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Microwaves

If you choose to cook using a microwave, you're choosing to save money. Fast and efficient microwave ovens use around 50 percent to 65 percent less energy than conventional ovens. They also have the added benefit of not heating up your kitchen, so they save money on air conditioning during the hot times of the year.

Microwaves ovens use very high-frequency radio waves to penetrate the surface of food to heat water molecules inside. These energetic waves can greatly reduce the cooking times and energy consumption for preparing certain foods, especially in small amounts.That's why microwave ovens are especially efficient for smaller portions or for defrosting things. When it comes to large items, however, your oven or stovetops are usually more efficient.

Basic microwave ovens are almost equally efficient. New models of microwave ovens, however, include features that improve energy efficiency and cooking performance. These include temperature probes, sensing controls that tell by moisture content when food is properly cooked, and variable power settings.

Cost of Cooking

This table from the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings compares the cost of cooking a casserole in several ways. It assumes the cost of gas is $.60 a therm, and electricity is $.08 a kWh.

ApplianceTemperatureTimeEnergyCost
Electric Oven3501 hour2.0 kWh$.16
Electric Convection Oven32545 min1.39 kWh$.11
Gas Oven3501 hour.112 therm$.07
Electric Frying Pan4201 hour.9 kWh$.07
Toaster Oven42550 min.95 kWh$.08
Electric Crock Pot2007 hours.7 kWh$.06
Microwave OvenHigh15 min.36 kWh$.03

It's Your Money

Microwave ovens are not well-suited to cooking large-sized portions, and full-size ovens don't efficiently cook small qualities of food. For the most economy, consider several ways of cooking, including toaster ovens and slow cookers.