Top Tips for an Energy Efficient Kitchen in 2023
So, you’ve found your dream kitchen. You’ve picked out the perfect range, chosen your colour and selected worktops to match. It’s all coming together! Now it’s time to think about appliances and lighting, and there are a number of things to consider such as style, function and of course, budget. However, to get the most out of your kitchen and its appliances, it is also important to consider energy efficiency - more so now than ever.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your kitchen and improve it's energy efficiency.
What is an energy efficiency rating?
Before we get down to the first tip, first let’s understand what energy ratings are and what they mean. On all electrical appliances (excluding hobs) and lighting, you’ll see a coloured scale labelled A-G, where A is the most energy efficient and G is the least. This scale changed in March 2021, to accommodate for the constantly improving efficiency of appliances across the industry. Any appliance rated F or higher on the scale is still considered to be energy efficient - so don’t be deterred if an appliance appears to be lower on the scale.
How is it measured?
As expected, the energy rating takes power consumption into account. However, it also rates appliances on other factors such as water consumption and noise levels - other significant factors that may influence your decision when it comes to choosing the right appliance. Because of this, you can rely on the rating to give you a well-rounded rating for general efficiency.
Switch and save with new energy efficient appliances
If you’re wondering how you can save on energy costs at home, there's a wide range of appliances with excellent energy ratings, to help you minimise your energy consumption wherever possible. Here are just a few:
Bosch Serie 6 60cm integrated dishwasher
This Bosch integrated dishwasher, with a C energy rating, features energy-saving Zeolith® and PerfectDry technology to dry your dishes, without using extra energy. Natural minerals transform humidity, generated by the wash cycle, into warm air - which dries the dishes at the end of the wash. As a result, PerfectDry dishwashers use 20% less energy than non Zeolith® dishwashers* - and you won’t have to dry your dishes by hand again!
*Bosch PerfectDry dishwasher with Zeolith technology with an energy consumption of 0,73 kw/h compared with a comparable Bosch dishwasher without Zeolith with an energy consumption of 0,92 kw/h, values per cycle according to EU Regulation No. 2019/2017.
Candy Heat Pump Integrated Tumble Dryer
With an A energy rating, the Candy Heat Pump tumble dryer provides excellent efficiency - using considerably less energy than conventional condenser dryers. Rather than expelling the used hot air from the drying process, the water absorbed by the air is condensed and removed so that the hot air can be recirculated back to the drum.
Heat pump technology can use almost 50% less energy than a non heat pump dryer.
Furthermore, the model has WiFi connectivity, operated via the Candy app, which allows you to remotely operate the machine. The function allows you to use the smart check-up to check the components of the appliance and ensure it is working efficiently. The app also features a KG detector to measure your drying load and adjust the time and electricity used accordingly, saving energy and reducing your bills.
Hoover Integrated Washer Dryer
This Hoover integrated washer dryer is Benchmarx's only A energy rated washer (drying function D rated). The washer uses new brushless inverter technology which greatly reduces energy consumption whilst also minimising vibrations and noise pollution.
Improving efficiency with smart home tech
As well as choosing energy efficient kitchen appliances, smart technology can also play a big part in keeping energy bills down.
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Google Nest Learning Thermostat
The Google Nest Thermostat is a fantastic addition to any home, allowing you to heat your home the smart way. The Nest Thermostat learns the temperature you like, then programs itself to maintain this temperature when you’re home. Built-in sensors recognise when you’re not at home, allowing the thermostat to automatically turn down to prevent heating the house unnecessarily.
The Nest knows how long it takes to heat your home, so it can ensure your home is a comfortable temperature for when you get back. You can check your Energy History with the Nest App to see how much you've saved.
What’s more, it can be used alongside the Nest Hub, enabling instant, hands-free access to recipes, shopping lists, timers and entertainment.
Sensio lighting
Lighting your kitchen correctly is essential, for many reasons! When it comes to appearance, lighting plays a big part in how your kitchen looks. Colours can appear very different depending on the amount of light, and also the temperature. Furthermore, if you spend lots of time cooking or baking in your kitchen, sufficient lighting is a must to make sure it’s a comfortable place to be.
Sensio kitchen lighting, available with your Benchmarx kitchen, is a popular choice - thanks to a wide range of styles and fittings. From cabinet back panels to plinth and worktop spotlights, all Sensio lights are LED, providing a range of light temperatures and intensities to best suit your kitchen. They use 24V power as opposed to 12V, meaning that the lights run cooler and use less energy as a result. The lights can be controlled centrally by kinetic switches which don’t require a power source, making it easy to switch off all lights when not in use. Lights can also be sensor activated - a popular option for cabinet lighting.
Ask your kitchen designer about Sensio lighting at your design consultation!
Tap into these water-saving solutions
Another way to improve the efficiency of your kitchen is to consider how you might reduce water consumption. From water filters to hot water taps, there are several ways which you can make big improvements on consumption for a more sustainable kitchen.
Abode Swich
Swich, by Abode, transforms your regular mixer tap into a filtered water tap! The technology is simple to install and use, and it can even be fitted retrospectively if you already have a mixer tap in your kitchen.
The Swich, as the name suggests, is switch operated - allowing you to activate or deactivate the filter in an instant. Being able to convert your main water supply to filtered water eliminates the need to buy bottled water - which in turn reduces your consumption of single-use plastics and saves you money! Based on a two person household consuming the recommended two litres of water per day, the Abode Swich would cost approximately £367 in year one, whilst purchasing bottled water would cost approximately £686. Furthermore, the cost savings after year one are much greater, since the cost of the Swich itself only applies once!
Abode Taps
Say goodbye to your kettle, with the Abode Protex 3 in 1 tap which can dispense hot water in an instant! Not only is this a time-saver, but it also helps to reduce energy consumption as you’re only boiling as much water as you need, unlike with a kettle where oftentimes water is boiled unnecessarily. The Abode Protex uses a two stage safety handle to prevent accidental hot water output, and a cool touch spout.
What next?
With the rising uncertainty around energy prices, making the switch to more energy efficient appliances and lighting is becoming increasingly important for homeowners. Whether you’re looking to switch out your existing appliances to save on energy bills, or you’re after a whole new kitchen - Benchmarx are here to help and make the process easy for you.
Speak to your local branch today for advice and to book a free design appointment.
Cummins Inc.
2yHi William, Bluetooth oven and Alexa, but would prefer Google Hub - where can I get one?
Making Print Work at Stirland Paterson
2yI'm with you with Google Nest - I'm constantly turning my thermostat up and down to keep it at the right temperature!!