Cooking Techniques and How to Maintain Your Oven to Prevent Costly Repairs
In today’s world rising electricity costs have become somehow unpredictable, and we are all constantly trying to find more ways of lowering everyday bills. And as the electric oven is one of the most significant consumers of energy in the kitchen, we have put together some insightful, yet simple strategies to help you reduce electricity usage, expand your appliance lifespan, and avoid the need for frequent electric oven repairs.
1. Preheat the Oven Only When Necessary
Almost all recipes for baking and roasting out there start with the phrase “preheat the oven”, but in fact, that is not always essential. Many dishes don’t really need the oven preheated, and by skipping it, you save both energy and time, especially for those with long cooking times. When preheating is necessary, try to keep the time of this step to a minimum. Most modern electric ovens have been designed to heat up quickly, reducing energy consumption even further.
2. Use the Right Cookware
Using the right oven cookware can significantly decrease energy consumption. Glass and ceramic dishes in particular retain heat better than metal ones, meaning that you can cook at a slightly lower temperature, which in turn requires less electricity. Covering the dishes with lids or foil reduces the cooking time as the trapped heat speeds up the process. Another thing to consider is the size of the dish and the amount of food you are cooking - the correct one will ensure that the oven doesn’t work excessively, thus shortening the time of cooking, consequently reducing energy use.
3. Cook Multiple Dishes Together
When cooking multiple dishes in your electric oven, try to do so simultaneously. Of course, this depends on the size of the dishes you have to fit in the oven, but many brands and models have the capacity for this. And, as the amount of electricity used is the same – regardless of how many dishes you cook at the same time, you’ll save on energy. Plus, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen cooking.
4. Turn Off the Oven Early
Another effective energy-saving tip is to turn off the oven a few minutes before the cooking time is up. The heat generated during the process will still circulate and continue to cook your food. This is especially effective in cases where the dishes require long cooking time, and further for resting. Do not open the oven door frequently whilst cooking, as this allows the heat to escape, leading to higher energy consumption.
5. Keep Your Oven Well-Maintained
Taking regular care of your oven will ensure it operates more efficiently, thus reducing energy consumption. A well-maintained appliance is also less likely to need frequent electric oven repairs. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of grease and grime, which affects the heating elements, and consequently – overall performance. Make sure to check the oven door seals, and replace them if necessary. If you happen to notice any issues, such as fluctuating temperatures or uneven cooking, make sure to address them as soon as possible. Fixing small problems early would prevent them from becoming major issues that result in costly professional oven repairs.
6. Use Convection Settings If Available
Use the convection setting if your oven has it, this will help you save on energy. Convection ovens circulate hot air, meaning that food is cooked faster and more evenly. This usually allows for reduced cooking time by up to 30%, and the temperature by about 4°C, leading to lower electricity consumption.
Avoid Costly Electric Oven Repair with Proper Maintenance
By following these energy-saving tips and maintaining your oven regularly, you can significantly reduce energy costs and extend the lifespan of your appliance. However, if you encounter any issues that cannot be resolved with basic care, it's important to seek professional help for electric oven repair to ensure safe and efficient operation.