Cooking accounts for a modest but noticeable slice of home energy use. Small habits reduce it without fuss.
Many of these tips also make cooking faster.
On the hob
- Put lids on pans to boil water faster
- Match the pan to the burner or ring size
- Boil only the water you need in the kettle, then pour it into the pan
- Turn heat down once boiling — a simmer is enough
Use smaller appliances
Microwaves, slow cookers, air fryers, and pressure cookers often use less energy than a full-size oven for smaller portions.
Make the oven work harder
Cook several dishes at once, batch cook, and avoid opening the door unnecessarily. Turn the oven off a few minutes early; residual heat finishes cooking.
Keep appliances efficient
Descale kettles, keep oven seals intact, and defrost the freezer if ice builds up. When replacing appliances, check energy ratings.
This is general sustainability information. Recycling, composting, and disposal rules vary by municipality — check local guidance. Cost and energy savings are estimates and depend on your home and usage.