Energy Efficient Ovens 2022

What's possible, what isn't and where you need to be aware

We're looking this week at some of the most energy-efficient ovens in 2022. Unfortunately, ovens aren't as straightforward as the dishwashers we looked at last time. You've got several different types of ovens to consider and try to see how they stack up against one another. Fortunately, that's where we come in. 

What makes an oven energy efficient? When we were looking at dishwashers, we were comparing how much electricity and water was used by the dishwasher in question to finish a normal cycle. That's not as easy with an oven because of the number of factors that go into just cooking one recipe. 

- How hot is the oven getting? 

-Is the oven clean? 

- What's the fuel source, and how is that energy used? 

So we backed it up one step further, and took a look what would be judged for an oven to be energy-efficient.

According to Consumer Reports, there isn't currently an Energy Star rating for ranges (where a range is the combination of both an oven and a stovetop.) Because the oven and the stove can have two completely different energy sources, it makes it difficult for groups like Energy Star to decide what is and isn't energy efficient. So, we're not going to be looking for which models have an Energy Star and which don't. What can we look at then? 

How about how much energy is used on a yearly basis? 

An electric oven will typically cost you 12.56 cents per kilowatt hour. Most households in Texas use their oven and stove(which gets powered so long as one section is on), for at least 7 hours per week. So, you're coming up with approximately $200 per year to run your oven, at least according electricity prices averaged across Texas. 

Meanwhile, a gas oven is only using fuel for the oven when the oven is lit. Rates currently are (approximately) .22 cents per hour to run a gas oven. So you end up spending approximately $80 per year for your gas oven. So, just based on fuel consumption, a gas oven is the better choice. 

We will point out that in a previous post, we discussed the need to be running your exhaust fan when you're using the oven as well as the stove so that you're venting any and all fumes outdoors and your hospital bill doesn't go up from the buildup of fumes in the air you're breathing. So that does kick the price up a bit to approximately $100 a year to run your oven and the exhaust fan. But that's still half of what it costs to run the electric oven. 

An important note to round this section out. Despite how they're marketed at times, as of right now, Fall of 2022,  there's no such thing as a commercial induction oven. Although you can purchase an induction range, the technology isn't in the oven. It is only used as part of the stovetop. Which is a pity as we really wanted to see how that stacked up against the gas ovens.

What if you don't have a gas oven, though? As we've mentioned before, the cost to install the gas lines and purchase a gas stove can be very high upfront.   So, we've put together several options for you to make your electric stove more energy efficient. 

1) Make sure that your food is thoroughly defrosted before putting it into the oven. If the food has to come up from 30*F to 120*F internally, it's going to take much longer than if it only had to come up from 60*F.  Letting things defrost ahead of time saves you energy. 

2) Plan your meals so that you can cook several dishes at the same time. If you're planning your dishes all at once, you can cut down from having to run the oven every night to just one or two days a week. 

3) Don't wait for the oven to "heat up" if you're cooking just standard foods. If the oven is coming up to temperature anyway, you might as well make use of that time rather than wasting the energy spent. 

**An important note here. This absolutely doesn't apply to any type of baking or technical cooking. There the precise temperature control is necessary. These are meant to be general tips, not all-the-time tips. 

4) Don't open your oven door during cooking. If you're following tip number two, this can be hard. But if you're only cooking one or two things, by opening the door, you're just making it harder on your oven. Similar to your refrigerator during a blackout, every time you open the door to the oven, air escapes that it then has to replace and bring back to the correct temperature. 

5) Use glass or ceramic dishes when possible. Both glass and ceramic retain heat well and disperse it more evenly than metal dishes do. This means that you don't have to heat your oven to as high of a temperature, thus cutting down further on the amount of electricity you're using. 

6) Keep your oven clean.  A clean oven distributes heat more evenly and effectively. 

HOWEVER. DO NOT use the self-clean button unless: a) Your oven has a steam-cleaning feature. b) You're really wanting an excuse to purchase a new gas oven anyway. 

So that’s where things stand, energy-efficient ovens, are going to be gas ovens. Do you agree? Disagree? Do you have details on new ovens that we haven't run across yet? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page! 

If you’re here because your oven is driving you up the wall, it’s smoking or not getting up to temperature, we can help. Reach out to us on our contact page or give us a call at ((214) 599-0055). We’ll work with you to find a time that works best for you to have one of our technicians come and get your home running again.

Ovens, Ovens, Everywhere

Does It Matter Which I Pick?

Baking, boiling, steaming, roasting, if you want it, an oven can probably do it. After over 190 years we've made ovens that are capable of many different kinds of things. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes, there are even ones you can program with your phone! Which leads many of us to question, how do you choose the right oven for you? 

Let's start off with power sources. 

Gas ovens as the name implies use either natural gas or propane as the fuel source. While they are expensive up front if you have to install your gas line, they can save you money over time. Because of that upfront cost and the dangers that can occur, most new buildings won't install gas ovens. This is especially true for apartment buildings where leaks and hazards are more likely to occur. 

 However if you're willing to deal with the upfront cost gas ovens can be phenomenal at roasting meats and veggies. They heat quickly, retain moisture, and the open flame allows for more precise control of temperature. Many professional chefs swear by gas ovens. 

Your other option in terms of power is electricity. Electric ovens are cheaper to produce, but can be more expensive over time. They do take longer to heat up but once they are, they have a more consistent heat. They’re considered the ideal residential oven because they can handle almost any type of cooking you might want to use an oven for. If you’re looking to purchase a brand new oven, and you aren’t too picky about what it can handle, an electric is the way to go. 

We have to note, while there are products marketed as “dual fuel” ovens, they actually are an electric oven paired with a gas range. 

Next up let's take a look at size. 

Picture your ideal kitchen, how does it look? Do you have just one oven? Or do you want two? If you want two, are they together as one unit or two separate ones? All three of these are possible and the terms to go with them are pretty simple as well. 

Single oven - This is your standard “comes with most homes” combination oven and range unit. This term will also apply to single wall ovens. They come in a variety of sizes from 30 in to 36 in on average.  However, you can get them as small as 20 in or as large as 40 inches. 

Double oven - This is a single unit that contains two ovens that are the size of a standard oven when put together. They can be set to different temperatures and are ideal for cooking multiple things at once. You'll typically see these advertised around the holidays. 

Double wall oven - When you purchase this oven for slightly more than a mid-tier single oven, you get two separate ovens. Unlike the double oven, although these are stacked on top of each other they offer matching capacity. Why is this one called a double wall oven rather than something else? We don't know, we don't get it either. What we do get is that you're getting two full oven units for only a bit more.

Now… Where to put it? 

Have you decided on the size of your oven? Great! Now it's time to think about where you want it. Do you want it built into your wall? What about a cabinet? Or would you prefer having it as an island in the center of your kitchen? 

 Built-in Ovens - These are ovens that are slotted into your kitchen with the cabinetry then being built around it. It’s a very modern and sleek look that allows you to place your oven at any height for easy cooking. The downside here is that you’re going to have to have a separate range elsewhere within the kitchen. They’re also difficult to get at to repair if needed, and are tricky to move after installation. 

Freestanding Ovens - A freestanding oven is the all in one model. You’ll have an oven, a range and sometimes a grill, warming drawer or air fryer as well. The upside is that you can move them relatively easily, clean them (more) easily, and move around it as needed. 

Built-Under Ovens- These are very similar to the built-in oven, except they are meant to go under your countertops. Again you’ll need to purchase a separate range, but you’ll have an oven that blends more into your kitchen. 

Now now with all of that covered, what are you looking at getting? Is it a double gas free-standing oven? They do exist, although you'll have to find a specialty shop to custom make it. 

What type of oven are you thinking of getting? Do you want a built in? What about a double? We know we’ll be day-dreaming about a side by side double oven for a while. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or over on our Facebook page! We’d love to hear from you. 

If you’re here not because you need  a new oven but instead because yours is giving you fits, we’re still here for you. Whether it’s got a weird burning smell, it’s not heating right or someone melted plastic in it, we can help. Reach out to us via our website or by phone ((214) 599-0055) to schedule your appointment today. At Appliance Rescue Service, whether you live in Allen or the surrounding area, we’re here to help you.