Kitchen Appliances

DISHWASHERS

The most efficient washers use less hot water, have
energy-efficient motors, better spray arms, use sensors
to determine the length of the wash cycle, and have
controls for water temperature. The newest EnergyStar�
dishwashers are 25 percent more efficient than the many
other new dishwashers that do not have the label. At 25
percent, these dishwashers can save up to $25 per year
on energy costs (NRC, 2004). Improved washing action,
spray arms, and nozzles reduce hot water use, and the
energy cost of heating that water. Hot water use primarily
determines the energy efficiency of a dishwasher, so it
is important to choose models that require the least
amount.

Washing cycle times and water consumption vary
considerably between different models of dishwashers
and can be checked by asking to see a machine’s
specification sheet, the instruction manual, or the
model’s use-and-care booklet. A normal heavy-duty cycle,
including drying, can run anywhere from an hour to an
hour and a half. Short cycles run 35 minutes to an hour.
Water consumption varies as well. For some machines,
the water usage is from 8 to14 gallons depending on the
cycle, on others from 6 to 11 gallons. Newer models of
dishwashers are not only more energy efficient than older
models, but they are also better at getting dishes clean.
A relatively new feature found in dishwashers is
electronic touch control panel. These controls offer
options previously unavailable, such as delay-start and
diagnostic features. The delay-start option allows the
dishwashing cycle to begin anywhere from 10 minutes
to 9 hours later. This feature allows owners to take
advantage of off-peak electric rates, run the dishwasher
when there isn’t a high demand for hot water, or simply
when it is most convenient. When purchasing a new
dishwasher, select one that offers different options such
as “low energy option,” “rinse hold cycle,” or “air dry
option.” Look for models with internal “booster heaters”
which permit lower household water heater temperature
settings.

Washing options are very important in a dishwasher. They
may include a low-energy option for moderate to lightly dirty
loads, a regular wash for normal loads, and a rinse-and-hold
washing option. Anytime you use less hot water, you save
energy and money.

OVENS AND COOKTOPS

For cooking, consumers may purchase an oven and cooktop,
or range. More households are using ovens and cooktops
rather than ranges. A range contains both an oven and
cooktop. A cooktop is a cooking unit mounted on the
counter top. About 58 percent of American households
cook with electricity, but gas ovens and ranges are making a
steady comeback. Gas ovens use less energy when compared
to electric counterparts because the fuel is used directly for
cooking. Also in many parts of the U.S., gas is less expensive
than electricity (HealthGoods, 2004).

For ovens, electronic controls offer a variety of cooking
timers that keep time from seconds to 4 hours or more.
They have reminder options, automatic shut offs, buzzers
or chimes, or warning lights to indicate completed cooking
times. Electronic controls can be found on ranges, as well as
cooktops and ovens. They may increase the initial cost of an
appliance, but they are a good investment because they offer
more precision. Timers help save energy because they prevent
overcooking.

In terms of energy efficiency, a self-cleaning oven uses
high heat during a cycle to decompose food soil and
grease, therefore clean the oven when dirty. During
the cycle, which is clock controlled, the oven door is
latched and locked. A self-cleaning oven generally has
more insulation in the walls than the conventional or
continuous-cleaning oven; therefore, it saves energy when
being used. A self cleaning oven is a good
choice because it uses less energy provided you do not use
the self-cleaning option more than once a month.
One of the newest features found in ovens is convection
cooking. It is available in portable, full-size, free-standing,
and built-in wall ovens. In convection ovens, a fan blows
the heated air over and around the food, increasing the
rate of moisture evaporation, thus decreasing cooking
time and saving energy. With convection cooking, you do
not have to pre-heat the oven.