The short answer is yes, electric stoves do increase electric bill, but not by a significant amount. The exact cost of using an electric stove depends on several factors, such as the size and efficiency of the stove, the frequency and duration of cooking, the electricity rate in your area, and the type of cookware you use. In this article, we will explore these factors in more detail and provide some tips on how to reduce your electric bill while using an electric stove.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average electric stove uses about 2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per hour of cooking. This means that if you cook for one hour every day on an electric stove, you will consume about 60 kWh of electricity per month, which is equivalent to about $7.2 at the national average electricity rate of 12 cents per kWh. Of course, this is just an estimate, and your actual usage may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
To get a more accurate estimate of how much electricity your electric stove uses, you can use an energy monitor device that plugs into your wall outlet and measures the power consumption of your appliances. You can also check the energy label or the user manual of your electric stove to find out its rated power, which is usually expressed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). For example, if your electric stove has a rated power of 1.5 kW, it means that it consumes 1.5 kWh of electricity for every hour of operation.
How to Reduce Your Electric Bill While Using an Electric Stove?
While electric stoves are not the most energy-efficient appliances, there are some ways to reduce your electric bill while using them. Here are some tips to follow:
Use the right size of burner for your cookware. Using a large burner for a small pot or pan wastes energy and heats up your kitchen unnecessarily. Similarly, using a small burner for a large pot or pan takes longer to cook and consumes more electricity. Ideally, the diameter of your cookware should match the diameter of the burner, or be slightly larger.
Use flat-bottomed cookware. Cookware with warped or dented bottoms do not make good contact with the heating element, resulting in uneven heat distribution and longer cooking times. Flat-bottomed cookware ensures maximum heat transfer and efficiency.
Use lids when cooking. Lids trap the heat and steam inside the cookware, allowing you to cook faster and use less electricity. Lids also prevent spills and splatters, which can damage the surface of your electric stove and make it harder to clean.
Adjust the temperature settings. Electric stoves have different temperature settings, usually ranging from low to high. You do not need to use the highest setting for every type of cooking. For example, you can use a lower setting for simmering, boiling, or steaming, and a higher setting for frying, sautéing, or searing. Adjusting the temperature settings can help you save energy and prevent overcooking or burning your food.
Turn off the burner before the end of cooking. Electric stoves take some time to cool down after being turned off, so you can use the residual heat to finish cooking your food. This can save you a few minutes of electricity and also prevent overcooking or drying out your food.
Clean your electric stove regularly. Dirt, grease, and food residues can build up on the surface of your electric stove, reducing its efficiency and performance. Cleaning your electric stove regularly can help you maintain its optimal condition and prevent fire hazards. You can use a damp cloth, mild soap, and baking soda to wipe off the stains and spills. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring pads, as they can scratch or damage the surface of your electric stove.
Electric stoves do increase electric bill, but not by a significant amount. The exact cost of using an electric stove depends on several factors, such as the size and efficiency of the stove, the frequency and duration of cooking, the electricity rate in your area, and the type of cookware you use. By following some simple tips, you can reduce your electric bill while using an electric stove and enjoy a safe and convenient cooking experience.
