Small appliance cooking hacks

Our top tips for saving while you cook.

Try a multi-use pressure cooker

A multi-use pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot, is one small appliance that can be used for a number of functions, from sautéing, to slow cooking, and pressure cooking.

Pressure cooker hacks

  • Pre-freeze meals and cook from frozen

  • Stack items to cook multiple things at once

  • Pop popcorn (healthier than the microwave version, and less energy than the stove)

  • Cook everything at the same time with one pot meals

  • Convert all your favourite recipes to the instant pot

Try this Instant Pot spaghetti bolognese recipe

Use a toaster oven

Toaster ovens can function exactly like a regular oven, while using less energy.

Toaster oven hacks

  • Baked eggs in individual ramekins

  • Toast nuts for a healthy snack

  • Bake small batches of cookies or vegetable chips

  • Use the toaster oven to bake or warm breads, biscuits and loaves

  • Use a 6 cup muffin tray for muffins, cupcakes, or even mini frittatas

Try this frittata recipe

Try an air fryer

By frying with hot air instead of oil, air fryers provide a faster, healthier way to enjoy your favourite fried foods. They also use less electricity. But they can also do all kinds of other things.

Air fryer hacks

  • Homemade potato chips

  • Air-fry your favourite dessert like cookies or lava cake

  • Fry up perfectly crispy bacon

  • Air-fry fresh vegetables for tasty texture

  • Reheat leftovers and bring the original dish back to life (especially fried food)

  • Donuts and bagels - yes, really!

Try this 2-ingredient bagel recipe

Don't forget the microwave

We know that microwaves are quick, but don’t always think of them as a way to make tasty food. Less energy doesn’t have to mean less taste.

Microwave hacks

  • Microwave cold lemons or limes for 15 seconds to make them easier to juice

  • Microwave garlic for 15-20 seconds for easy peeling

  • Save time and cook your corn on the cob in the mircrowave

  • Dry herbs

  • Whip up individual size dessert in a mug

Try this chocolate mug cake recipe

Need ideas for dinner tonight? Check out our small appliance recipe roundup for inspiration.

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Which small appliance are you going to use more often?

  • Pressure cooker
  • Toaster oven
  • Microwave
  • Air fryer

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Don't leave your fridge door open

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Every time your fridge door is opened, up to 30 percent of its cooled air can escape. The longer the door stays open, the more your fridge has to work to get cool again.

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True or False

Chest-styled freezers are more energy efficient than upright freezers

True! Chest-styled freezers use up to 51% less energy than upright freezers.

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Try lowering your thermostat to 18°C when active

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Try lowering your thermostat to 18°C for activities like cooking or housework to save on heating costs.

Quick tip

Use task lighting and save

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Turn off ceiling lights and use table lamps, track lighting and under-counter lights in work and hobby areas as well as in kitchens. You could save up to $6 a year when you focus your lighting to your task.