According to the Australian Government’s Energy.gov.au website, household appliances account for around 30% of residential energy use, with ovens being significant contributors to kitchen energy consumption. That means a significant portion of your energy bill is cooked up right in the kitchen!
If you’re looking to cut down on costs and live a little greener, energy-conscious cooking with your electric oven is a great place to start. Whether you’re baking dinner or heating leftovers, the way you use your oven matters more than you might think.
Simple changes in your cooking habits – like using the fan-forced setting, avoiding preheating when possible, or cooking multiple dishes at once – can make a real difference. These small tweaks don’t just help reduce your electricity use, they also lighten your environmental footprint over time.
So, if you’re keen to save on your bills and do your bit for the planet, smarter oven use is a great strategy.
How Electric Ovens Use Energy
Electric ovens work by cycling heat on and off to maintain a set temperature, drawing power throughout the cooking process. Preheating the oven also uses a burst of energy to quickly bring the oven up to temperature.
If your oven’s insulation isn’t up to scratch, it can lose heat faster – leading to more frequent heating cycles and higher power consumption.
On average, a standard electric oven in Australia uses approximately 2 kWh per hour when cooking at 180°C. With average Victorian residential energy rates (~30–35c per kWh as of 2025), this equates to roughly 60–70 cents per use. While that might not seem like much, frequent usage adds up quickly across the month.
Understanding how ovens use electricity lays the groundwork for smart changes in the kitchen. Whether it’s adjusting how you cook or maintaining your appliance, there are several simple ways to lower usage without sacrificing meal quality.
Cooking Smarter, Not Harder: Preheating and Temperature Control
Not every recipe needs a preheated oven. Foods like casseroles, roasts, and frozen items often cook just fine without that extra wait. If preheating is essential, keep it brief – most electric ovens heat up quickly, and prolonged preheating wastes energy.
Temperature matters, too. Cooking at a higher temperature doesn’t always mean faster results – in fact, it can lead to uneven cooking or overdone meals. Sticking to the recommended temperature ensures better results and less energy draw.
Another helpful tip? Keep that oven door closed. Every time it opens, the internal temperature drops by up to 65°C, forcing the oven to use more power to heat back up. Resist the urge to peek!
Using a simple oven thermometer can help ensure your oven isn’t hotter or cooler than the dial suggests. That kind of accuracy supports consistent cooking and avoids wasted energy.
Together, these small adjustments can lead to big savings over time – both on your energy bill and in how efficiently your kitchen runs.
Make Use of Residual Heat and Timers
Electric ovens stay hot even after you’ve turned them off, so why not use that heat to your advantage? For many meals, switching the oven off a few minutes before the end of the cooking time lets residual heat finish the job.
Planning meals that benefit from this cool-down period – like baked pasta, vegetables, or even some desserts – means you’re cooking smarter without sacrificing taste or texture.
Timers are also your best friend when it comes to energy-conscious cooking. They help prevent overcooking and ensure the oven isn’t on longer than necessary.
If you’re reheating leftovers, try doing it all at once rather than in separate rounds. Grouping items into a single cycle cuts down on repeat oven use and helps save energy without any extra effort.
Batch Cooking and Multi-Level Cooking
If your oven’s on, make the most of it! Batch cooking is a great way to save both time and electricity. Cooking several meals in one go means fewer heating cycles throughout the week, which translates to lower energy bills.
Use all the oven racks when possible, and space dishes out for proper airflow. With a little planning, you can bake a lasagne, roast veggies, and prep a tray of muffins all in one session.
When planning your meals, choose dishes that reheat well or freeze easily. That way, you’re cooking once and eating well for days. Plus, reheating takes significantly less energy than starting from scratch every time.
Cooking in bulk doesn’t mean losing variety, either. A few well-prepped dishes can be repurposed into different meals throughout the week. It’s energy-efficient and a real-time-saver – perfect for busy households.
With a bit of coordination, your oven becomes a multi-tasking powerhouse that works smarter, not harder.
Choosing the Right Cookware
The type of cookware you use can affect how efficiently your oven performs. Glass and ceramic dishes retain heat better than metal, so they often cook food more evenly while using less energy.
Darker pans absorb heat more readily, which can speed up the cooking process. That’s handy when you’re roasting or baking, but it’s important to keep an eye on your dish to avoid overcooking.
Size matters, too. Using a tray that’s much larger than needed just wastes heat and space. Choose cookware that fits the meal to ensure efficient energy use.
Lids are also helpful – they keep moisture in and can reduce the overall cooking time. That means less power drawn and better results for stews, braises, or baked rice dishes.
Choosing the right tools for the job is one of the easiest ways to cut down on oven energy use without even thinking about it.
Keeping Your Oven Clean and Well-Maintained
A clean oven isn’t just about hygiene – it’s also about performance. Built-up grime and grease can absorb heat, making your oven work harder and use more power to reach and maintain the right temperature.
When the interior is clean, heat reflects better and distributes more evenly, leading to faster and more consistent cooking.
Faulty door seals or misaligned hinges can let heat escape, adding to your electricity use. Regularly inspect and replace them if needed.
Routine maintenance keeps your oven running efficiently. A well-maintained appliance saves energy, improves safety, and helps your meals cook just the way they should.
When to Use an Alternative Appliance
Sometimes, the oven isn’t the best tool for the job. For smaller portions or quick meals, appliances like microwaves, air fryers, or toaster ovens use far less energy and work faster.
Microwaves are perfect for reheating, while air fryers crisp up snacks with minimal power. Toaster ovens are handy for small bakes without heating the whole oven.
Think about the meal size and cooking method. Heating a large oven for one slice of pizza or a single sausage roll doesn’t make sense.
Choosing the right appliance helps cut energy use and gets dinner on the table faster.
Power Smarter in the Kitchen with Kenner Electrics
At Kenner Electrics, we’re passionate about helping households in Melbourne cook smarter, save energy, and enjoy reliable performance in the kitchen.
Our experienced electricians can assist with safe installation of new ovens, maintenance of existing appliances, and expert electrical advice for energy-conscious homes.
From licensed oven installations to optional safety inspections, we help ensure your kitchen works safely, efficiently, and in line with Australian standards.
Get in touch with Kenner Electrics today to learn more about our electric oven services – and discover how small changes in your kitchen can make a big difference to your energy bills and everyday cooking.
