Choose a microwave oven with suitable power for your needs
The power levels of microwave ovens can vary depending on the brand and product line. It is important to choose a microwave oven with a power level that suits your needs and economic conditions in order to optimize energy savings in your home.
If you only have microwave needs, a microwave oven with a power level between 700 and 800W is sufficient. However, if you also plan to cook baked dishes, a higher power level may be more appropriate.
Choosing a large-capacity, multi-function microwave oven when your usage needs are not high will only result in increased electricity consumption without any significant benefits. Therefore, the first step to saving electricity when using a microwave oven is to choose a power level that is suitable for your family’s needs.
Process food properly
When cooking wet food in the microwave, it is recommended to add a glass of water to help the food cook quickly and consume less electricity. Water acts as an energy-conducting component in the microwave, and the lack of water can result in the microwave working harder and wasting more energy to cook the food. It can also damage the magnetron tube if dry food is cooked without water.
Wrapping food in cling wrap before putting it in the microwave helps retain moisture and reduces cooking time.
After the food has finished heating, it is advisable to wait for 2 to 3 minutes before removing it from the microwave. This allows the food to cook evenly and saves electricity. For example, if you set the timer for 7 minutes, you can actually set it for 5 minutes. After the set time is up, the microwave retains heat and continues to cook the food. By waiting an additional 2 minutes before removing the food, you can achieve the same cooking time without consuming the extra 2 minutes of electricity. This not only saves energy effectively but also ensures better cooking results.
For grilled dishes, using high grills and placing the food close to the top of the microwave oven is recommended. Most microwaves are designed with the heating element from top to bottom, so the heat is higher closer to the top.
Avoid grilling too many food items at the same time, as it can result in uneven and inefficient cooking, leading to wasted energy.
To promote even and faster cooking, arrange the food in a circle, with thicker and larger-sized food placed on the outside.
Unplug the power cord when not using the microwave
It is advisable to unplug the power cord of the microwave when it is not in use or after using it. The microwave does not have a power off button, and keeping the power cord plugged in will keep it in standby mode and consume electricity unnecessarily.
Other usage notes
Avoid frequently opening the door of a microwave oven with interior lighting, even when not in use. The internal light operates continuously when the door is open, resulting in wasted electricity.
Avoid using food containers made of metal or with metal patterns in the microwave. These metals absorb heat from the food, resulting in longer cooking times and higher energy consumption.
Old microwave ovens and worn-out parts can consume more energy and time. It is recommended to replace them with new ones to ensure efficient use and energy savings.
If your microwave oven consumes a lot of electricity during operation, it is important to check your usage and make necessary adjustments for more efficient use. Feel free to share any other tips for using a microwave oven to save electricity by commenting below.
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