One household appliance steals as much energy as 60 refrigerators: it can be found in almost every family.

When it comes to large electricity bills, most people immediately think of refrigerators, washing machines or air conditioners.

But the real leader in energy consumption is a kitchen appliance that we rarely think about. It is the oven.

Why is the oven so energy-intensive?

• An average refrigerator consumes 300–800 watts per hour.
• An electric oven consumes 2,000 to 5,000 watts.
• One hour of operation can consume as much energy as 65 refrigerators simultaneously.

According to experts’ calculations, cooking in an oven in an average household consumes more than 200 kWh per year. And this is not just baking cakes — it also includes reheating semi-finished products and simple frying.

Hidden costs

Even when the oven is turned off, it continues to consume energy: the built-in clock and display consume kilowatts around the clock. Most modern models are connected directly and do not have a button to completely disconnect from the mains, so electricity leakage becomes a constant expense.

How to reduce costs?

There are a few simple rules that really help you save money:

• Plan your cooking: use one heating cycle for several dishes.
• Use heat wisely: turn off the oven 5–10 minutes before the end of cooking — the residual heat will be enough.
• Do not open the door unnecessarily: every glance inside results in heat loss and additional energy consumption.
• Consider alternatives: a toaster, air grill or multicooker can handle small volumes faster and cheaper.
• Choose your appliances wisely: models with an A+++ energy efficiency rating will ultimately pay for themselves through lower bills, according to source.