Holiday Cooking Tips for an Energy-Smart Kitchen

The holidays are a time for giving, celebrations, and delicious meals shared with loved ones. From festive feasts to sweet treats, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home during this time of the year. But with all the extra activity comes increased energy use, and a few safety concerns that are worth keeping in mind.

Here are some simple, energy-smart tips to help you cook up holiday cheer safely and efficiently this season.

Come Up with a Game Plan

Before you start cooking, a little planning can help save energy, reduce waste, and keep your holiday stress-free.

• Check your guest list: Knowing how many people you’re feeding helps you avoid overcooking or having duplicate dishes. Coordinate with guests ahead of time to streamline the menu.
• Plan meals in advance: Organize your recipes by cooking time and appliance use. This will help you make the most of your appliances and avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Prep for leftovers: Stock up on reusable containers so guests can take home leftovers without the need for single-use plastics.

Choose the Right Appliance

Your oven and stovetop will be working overtime during the holidays. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Use the right-sized cookware: A small pot on a large burner wastes energy. Match your pan size to the burner for better efficiency.

• Cook multiple dishes at once: If your recipes call for similar temperatures, bake them together to reduce oven use.
• Avoid opening the oven door: Each peek can drop the temperature by up to 25°F, making your oven use more energy to recover.
• Choose energy-efficient appliances: Microwaves, toaster ovens, and slow cookers are great for side dishes and reheating, and they use less energy than traditional ovens.

Don’t Forget About Your Refrigerator & Dishwasher

Your fridge and dishwasher are working hard during the holidays too. Help them run more efficiently with these tips:

• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator: It’s safer and helps your fridge maintain a steady temperature.
• Let leftovers cool before refrigerating: Hot food makes your fridge work harder to stay cool.
• Run full dishwasher loads: This saves water and energy compared to handwashing or running partial loads.

Holiday Kitchen Safety

The holidays often turn the kitchen into a lively gathering spot, full of laughter, delicious aromas, and loved ones. To make sure everyone stays out of harm’s way, here are a few essential kitchen safety reminders:

• Test your smoke detectors before you start cooking.
• Stay in the kitchen, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling.
• Use timers to keep track of cooking times and avoid overcooking or forgetting a dish.
• Keep flammable items like dish towels, paper products, and festive decorations away from heat sources.
• Make sure kids and pets are at least three feet away from the stove and hot food.
• Use power strips with surge protection to avoid overloading outlets.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby and understand how to use it, just in case.

Bright Ideas for Cost Savings

Looking to keep your energy bill in check while still enjoying the season? Try these tips:

• Switch to LED holiday lights: They use up to 80% less energy and last longer.
• Use a smart thermostat: Lower the temperature when guests arrive, body heat and cooking will naturally warm your home.

If you’re an AEP Energy customer*, you can also check out AEP Energy Reward Store for a variety of energy-efficient gadgets to spruce up your home for the holidays and beyond.

Enjoy the Holiday Season with Peace of Mind

By prioritizing safety and energy efficiency in the kitchen, you can enjoy your holiday spread while keeping your home comfortable, your energy use in check, and your guests protected.

AEP Energy wishes you a joyful, safe, and energy-smart holiday season!

*Please note, not all AEP Energy customers or price plans are eligible to earn Reward Dollars. Some exclusions apply.

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