More top ideas for using your oven efficiently

Ovens are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can also lead to less energy efficiency and higher costs. Here are some more ways you can make them more efficient.

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Kitchen isolation

By shutting the kitchen door while cooking, you prevent heat from escaping. Your kitchen will be efficiently warmed in winter, but you will not have to worry about overheating the rest of the house in summer. Leaving the oven door open after cooking also spreads residual warmth.

Smaller appliances

There is no point using a giant oven for one tiny meal; that just ends up wasting energy. Slow cookers, steamers and electric skillets are all more efficient, and you can always use the microwave or toaster if you’re just cooking for yourself. For the most efficient appliances, look for the Energy Star rating.

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Door seal

If your door seal is loose or broken, heat will escape and your bills will rise. Check it regularly, keep it clean, and repair any damage as soon as possible.

Calibration

You only need a cheap thermometer to test the temperature of your oven and make sure it is accurate. A more precise temperature will ensure your food is cooked better and prevent energy being wasted on an oven that is too hot.

For a commercial combination oven, look for one with ClimaPlus control, such as https://www.247cateringsupplies.co.uk/lincat-ocmpc101g-gas-opus-combi-oven.

Fresh, not frozen

Fresh food will cook quicker than frozen and therefore save time and money. Bring food from the freezer early in the morning or the night before so it can defrost in the refrigerator before cooking.

Cover it

When possible, tin foil or a lid prevents heat from escaping and will help an item cook in a quicker and therefore more efficient way.

Double batches

If you cook things in double batches, it saves time, ensures you have leftovers for later in the week, and means you do not have to use the oven again the next time you eat. Any reheating can be done swiftly in the microwave.

Self-cleaning

Some ovens have a self-cleaning feature, and this will work more efficiently if you switch it on straight after cooking so it can use any residual heat in the oven. Whilst this feature will use more energy, the oven itself will probably be better insulated and more efficient.