Getting the Most out of Small Kitchen Appliances

An Interview With former Chef and Kitchen Coach Angela Tunner

Dec 7, 2008

Small kitchen appliances aren't just time-savers, they're also energy efficient and can turn a home kitchen into a greener kitchen.

Chef, cookbook author and entrepreneur Angela Tunner shares her insights into why using small appliances for the home cook’s kitchen isn’t just faster and more energy efficient- it just makes all round, good common sense.

Food Trends (FT): How did you become the energy conserving guru in the kitchen?

Angela Tunner (AT): It started with need, then I realized that it was common sense. I needed more cooking capacity (commercial kitchen spoiled me), it just made sense to use them. Today these appliances are technologically better than ever and priced for all budgets. I also realized they were real time savers. Just by using them more often, I was saving heaps of time. I only use the big oven only if I have to, like to cook a turkey. In the summer, I rarely turn the oven on at all.

FT: Why does it make sense to cook using smaller appliances?

AT: The home kitchen is inefficient with simply a stove top and oven, so it made sense to use them as additional ovens and use them for their speed and energy efficiency. The bonus is that you save time, because they cook faster and easier (less fuss and mess) and you save energy. A microwave uses 50% less energy than an oven and a toaster oven uses 75% less energy plus they cook what you are making faster than a standard oven. Many people do not know that it actually takes 30 minutes to entirely heat an oven while a toaster oven heats in a fraction of the time. One caveat...Not all toaster ovens are created equal so do your homework before you buy.

FT: Microwave ovens have come a long way- is there anything health-wise we should know about using a microwave oven?

AT: If you have an old oven, it is time to replace it. Not just for the potential safety issues but the new technology has improved their ability to cook and cook well. My husband still can’t tell the difference if what I’ve cooked was done in the oven or in the microwave .

FT: It seems as though the microwave oven is back in favour more so than before- have you noticed that- why or why not?

AT: The old machines used the same temperature throughout the cooking time which invariably overcooked and changed the texture of the food. The new technology is smarter and varies the temperature and some like the Panasonic Genius actually have steam sensors!

FT: What’s the best way to cook using the microwave?

AT: First it is important to understand how a microwave works. To cook, a microwave needs fat, sugar or water for the microwaves (really radio waves) to cook. In my experience, water produces the best consistent result. The golden rule is to always use a microwave safe container AND a microwave safe lid, every time you cook or reheat. You want to capture the water/steam and steam the food, not use the microwaves themselves to cook the food. It is the molecules of the water being agitated and this produces a more thorough and even result.

FT: What are the best containers to cook in them?

AT: The containers can vary from plastic, to ceramic or glass. The important thing with plastic is to know the kinds of plastics NOT to use in the microwave. Plastic wraps are a no-no, they are not designed for use in heat and can leach plastic into the food. The disposable plastic containers are also not recommended because of the same problem and they can melt when heating anything fats and sauces. The only two plastics deemed safe for use in the microwave according to Prevention Magazine are Rubbermaid and Tupperware, Tupperware being my favourite. They have some amazing and impressive microwave cookware, well designed, durable, dishwasher safe and even go to table looking like serving dishes. If using ceramic or glass, test it first using water to see how hot the dish gets. If too hot don’ use it. If you have the dish but no lid, use a microwave safe plate or glass lid from another dish set. Of course, handle the hot dish carefully and mind your hands around the steam. Use oven mitts or a towel to be safe.

To catch some of Angela's handy microwave clean up tips and other useful insights, click here.

The copyright of the article Getting the Most out of Small Kitchen Appliances in Food Trends is owned by Mary Luz Mejia. Permission to republish Getting the Most out of Small Kitchen Appliances in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.