens for food management, reducing the need to open the door. Includes a “FlexZone” drawer for efficient cooling and freezing, adjusting according to usage needs.

2. Dishwashers: Efficient dishwashers can save both water and energy. Here are a couple of top models:

• Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher: ENERGY STAR® certified, known for quiet operation and water efficiency. Features a “half-load” setting for smaller loads, minimising energy and water use.
• Miele G7000 Dishwasher: Not only is it ENERGY STAR® rated, but it also has “AutoDos” technology that automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent, saving both detergent and energy. Offers eco-washing programs for low-energy consumption.

3. Ovens: Electric ovens tend to use more energy, but some models offer energy-saving features:

• Samsung Flex Duo Range: ENERGY STAR® certified and allows you to split the oven into two separate compartments, reducing energy consumption when cooking smaller meals. The convection feature cooks food faster and more evenly, saving energy.
• Bosch HBL8451UC 800 Series Electric Wall Oven: This model is highly efficient due to its self-cleaning function, and the convection technology ensures quick cooking, reducing energy use.

4. Microwaves: Microwaves use less energy than conventional ovens, and some models are designed to be even more efficient:

• Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave: Uses inverter technology, which cooks food evenly and more efficiently than traditional microwaves, saving time and energy. Compact design means it uses less power but still delivers high performance.
• GE JES2251SJ Countertop Microwave: ENERGY STAR® certified, offering power-saving features like sensor cooking that automatically adjusts time and power for optimal results.

5. Induction Cooktops: Induction cooking is one of the most energy-efficient methods available, as it heats only the pan, not the surrounding air.

• GE Profile Induction Cooktop: ENERGY STAR® rated and heats quickly with up to 70% more efficiency compared to traditional gas and electric cooktops. Allows precise control over temperature, reducing energy wastage.
• Bosch Benchmark Induction Cooktop: Extremely energy-efficient, with responsive heat control and an automatic pan detection system, ensuring energy is used only when a pan is present.

6. Energy-Efficient Lighting: While not an appliance, energy-efficient lighting plays a big role in saving energy in the kitchen:

• Philips Hue LED Bulbs: These LED bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. You can control the lights remotely to save energy when not in use.

7. Coffee Makers: Energy-efficient coffee makers are great for saving energy in a morning routine:

• Nespresso VertuoPlus: Designed to use less energy and features an automatic power-off system after 9 minutes of inactivity. Single-serve function minimises wasted energy.
• Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV: ENERGY STAR® certified, with a hot plate that uses minimal energy and shuts off automatically after 100 minutes.

8. Toaster Ovens: Toaster ovens can be more efficient than full-size ovens for smaller meals:

• Breville Smart Oven Pro: Features smart heating technology that cooks food quickly and evenly, reducing the need for prolonged usage. Offers multiple cooking modes, including energy-saving options like convection and slow cooking.
• Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Combines multiple functions (baking, air frying, toasting), allowing you to use one appliance instead of several, conserving energy.

Investing in energy-efficient kitchen appliances is a great way to lower energy consumption and reduce utility bills, while also minimising your environmental impact. Whether you are replacing an old refrigerator, upgrading your dishwasher, or switching to LED lighting, each step contributes to a greener and more energy-conscious kitchen. Most of this equipment come at cost-effective pricing, like the electric kettle price in Sri Lanka that is both affordable and financially beneficial in the long run.