Steaming summer days got you avoiding the oven? Fear not. Here’s a clever trick: leverage leftover heat to cook amazing meals without turning on another appliance. The science behind the sizzle Ovens and stoves retain heat after being turned off.
According to General Electric, “the oven interior is designed to retain heat, even several hours after the oven has been turned off after cooking.” Retained heat isn’t wasted energy; it can be used to cook additional dishes or create delicious desserts without using extra energy. Smart cooking with leftover heat Using leftover heat saves energy because another appliance doesn’t need to be turned on.
It also keeps you from turning on another appliance, which saves energy as well. You can enjoy warm treats without creating more heat. This not only helps you and benefits your wallet, but helps keep your house cooler during the hot summer months.
Turn off the oven early Many dishes, especially baked goods, can continue cooking after the oven is turned off. The residual heat can be used to bring the internal heat to the desired temperature. This reduces the amount of time the oven is actively using energy.
Switch the oven off 10 to 15 minutes in advance when cooking a casserole or lasagna and your dish will continue cooking using the residual heat. Make sure to keep the oven door closed to make the most of the heat. Reduced preheating Some recipes, like casseroles or slow-cooked meats, don’t require a fully preheated oven.
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