The choices available in cooking appliances are almost overwhelming - gas or electric, coils or smoothtop, convection or quartz-halogen, dials or digital, slide-in or wall-mounted - not to mention the dozens of built-in features to choose from….
But while you're considering all those options, don't forget about energy efficiency.
Gas vs. electric
The first decision you'll need to make is fuel preference. Keep in mind that natural gas appliances cost less to operate than electric models, but there is a greater safety risk because of the open flame.
If your budget allows, some manufacturers offer a combination unit with gas burners and an electric oven. You’ll have the flexibility of complete control on the cooktop, and the benefits of regulated, even heat in the oven.
New ways to cook with electricity
Some new technology available is greatly improving the energy efficiency of electric cooking - more than 60 percent in some cases. - Convection ovens use fans to circulate heated air around the food. This reduces cooking times and temperatures, and allows food to be cooked on several racks at the same time.
- Quartz-halogen ovens use high-heat light bulbs to cook food faster and more evenly.
- Instead of electric coils, induction cooktops use magnetic heat. This type of cooking is very energy-efficient, but may require special cookware.
- New "rapid-cook" appliances, offered by several manufacturers, combine several types of heating elements, including convection, quartz-halogen and microwave. These new units can cook in about one-fourth the time - lasagna in 10 minutes or a fruit cobbler in eight minutes - with no preheating.
- Cooking sinks allow you to cook rice, pasta and dishes right at the sink. When you're done, the sink drains with the push of a button - leaving the cooked food in this removable strainer.
These types of appliances will have a higher purchase price, but the energy savings can pay back the difference within a year or two, depending on how often the appliance is used. |
 Did you know? Commercial-grade
appliances can
use more than
twice as much
energy as
standard models.
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Other new features available
Other new cooking features you might see include:
- Digital controls and electronic memories for storing recipes;
- Add-on grills, griddles and warming drawers;
- Down-draft ventilation to eliminate the need for a large vent hood; and
- Double ovens for cooking at different temperatures at the same time.
Look for an oven with a self-cleaning feature - the added insulation helps hold heat in. Sealed burners and electronic ignitions help keep gas ranges operating safely and efficiently.
Smoothtop electric ranges heat faster and more evenly than traditional coils, but may require special cleansers to prevent surface scratches.
Commercial-grade appliances use more energy
If your budget - or your family - is large, you might be tempted by the "restaurant-style" or "commercial-grade" cooking units shown prominently in decorating magazines and television shows.
Keep in mind that these appliances use significantly more energy than standard models, and often require structural upgrades and expensive (and energy-wasting) ventilation systems. |
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