With the ongoing rise in electricity costs, saving energy at home has become a top priority for many families. Among the rooms that contribute most to household energy consumption, the kitchen ranks high: constantly running appliances, daily use of the oven and fridge, lights always on, and small devices plugged in all day.

But improving energy efficiency in the kitchen is possible with a few simple daily habits and some smart shopping choices. In this guide, we’ll share all the practical tips to cut waste, save on your electricity bill, and make your kitchen more energy-efficient—without giving up comfort. Let’s dive in!

1. Keep the Hood Clean

The kitchen hood is often one of the most overlooked appliances when it comes to energy saving, yet proper maintenance can make a big difference.

If the grease filters are dirty or clogged, the motor has to work harder to extract smoke, steam, and odors, which increases energy consumption and the risk of wear or damage.

Cleaning the filters every 3–4 weeks improves efficiency and extends the life of the hood. If you have metal filters, you can easily wash them in the dishwasher.

A well-maintained hood runs better, lasts longer, and consumes less energy.

2. Meal Prep

Planning and preparing meals in advance helps optimize appliance use. Turning on the oven or stove just once to cook several dishes at the same time saves both time and energy.

Plus, you make the most of your appliances' energy consumption by cooking larger quantities, which you can store in airtight containers and use throughout the week.

3. Use Hot Tap Water

To boil water in a pot or saucepan, a simple but effective trick is to start with hot water from the tap.

This reduces the boiling time and, consequently, lowers energy use.

4. Choose Steam Cooking

Steaming is one of the most energy-efficient cooking methods: it works well even at low heat or with low electricity consumption and is perfect for healthy cooking.

If you use an electric steamer, take advantage of the stackable baskets to cook multiple foods at once, maximizing time and energy.

Steam cooking ravioli to save energy

5. Use the Small Burner

Using a small burner instead of a large one can result in significant energy savings—between 6% and 10% less consumption.
If you're heating a small pot or cooking something quick, there’s no need to use a high-power burner. Matching the burner size to the cookware is a simple yet highly effective trick to cut gas usage.

6. Take Advantage of the Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is a great ally for cooking quickly and efficiently. It significantly reduces cooking time and, in turn, energy consumption.

By using internal dividers, you can cook multiple dishes at the same time, making the most of the generated heat. It’s ideal for legumes, meat, soups, and even certain desserts—a smart investment for those who cook frequently.

7. Cook During Off-Peak Hours

Few people know that electricity rates can vary depending on the time of day.

In general, electricity prices also vary by region, but off-peak hours typically (on average) fall between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., as well as during weekends.

Cooking, using the oven, or running high-consumption appliances during these hours can lead to noticeable energy savings.


8. Choose High-Efficiency, Low-Consumption Appliances

When it’s time to replace appliances, opting for high-efficiency models is the smartest choice. Fridges, ovens, dishwashers, and hoods with low-consumption motors can greatly reduce your monthly energy costs.

Take the example of a high-efficiency kitchen hood: it might seem like a big expense at first, but it’s an investment that pays for itself over time through energy savings and longer product lifespan.

9. Use the Microwave

The microwave is often underestimated, but it’s a handy tool for saving energy. It uses much less electricity than a conventional oven and heats or cooks food much faster.

For reheating single portions, steaming vegetables, or preparing simple dishes, it’s a far more efficient and cost-effective option.

Microwave heating instead of pot heating

10. Choose an Air Fryer

The air fryer has become very popular for its ability to cook more healthily, using little or no oil. But is it also energy-efficient? While the wattage can be high, air fryers cook much faster than conventional ovens.

So overall, for small portions and quick meals, it can be an energy-saving option. Plus, it lets you avoid using gas or turning on the oven for a simple batch of fries or nuggets.

11. Run the Dishwasher Only When Full

Dishwashers are convenient and can even be more eco-friendly than handwashing, but only if used correctly. To reduce energy and water waste, it’s important to run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded.

Many modern models also feature eco or low-temperature programs, which use fewer resources—ideal for lightly soiled dishes.

12. Turn Off the Heat or Use Low Flame

A lesser-known but effective trick is to turn off the burner once the water reaches a boil, allowing residual heat to finish the job. This works for pasta, but also for rice, noodles, grains, and legumes.

Alternatively, keeping the flame low during cooking is always a great way to avoid unnecessary energy use.

13. Cut Ingredients into Small Pieces

Cutting food into smaller pieces not only speeds up cooking time but also reduces energy consumption. Smaller pieces cook faster and more evenly, reducing the time they spend on the stove or in the oven.

This applies to vegetables, meat, fish, and even fruit for baking.

14. Cook with a Lid When Possible

It may seem obvious, but cooking with a lid on is one of the most effective energy-saving tips in the kitchen. The lid traps heat and steam inside the pot, speeding up cooking and maintaining a steady temperature.

This allows you to lower the heat and use less gas or electricity—without affecting the quality of your dish.

Use the lid to keep the warmth in the pot and cook faster

15. Cook Quick, One-Pan Meals

"One-pot" meals, made using a single pot or pan, are ideal for those looking to save energy. Fewer burners on, fewer dishes to wash, and shorter cooking times.
Pasta, rice, soups, and full main courses—there are plenty of simple and balanced recipes that let you eat well while saving energy.

16. Optimize Oven Use

The oven is one of the most energy-intensive appliances, so using it wisely is essential.
Avoid preheating unless absolutely necessary, and take advantage of each use by cooking multiple dishes at once. If you need to reheat, defrost, or cook something, plan ahead so you can maximize its use.

If possible, turn off the oven a few minutes early and let the residual heat finish the job, saving even more energy.

17. Don’t Wash Dishes by Hand

While it may seem cheaper, handwashing dishes actually uses more water and energy, especially when using hot running water.
A modern dishwasher, when fully loaded, uses fewer resources and provides a more efficient clean. Remember to only run it when full (as mentioned earlier) to optimize energy and water use.

18. Choose Efficient Cookware

High-quality pots and pans help reduce energy use. Cookware with thick bottoms and made from high-conductivity materials like stainless steel or aluminum distributes heat more evenly, shortening cooking times.

Also, using pots with a diameter that matches the burner size avoids unnecessary heat loss.

19. Don’t Leave the Fridge Open Too Long

Every time the fridge door stays open for too long, cold air escapes and the motor has to work harder to return to the ideal temperature.
Open the fridge only when necessary and close it quickly—a simple yet effective habit that contributes to daily energy savings.

Filtro Cappa: How to Ensure Your Hood Doesn’t Waste Electricity

To keep your kitchen hood running efficiently and without energy waste, regular maintenance is essential. Filters must also be replaced periodically to ensure proper air purification. In some cases, components like the motor or capacitor may require servicing or replacement.

At Filtro Cappa, you’ll find all the original and compatible filters and spare parts needed to restore your hood’s performance—reducing energy consumption while maximizing effectiveness.

If you’re unsure which parts to choose or need assistance, our team is here to help you find the best solution for your kitchen.

Contact us via email or WhatsApp.