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How can I find a stove that is energy efficient or more "green"?
In general, cooking with natural gas is cheaper over the long run than cooking with electricity, especially if the range uses spark ignition over a pilot light, which runs continuously. Choosing an oven with a window is an energy-saver because you won't keep letting heat out to check the progress of your dish. Not using the self-cleaning mode more than once a month is another cost-saving tip. With electric ranges, it also pays to make sure you match the pot size with the burner.
According to the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, here is an energy cost comparison of ovens based on cooking an average casserole. It assumes the cost of gas is 60 cents a therm, and electricity is 8 cents a kWh:| Appliance | Temperature | Time | Energy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Oven | 350 | 1 hour | 2.0 kWh | $.16 |
| Electric Convection Oven | 325 | 45 minutes | 1.39 kWh | $.11 |
| Gas Oven | 350 | 1 hour | .112 therm | $.07 |
| Electric Frying Pan | 420 | 1 hour | .9 kWh | $.07 |
| Toaster Oven | 425 | 50 minutes | .95 kWh | $.08 |
| Electric Crockpot | 200 | 7 hour | .7 kWh | $.06 |
| Microwave Oven | "High" | 15 minutes | .36 kWh | $.03 |
