Microwaves

Microwaves can offer considerable savings in energy and time when compared to conventional electric cooking, and even more when compared to gas. The following savings were identified by the Market Transformation Programme.¹

Food	Energy-saving	Microwave	Comparison
New potatoes	70 - 75%	Little water	Using more water, pan on hob
Fresh salmon fillet	63 - 78%	No water	Poached in water on hob
Single frozen 'ready meal'	55 – 73%	Microwave only	Electric oven
Lasagne	40 - 81%	Microwave only	Electric oven
Indian 'ready meal'	38 – 63%	Microwave only	Electric oven
Milk	25 - 50%	Up to 800g in 200g portions in mugs	Saucepan on the hob
Baked potatoes	21 – 61%	Convection and microwave	Electric oven
Frozen vegetables	65%	Little water	Using more water, pan on hob
Whole chicken	23%	Convection and microwave	Electric oven
Frozen pizza	22%	Convection and microwave	Electric oven

The MTP came to these broad conclusions as a result of their tests:

• microwaves are best for single serves or sometimes two portions, for larger quantities there is often little or no energy saving
• they are especially good at warming pre-cooked and ready-to-eat meals
• much of the energy saving comes from heating less water; steaming may give the same effect using a conventional hob
• if more than one food is being cooked at the same time putting them in the oven together may be more energy efficient