Gas ranges are more efficient than electric ranges in several ways. While burners on electric stoves take time to heat up, gas burners come on immediately. Gas heat also cooks food more quickly and evenly. Newer gas stoves use pilot-less ignition, which saves gas since no pilot light is required when the appliance is not in use. With a few changes to your cooking habits, you can save even more gas.
Use the Microwave
The microwave uses about half as much energy to cook food as the oven, and up to 80 percent less for very small portions. It also produces less heat than an oven or range, reducing the energy needed for air conditioning in the summer. For foods that require browning, cook the food in the microwave until almost done, then finish in a preheated oven or hot skillet for a short time.
Use the Oven Efficiently
Preheat the oven only long enough to reach the target temperature. Letting the oven preheat excessively wastes gas, since no food is cooked. Once the food is in the oven, don’t open the door unless it’s absolutely necessary. Every time you do, the temperature inside drops an average of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, using more gas to get the temperature back up to the desired temperature.
Use the Range Efficiently
If your range has different-sized burners, choose the appropriate burner for the size of pan you are using. A pan only 2 inches smaller than the burner wastes up to 40 percent of the cooking heat and, consequently, the cooking gas.Always adjust the flame to fit the pot; don’t turn it up so high that flames come up the outside of the pot. Trap heat near the cooking liquid by covering pots with a lid.
Service Burners as Necessary
Clean the burners frequently. Allowing them to become blocked with food and ash reduces their efficiency. Cleaning the reflectors at the same time directs the heat where it’s needed, reducing gas use. A blue flame indicates good gas combustion in the burner. If the flame is yellow, there is a problem with combustion and you may need to have the appliance serviced by a professional.
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