How to boss your kitchen appliances

Your appliances are here to help you, not the other way round. Our #HereToHelp series continues this week with a genius-level list of wee tips to help you save on energy and money in the kitchen. 

Our new #HereToHelp series is dedicated to helping you conserve energy and money with handy tips around the home. This week, we’re doing a deep dive on kitchen appliances, from the humble kettle to the mighty dishwasher. Though they’re necessary for most of us to keep the home running smoothly, there are lots of ways to ensure they’re as working as efficiently as possible. The following #HelpfulHacks will make your machines work smarter, harder, and – most importantly - cheaper. 

Dishwashers

Say Adios to Rinsing 

Using cutlery to quickly scrape off leftover food before sticking your dishes in the dishwasher is energy efficient: using tons of hot water to rinse dishes that are about to be showered in hot water isn’t. 

Air Dry is Best

Most dishwashers now have a heat-drying cycle, but this requires lots of energy. Instead, let your dishes dry naturally by cracking open the door and draping a clean tea towel over the top to absorb any moisture in the air. 

Fill It to Win It (But Not Too Much)

Overload your dishwasher and your crockery won’t be properly cleaned; underfill it and you’re heating water for no reason. Fill every peg and space, but don’t stack stuff or heap it in the gaps.

Fridge And Freezer

Leave It Out (For a Bit)

It pays to leave leftovers to cool down before sticking them in the fridge. If you put them in hot (or even warm), your appliance has to work much harder to cool it while keeping its internal temperature cold. 

Keep an Eye on Placement

Did you know making appliances too-close neighbours can cost you energy? Dishwashers and ovens give off heat when working, making your fridge work overtime to stay chilly. If you’ve got the room, give them some space.

Mind ‘The Coul’ 

Most people don’t know this, but your fridge’s ideal temperature is between 2-3°C and your freezer’s at -15°C. These settings prevent wasting energy and letting food spoil. Defrost every six months to keep it most efficient.

Oven and Cooker

Think ‘Small’ When Cooking

Not only are air fryers and slow cookers fiercely trendy right now, they’re also more efficient than cooking in a traditional oven. This because they only use energy to heat the food itself, rather than the air around the food. In fact, entire roast dinners can be made in an air fryer, if you want to impress the family!

Go Potty

Simple things, pots - but there’s a science to making them energy smart. For example, ensure your pot or saucepan is the correct size for the ring and covers it neatly - too big or small wastes energy by heat escaping into the room, or taking food longer to heat. Keeping a lid on pots traps heat and cooks food faster, and remember to only use enough water to cover your food. Boil it in the kettle first to give your hob a little break.

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