If you are looking for a new cooker then make sure you buy an energy efficient cooker which will save you money and be better for the environment. And if you don’t have an energy efficient cooker there are still a couple of things you can do to use less energy.
In energy efficient cooker ‘polls’ gas is considered to better in terms of energy usage than electric but if you already have an electric cooker you could consider switching to a 100% renewable electricity company or your current supplier’s green tariff if available. Take a look at our Green Electricity page for more information.
If you are buying an electric cooker, for example if you do not have a gas supply, they are rated from A to G under the energy efficiency scheme with A being the most energy efficient. New-style induction hobs also use considerably less energy than traditional coils although these cookers tend to be more expensive.
Unfortunately gas cookers are not yet rated and this is unlikely to happen before 2008. A fan oven will be more efficient, however, due to the quicker heating up and cooking times. Also look for a self cleaning energy efficient cooker which will have greater insulation making it more energy efficient. But be careful not to use the feature more than once a month or the energy used negates the benefits.
In terms of more energy efficient usage, try not to open the oven door unnecessarily or for long periods and avoid oversized pots on the hob. Stacker pans are a great idea because you are using the heat from one ring for multiple food items.
There are a large number of cooker manufacturers so the choice is vast, but Baumatic, New World and Belling are considered to ethically sound companies.
