Cooking Tips

Cooking with natural gas offers efficiency and cost savings, but there are additional steps you can take to make your kitchen even more energy-efficient. By following a few simple tips and techniques, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your gas bill—all while cooking delicious meals at home.

Easy Tips for Saving Energy in the Kitchen

1. Keep Your Range Clean: Regularly clean your stovetop and burners. A clean range reflects heat better and cooks more efficiently.
2. Skip Preheating When Possible: Only preheat the oven if the recipe specifically calls for it, as it can be an unnecessary energy drain.
3. Bake at Lower Temperatures: Use the lowest temperature setting required, and minimize opening the oven door.
4. Use Glass or Ceramic Bakeware: These materials retain heat better than metal, so you can lower the oven temperature without compromising cooking results.
5. Avoid Opening the Oven Door: Every time the door opens, heat escapes, requiring more energy to maintain the temperature.
6. Utilize Cooking Aids: Tools like meat thermometers, probes, and cooking charts help ensure accuracy and prevent overcooking.
7. Avoid Using Foil in the Oven: Lining your oven with foil can block air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and longer cooking times.
8. Cook Multiple Dishes Simultaneously: If possible, cook an entire meal in the oven at once, and for smaller dishes, consider using a double oven’s smaller compartment.
9. Thaw Frozen Foods: Let frozen foods defrost before cooking to reduce the cooking time and energy needed.
10. Match Pan to Burner Size: Ensure the pan fits the burner. Using a small pan on a large burner wastes energy.
11. Preheat the Burner with the Pan in Place: Place the pan on the burner before turning on the heat for better energy transfer.
12. Adjust the Flame Size: Make sure the flame doesn’t extend beyond the edges of your cookware. This avoids wasted energy and prevents damaging the pan.
13. Cover Your Pots and Pans: Covering cookware traps heat, allowing food to cook faster and reducing energy use. It also helps keep the kitchen cooler in warmer months.
14. Cook with Minimal Water: Use just enough water to cook your food and keep the pan covered to retain heat and moisture.
15. Lower the Flame After Boiling: Once water or liquids reach a boil, lower the flame to a simmer to maintain cooking without extra energy use.
16. Use a Pressure Cooker: Pressure cookers are ideal for reducing cooking time and can also tenderize less expensive cuts of meat, saving money on ingredients.

Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® Appliances

If you’re in the market for new kitchen appliances, consider Natural Gas ENERGY STAR®-certified models. These appliances are designed to use less energy than standard models, helping you cut down on utility costs over time.

Pensacola Energy offers a $200 rebate when you add a new natural gas cooktop or range to your home.