Top Tips to Save Electricity in the Kitchen

• October 13, 2025
• JJS
• Blog
• No Comments

Whether you’re a home chef or more of a “toast and takeaway” type, your kitchen is one of the biggest contributors to your energy bill. The good news? A few smart changes can make a big difference.

Here are our top energy-saving tips to help you cook, clean, and chill — while keeping your electricity costs low.

Keep Your Cool: Save Energy with Your Fridge

Did you know your fridge uses around 13% of your home’s total energy — second only to air conditioning?

If upgrading to an energy-efficient model isn’t on your to-do list just yet, try these simple tricks to make your current fridge run smarter, not harder.

• Give it breathing room – Leave 5–8 cm of space around your fridge so air can circulate freely. This can cut running costs by around 15%.

• Don’t overcrowd it – Keep about 20% of fridge space free so cool air can circulate efficiently.

• Test the door seal – Close a piece of paper in the door. If it holds firmly, your seal is tight. If not, it’s time for a replacement.

• Cool leftovers before storing – Putting hot food straight in the fridge makes it work overtime (and drives up your power use).

• Decide before you open – The quicker you grab what you need, the less cold air escapes.

• Holiday mode on! – If you’re heading away, empty, disconnect, and leave the door open — or use your fridge’s energy-saving “holiday” setting.

• Skip the garage fridge – Garages are hot, and old fridges out there can use a ton of power just to stay cool.

Cook Smarter: Use Less Energy with Your Oven and Stove

Cooking up a storm doesn’t have to mean cooking up your power bill. These small tweaks can deliver big savings.

• Use residual heat – Turn the oven off a few minutes before the timer ends and let your meal finish cooking for free.

• Choose your microwave – Microwaves are more energy-efficient than ovens since they cook faster and use less energy.

• Batch bake – Make the most of your oven time. Bake snacks or lunchbox items while dinner’s on.

• Keep the door clean and closed – A clear oven door lets you check progress without losing heat.

• Match pot to burner – A small pan on a large burner wastes heat and energy.

• Chop smart – Smaller food pieces cook faster, saving both time and energy.

• Fire up the barbie – On hot days, take it outside! Using your BBQ keeps the house cooler and reduces air-con use.

Clean Efficiently: Cut Costs with Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers actually use less water and energy than washing by hand, especially when used correctly.

• Pick the right size – A dishwasher that’s too big wastes energy on half loads; too small and you’ll end up running it twice.

• Use Eco Mode – The energy-saving or “eco” cycle can cut water and heating use by up to 50%.

• Air dry your dishes – Stop the cycle before drying and open the door to let dishes dry naturally.

• Run full loads only – Don’t run it half-empty, but avoid overstacking so dishes still get clean.

• Keep it cool – Avoid placing your dishwasher next to your fridge — the heat makes your fridge work harder, using more electricity.

Take Control of Your Energy Use

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Final Thought

Your kitchen doesn’t have to be an energy drain. With a few small habits and smart choices, you can enjoy cooking — and still keep your electricity bill under control.