A simple but rarely given tip for saving energy: choose the right appliance for your task.

It sounds pretty obvious but sometimes gets forgotten, electric kettles use less energy than stovetop models. And a toaster oven uses up to a half the energy a regular electric oven does. An electric slow cooker also uses less energy than a stove.

That being said, if you’re going to use your stove, try these tips (above and beyond purchasing an Energy Star rated model) as provided by EarthEasy:

• Use the burner which is the closest match to pot size. Heat is lost and energy is wasted if burner size is larger than pot size.

• Use lids on pots and pans so you can cook at lower settings.

• Only preheat when baking.

• Make sure the oven door seal is tight. Avoid opening oven door while baking - each time the door is opened, about 20% of the inside heat is lost.

• Turn oven off a few minutes before food is ready, and let oven heat finish the job.

• Use the microwave. They use only 1/3 to 1/2 as much energy as conventional stoves.

Happy cooking.