Microwaves That Use Less Energy

Power Consumption

• According to the California Energy Commission website, microwave ovens use around 50 to 65 percent less energy than ordinary kitchen ovens. Microwaves are also self-contained, which means they do not eject hot air into the atmosphere. This can yield an additional energy savings as there is no need to turn on the air-conditioning to disperse hot fumes, especially during summer.

Old vs. New

• Older microwaves usually use much less energy than newer models. This is because of the introduction of additional features on newer models such as LCD displays, time functions and clocks, which mean the microwaves is constantly using energy even when it’s not cooking food. Switching off these models directly from the wall outlet will help prevent energy waste. According to the BBC website, turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby can reduce annual energy bills by up to 8 percent.

Types of Cooking

• Microwaves typically use less energy than standard kitchen stoves, but this is dependent on the specific type of cooking. For instance, defrosting frozen vegetables in the microwave only takes a matter of minutes, whereas performing the same task on gas-powered hobs would take much longer and use much more energy. However, larger meals such as casseroles or roast dinners are usually cooked more efficiently, and with less energy, in standard ovens.

Energy Saving Features

• Standard microwave models are usually fairly equal in their efficiency ratings, regardless of the manufacturer. Some newer models, however, come equipped with a range of features designed to reduce energy consumption and achieve more efficient cooking. These features include sensing controls that can identify precisely when food is cooked by reading moisture levels and adjustable power settings to reduce energy consumption. These features may be somewhat offset by the energy used by the digital displays.