Have a gas stove? How to cook with electricity without an upgrade

Moving away from gas in the kitchen can have benefits for your health and budget.

But switching to from a gas stove to an induction cooktop can take time and money. If you rent, it may not be possible at all. 

Luckily, it’s possible to go “‘gas-lite” by getting your existing kitchen appliances to do the grunt work.

Smaller kitchen appliances generally use less energy than large ones, according to consumer advocacy group CHOICE. Here are six benchtop options to consider:  

Use your kettle for more than tea

This appliance does one job brilliantly. So, if you’ve got a gas cooktop and need to cook pasta, consider getting a head start by using your kettle to boil water and fill your pot.  

Boiling water is energy intensive so whether you need hot water for cooking or a cup of tea, only boil what you need.

Microwaves are still energy savers

Microwaves and hair were both big in the 80s. Microwaves are still one of the most energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen.

While you may not want to cook full meals in them, they’re great options for defrosting, reheating and steaming. 

A sandwich press can double as a frypan

Instead of firing up your gas cooktop, oven or grill, consider a humble sandwich press to cook or heat up leftovers in a flash.

They are energy efficient, quick to cook, and a dream to clean.

Try making:

• An oblong omelette as breakfast or added to a lunch wrap filled with whatever takes your fancy.
• Falafel bites using just-add-water pre-mix. Drop tablespoons of the mix onto the hotplate and close the lid to desired thinness.
• Cinnamon buns. Don’t put your buns in the oven, pop them in the press instead.

Become a frequent air fryer

Air fryers are a great replacement for your oven — gas or electric — and use considerably less energy to do the same job as long as you’re not cooking for a crowd.

It’s efficient because it’s quick, small and designed to circulate hot air around the space.

Slow cooker is low energy

Slow cookers are energy savers — both for the cook and for your power bill. Chuck everything in the pot, turn it on low and eight hours later, dinner is done.

It’s efficient because while it’s plugged in for hours, the energy it uses is low.

Consider a portable induction cooktop

Portable induction cooktops are available from $50 and can be plugged into a power point on a stable solid surface before they’re ready to go. 

They are fast and can be easily controlled from low to flat out, but may take some getting used to.

Check your cooking pots will work on induction using a fridge magnet – if it sticks to the bottom, it will work on induction.

As with any cooking, you’ve got to ventilate to get rid of the build-up of smells, steam and potentially hazardous particulates that come from cooking food inside.

It’s important to note that energy savings can depend on various factors such as the model and efficiency of your appliances, the cost of electricity versus gas in your area, and what plan you’re on.