Saving energy in the kitchen

Electrical and kitchen appliances make life more comfortable and easier! What is often not considered: Appliance selection and use have a direct impact on your electricity bill. In our guide, we show you how you can save energy in your kitchen without sacrificing comfort and convenience. Have fun reading and saving energy!

Introduction

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Living in an environmentally friendly and economical way is only possible if you follow a few tips to reduce the consumption of electricity and water in the kitchen as well. In view of the fact that a large part of the total energy required in the household is consumed in a kitchen used on a daily basis, increased emphasis should be placed on saving both energy and water here in particular.

This has a positive effect in several respects at once. On the one hand, energy prices have been rising steadily for years. So even if consumption remains the same, you have to reckon with increased expenses for your own energy needs almost every year. On the other hand, we should all be aware of our obligation to the environment. Energy, before we can use it, must first be generated. A large proportion of energy is still generated from sources that are finite or cause lasting damage and pollution to the environment, such as coal and natural gas. Nuclear power is also a cause for concern in the long term, because it produces non-degradable, radioactive nuclear waste, which poses an incalculable risk to the entire planet.

Although the proportion of energy generated from renewable sources has been increasing in recent decades – especially since Germany phased out nuclear power. However, we should all conserve energy as consistently as possible to minimize further impact on our environment. The keyword here is sustainability.

Below you will find useful suggestions and Tips for saving energy in the kitchen – a room in which you spend time every day and which offers enormous savings potential in terms of electricity and water consumption.

1. Saving energy while cooking
1.1. The right cooktop makes all the difference
1.2. Pots and lids
1.3. Save energy with the oven
1.4. Energy saving tips for cooking and baking

2. Saving water in the kitchen
2.1. Providing hot water in an energy-saving way
2.2. Boil water in an energy-saving way
2.3. Saving water
2.4. Energy saving tips water
2.5. Saving energy with the dishwasher
2.6. Energy-saving tips for the dishwasher
2.7. Saving energy with washing machine and dryer
2.8. Energy saving tips for washing machine and dryer

3. Save energy with electrical appliances
3.1. Saving energy with refrigerators
3.2. Energy saving tips for the refrigerator and freezer
3.3. Energy-saving small appliances
3.4. Energy saving tips for the microwave
3.5. Energy-conscious brands

4. Saving energy with lighting
4.1. This will make you see the light
4.2. Energy saving tips for lighting

5. Ventilating and heating the kitchen
5.1. Optimum room temperature and clean air

6. Summary and checklist

1. Saving energy while cooking

1.1. The right cooktop makes all the difference

Depending on the type of hob you use in your kitchen, there are very high potential savings to be made. If you cook often and like to cook, it may even be worth your while to buy a new stove, as the cost of it will pay for itself in a few years through the electricity you save.

The most inefficient method of cooking is the old-fashioned stove with conventional electric hotplates. Because a lot of energy is required to heat them, and a large proportion of this energy is wasted. If possible, such stoves should be replaced with more modern appliances as soon as possible.

In this case, the first choice for most consumers is a stove with an electric heating element Glass ceramic cooktops dar. These are now available at affordable prices and save a lot of energy compared to conventional hobs.
Nevertheless, you should think about buying a new appliance right away Induction cooktop to purchase. Because this uses the energy of all hobs most efficiently. The heat is generated by means of a magnetic field only where it is needed – directly in the bottom of the pot.

Provide a good alternative where they can be used, Gas hobs dar. They can be operated with both bottled and natural gas. At the same time, the cost per kilowatt hour is much lower than with any cooktop, because the primary energy of the gas is used directly to generate heat. In the case of electricity generation, on the other hand, a large proportion of the primary energy in gas or coal-fired power plants goes unused as waste heat. Converting electricity back into heat energy is also not very efficient.

In addition, full temperature is available within seconds with a gas cooktop. The energy supply can also be interrupted again just as quickly. This is not the case with an electric stove, because a lot of residual heat is regularly lost unused.

1.2. Pots and lids

No matter which hob you use, do not under any circumstances Pots that are smaller than the cooking surface. Because then valuable energy is wasted, which is given off as heat directly to the air instead of to the bottom of the pot. The latter should also always be level. Because with a curved pot bottom, only a small part of the heat reaches where it is needed. Cooking food takes much longer as a result. It is best to choose high-quality pots with a base that conducts and stores heat particularly well. Sandwich pot bases with copper or aluminum cores as well as enameled steel pots are best suited for this purpose.

Also pay attention to this, always use a lid to use. The reason for this is the extremely high enthalpy of evaporation of water. That is, it takes a lot of energy to convert water from a liquid to a gas. If this gas (water vapor) can then escape unhindered and evaporate, all the accumulated heat energy is simply dispersed into the room air instead of being useful for heating the contents of the pot. Glass lids have the advantage that you don’t have to remove the lid to check the cooking process – this saves a lot of energy!

Use the Reheat, which is created on electric stoves. Switch off in addition the hotplates already about five minutes before end of the cooking time. The heat still given off by the stove and stored by the bottom of the pot is enough to finish cooking.

1.3. Save energy with the oven

With the oven it behaves similarly as with the stove. Many consumers wonder whether cooking by convection or by top and bottom heat makes more sense. The answer in this case is clear Baking with circulating air. Because this distributes the heat substantially better in the entire baking oven. This allows several baking trays to be used at the same time, which in turn saves energy.

In addition, most ovens with circulating air have an overrun, so that hot air is still blown into the interior of the oven even after it has been switched off. This also allows you to turn off the oven several minutes before the end of the baking time. Because, with a few exceptions, a constant temperature is not necessary for a successful baking process. You should only not open the oven door before the end of the intended duration, so that the heat does not escape unused.

By the way is also on the often propagated Preheating dispensable, or. only really necessary in the fewest cases. Do without them and save a lot of energy.

1.4. Energy saving tips for cooking and baking

When buying new appliances, pay attention to the efficiency class and consumption values.
Use the residual heat of stove tops, and turn off the stove already five minutes before the end of cooking time.
The right pot size matters. Make sure that the diameter of the pot is the same as that of the stove top, as this is the only way to guarantee optimum heat transfer. Because every centimeter that the pot is smaller than the stove top results in 20 – 30 % more energy consumption.
Use a pot lid that closes the pot appropriately, because this way the heat stays in the pot. Even a tilted lid requires twice the amount of energy, without a lid even three times the amount is needed.
Use a pressure cooker for dishes with a cooking time of 40 minutes or more; this saves 50% time and 60% electricity.
Take already warm water to boil.
Thaw frozen food before you prepare it.
If you have the choice between oven and hob when preparing your food, use the hob because the oven consumes four times as much energy.
Do not preheat the oven, even if it is written on the recipe (except for delicate doughs). This is no longer necessary with modern ovens and convection ovens, and you use 20% less energy.
For baking times over 40 minutes, you can often turn off the oven 10 minutes before the end of the baking time.
Do not open the oven door unnecessarily, because every time you open it, up to 20% of the heat is lost and has to be reheated. The viewing window also allows a view of the baked goods.
Kuche&Co recommends the circulating air mode of the oven, it gets along with 20° C to 30° C lower temperatures than top and bottom heat. This is how you can save 25% to 40% on electricity costs
save.
Use the appropriate small household appliances for preparation. Kettle, egg boiler and coffee maker are much more economical than the stove.
It’s also better to leave the baking of small items to your toaster or small grill, the oven consumes almost three times as much energy.
Use your cooker hood only when necessary, because for short preparation time or heating odorless food you can do without it.

2. Saving water in the kitchen

2.1. Providing hot water in an energy-saving way

If you already use hot water from the tap for cooking, this will of course reduce the time it takes for the water to boil. However, it is important to pay attention to the way in which the hot water is provided. A electric instantaneous water heater Is less recommended, as it consumes electrical energy just like the stove itself.

The best is when warm water from a Gas boiler, which acts as a floor heating is generated. The advantage here is again that primary energy is used directly to generate heat. Compared to generating electricity, which is then converted into heat by electrical resistance, this is much more efficient. Another option, namely hot water from a Central heating, offers the advantage that it does not have to be treated separately just for use in the kitchen.

2.2. Water energy-saving boiling

You can heat water for cooking in different ways. Many consumers still do this in the pot, although this is pure waste of energy. Instead, bring the water in a high-quality Water boiler for boiling. This is much faster than on the stove and also saves precious energy.

An alternative that has gained more and more followers in recent years are so-called 100°C Cooking water taps. These supply boiling hot water directly from the tap, which does not need to be heated further. Heated electrically. It is then kept ready in an under-sink storage tank. Due to very good insulation, there is hardly any need for reheating. This method of drawing boiling water is therefore also energy-saving and, above all, very practical. However, this is offset by relatively high purchase costs for the required equipment. Here are more tips for saving water.

2.3. Saving water

Whether hot or cold water – clean drinking water is one of our most valuable commodities. Therefore, we should use it as sparingly as possible. Last but not least, of course, water costs money, so reducing consumption has a direct positive impact on household budgets. Next to the bathroom, the kitchen uses the most water in most households. This consumption can be reduced in many ways.

When buying a new kitchen, opt for Faucets with water-saving insert, either this is already included in the aramature or can be retrofitted. Old faucets in existing kitchens should be replaced with modern ones whenever possible. The purchase costs are amortized quite quickly through significantly lower water consumption, for example, when washing hands, washing food or washing dishes, as the Flow rate is considerably less with new faucets than with old models. Alternatively, all faucets can also be equipped with an additional flow regulator that limits the flow rate.

2.4. Energy saving tips water

When buying appliances, pay attention to the specified water and energy consumption. The different efficiency classes have a significant impact on operating costs.
Check dripping faucets, one drop per second equals 20 liters a day wasted.
Regulate water temperature with single-lever faucets, which saves water and energy.
If you are not at home for a long time or on vacation, it is worthwhile to simply turn off the water heater, so as not to consume energy unnecessarily.
More water comes out of the faucet than is needed in most cases. It is therefore advisable to install an aerator that reduces the flow rate per minute.

2.5. Save energy with the dishwasher

Also electrical appliances in your kitchen that consume water, so Dishwasher and Washing machine, should meet the latest technical standards. Replacing old equipment quickly pays for itself. Even compared to five-year-old appliances, today’s standards are much more energy and water efficient.

In any case the Replacement of appliances older than 10 years recommended. Because a significantly lower water consumption and additionally a lower power consumption with improved cleaning efficiency at the same time, the running costs can be significantly reduced with new models.

Speaking of dishwashers: If you already own such an appliance, you should also trust it. In plain language, this means that you have to save Prewash should do without washing by hand, even with heavy soiling. Because washing dishes by hand consumes significantly more water than your dishwasher. In addition, modern dishwashers reliably remove even stubborn dirt even with economical rinsing cycles in conjunction with the appropriate cleaning agents. Prewashing is therefore an absolute waste of precious water and time.

2.6. Energy saving tips for the dishwasher

When buying a new appliance, look for the efficiency class and low water and electricity consumption.
Larger dishwashers are worthwhile even for small households. They are more economical than small appliances.
Turn on only fully loaded appliances, and collect dishes from several meals. Washing dishes by hand is more economical for small households.
Make sure that the detergent is optimally dosed according to the hardness of the water, and top up the salt and rinse aid regularly.
Do without the pre-rinse program, use short and economy programs. Thus, a rinse cycle at 50° C instead of 60° C saves ca. 25 % of the electricity costs.
Keep the dishwasher door closed to prevent food residues from drying, and use less detergent and the economy program.
After the rinse cycle, you can turn off the machine and open the dishwasher door. So the dishes dry independently and a machine drying cycle is superfluous.
Modern dishwashers can be connected to the hot water supply; this avoids heating up the rinse water and helps save energy. With older models, it is worth investing in a commercially available ballast to save money and energy.

2.7. Save energy with washing machine and dryer

In washing machines, the largest amount of energy is used for heating water. Thanks to modern detergents, it is now unnecessary to rely on high temperatures. For normally soiled laundry, 30˚ C to 40˚ C is sufficient, baby laundry is hygienically clean at 60˚ C.

Modern washing machines Have today a quantity automatic, where the water quantity is adapted to the wash quantity. When buying a new machine, pay attention to the load you actually need, because a half-empty large washing machine consumes much more electricity per kilogram than a small but full washing machine. Also pay attention to a high spin rate of 1.200 to 1.400 revolutions per minute, fewer revolutions consume more energy.

For the Clothes dryers the clothesline is the best dryer. If this is not possible, the laundry should be well pre-spun to keep the power consumption of the tumble dryer low. Tumble dryers with heat pumps are the most efficient, as they use part of the exhaust air heat for the drying process through heat recovery.

2.8. Energy saving tips for washer and dryer

It is recommended to pay attention to the energy efficiency class and energy consumption when buying a new washing machine and dryer.
Make full use of the capacity of your washing machine, even with automatic load control: 4.5 to 5 kg for boiled and colored laundry, 2 to 2.5 kg for easy-care laundry and 1 to 1.5 kg for delicates/wool.
Do not prewash normally soiled laundry, and use energy-saving programs. Wash lightly soiled laundry in the short or special program.
Use the entire capacity of your tumble dryer if possible: 3 to 6 kg for boiling and coloreds, 1 to 2 kg for easy-care and delicates.
Even if the energy consumption of the clothes dryer is very high, prefer an exhaust air dryer to a condenser dryer. Not recommended are so-called washer-dryers, a combination of washing machine and dryer. They consume more energy than separate appliances.
Dry only at 1.000 to 1.200 revolutions per minute well spun out laundry. Clean the lint filter after each drying cycle. Drying times are otherwise unnecessarily prolonged.

3. Saving energy with electrical appliances

Refrigerators as well as numerous smaller electrical appliances in the kitchen also constantly consume electricity and thus valuable and expensive energy. With proper handling and the use of high-quality, energy-saving appliances, however, you can drastically reduce your energy consumption in the kitchen even with these devices.

3.1. Save energy with refrigerators

Old refrigerators are among the worst electricity guzzlers in the kitchen and should be replaced immediately if possible. Modern refrigerators not only consume significantly less electricity, but also do not need to be defrosted nearly as often as older refrigerators. Many even have no-frost technologies that make defrosting completely unnecessary. The same applies to Freezers.

If your refrigerator still accumulates ice, you should defrost it regularly. For Icy appliances require significantly more electricity. Incidentally, it is often sufficient to operate a modern refrigerator on a low setting to achieve the temperature required for cooling food – which costs significantly less energy.

If in doubt, use a Thermometer, to monitor the internal temperature. By the way, since refrigerators and freezers are supposed to cool, it is counterproductive to place them next to a heater or to install them next to a stove. Because significantly more energy is needed for cooling near these heat sources.

3.2. Energy saving tips for the refrigerator and freezer

Buy refrigerators and freezers only in the size that suits your needs, because unused space in the refrigerator must also be cooled, and that costs electricity.
When buying, choose if possible a model of class A+++, because with it you set the power consumption for 10 to 15 years, according to the life cycle.
Do not place the refrigerator next to appliances that radiate heat, such as the stove, dishwasher, washing machine, heater, or next to a sunlit window. Even one degree less ambient temperature can save up to 6% electricity if the temperature is adjusted accordingly.
If a neighborhood between a refrigerator and a heat-radiating appliance cannot be avoided, styrofoam insulation will help provide the necessary distance.
Set the temperature control to the necessary temperature level, 5 – 7° C in the refrigerator and – 18° C in the freezer are sufficient. Each additional minus degree consumes 6 % more electricity.
Make sure that the doors close tightly and that the rubber seal is intact.
Do not put hot food in the refrigerator or freezer, and avoid unnecessary or long opening.
One large freezer is more energy efficient than two small ones, buy a large economical one instead of installing a second one.
Make sure that the freezer is filled at least two-thirds of the time throughout the year, because if the freezer is half empty, the air in the freezer has to be cooled again every time it is opened.
Defrost your freezer from a layer of ice of 1 cm, otherwise the power consumption will increase. Switching off the refrigerator and freezer during the vacations is also worthwhile and provides a good opportunity for defrosting.

3.3. Energy-saving small appliances

Also buy small appliances such as toasters, kettles, egg stoves or microwaves only with first class energy label i.e. of the best possible energy efficiency class. This ensures that the appliances consume little energy during operation.

Make sure you always use the most efficient appliance for the job. For example, a Toaster use much less energy than the oven when baking bread rolls. A Egg boiler is also much more economical than cooking eggs in a saucepan.

Many dishes can be cooked at 600 or 800 watts in the Microwave not only cook more gently, but also use much less energy than in pots on the stove, where the smallest cooking area is usually already well over 1.000 watts required. Shorter cooking times and lower energy requirements result in high energy savings that you should take advantage of.

By the way, many kitchen appliances, especially small ones, have a stand-by mode. You should use this, for example, by using Switchable power strips, bypass. This is because these appliances also consume electricity in standby mode, even if in some cases only a minimal amount of energy is involved. Over the whole year, however, this consumption also adds up and costs money. Through minimal use you can and should avoid that.

3.4. Energy-saving tips for the microwave

When heating food, cover it with a microwaveable hood to prevent the heat from escaping.
Use your microwave only for heating small single portions (250 g – 500 g). It saves energy when it is used for heating and not for defrosting.
You can heat the food directly in the serving dishes, no heat is lost during decanting, and you save unnecessary washing up.
distributes the food evenly flat on the plate, as microwaves only penetrate the food to a depth of 3 – 6 cm.

3.5. Energy-conscious brands

When buying new electrical appliances for the kitchen, make a conscious decision in favor of manufacturers that are especially environmentally friendly appliances produce. Not only their significantly low energy consumption plays an important role here.

Renowned manufacturers of brand-name electrical appliances, which are also available at Kuche&Co, now also place the highest value on sustainable production of your appliances. This means that they are highly recyclable and are already partly made from high-quality recycled materials. This means that these household appliances not only save you money by consuming less energy, but also protect the environment by conserving valuable resources.

With newer ovens, z.B. Series 8 from Bosch provides a quick heat-up for up to 30% shorter preheating times – with no change in energy consumption. With the new Top& function Bottom heat Eco can save energy compared to the classic top and bottom heat, because this heating mode is ideal for small baked goods, bread and rolls.

Induction cooktops generate heat only where it is really needed – directly in the bottom of the pot. These cooktops can bring two liters of water to the boil twice as fast as a glass ceramic cooktop. And the shorter boiling times save a lot of energy every time.

For new Gas hobs the temperature can be set precisely and gradually with 9 power levels. This helps to save energy and also makes cooking easy, safe and pleasant.

Modern refrigerators and freezers are awarded the seal of the best energy efficiency class A+++. These use only 47.6% less energy than appliances in energy efficiency class A+. Refrigerators in energy efficiency class A++ require 21.4% less energy than an appliance in class A+. The appliances owe this to particularly good insulation, a high-performance compressor and optimized condenser and evaporator technology. Many appliances are equipped with a LowFrost function that reduces ice formation. Refrigerator-freezer combinations need to be defrosted much less often and energy consumption remains constant.

Cooker hoods of today are particularly efficient and, above all, quiet. With modern LED lighting that has a lifespan of up to 40.000 hours (equivalent to around 40 years at 2.7 h of use per day) and a consumption of only 3 watts per LED module, they require up to 85% less power than conventional 20-watt halogen spots.

Energy efficient Dishwasher are characterized by low energy and water consumption. To clean even more efficiently, modern dishwashers are equipped with economical EcoSilence DriveTM motors. They convince with speed, energy efficiency and minimal power consumption.