100 Ways to Reduce Your Impact

Step 39 Pressure cookers and microwaves

Try to use pressure cookers and microwaves whenever possible.

Pressure cookers cut time by 66%, while microwaves uses less than half the energy than a conventional oven.

Though, microwaves sometimes make my bread soggy.

Comments

[heaven11pa]

instead use charcoal.......

[iya]

Hey, good work on the Instructables....but microwaves kill vital enzymes and vitamins that help you digest your food and just live in general, so you're best throw them out and get a toaster oven!!! thanks!

[belkorin]

There is no conclusive evidence of this that I have ever seen. If there is, please post links to the information.

[ronmaggi]

Just taste the food!!! We happen to have a rather sensitive sensor in our mouths to tell us the quality of the food we're eating. There is a reason microwaved food doesn't taste as good as conventionally cooked food. I haven't used a microwave in years and do not miss it at all!! I do love my pressure cooker though! I don't know why society needs a doctor to tell them something that common sense tells them. I don't need a stupid link, I know that microwaved food is bad because it doesn't taste right. I know that organic food is better because I no longer get heartburn 3 or 4 times a week. When I do get it it is because I ate at a restaurant that didn't use it. Doctors don't learn about nutrition, they learn how to prescribe drugs, and perform surgeries. Instead of listening to a brainwashed doctor, listen to your own body.

[fwater]

Untrue statement. A gas stove costs less to operate than a microwave. Partial fail due to miniscule cost difference.

[gimincorp]

...while microwaves uses less than half the energy than a conventional oven. Check your gas/electric bill - my company supplies 3 therms for a basic charge and I use less than 1 therm - so for me to use gas range is more economic than to use microwave.

[zique316]

That is a very good point. In defense of the poster, this is an instructable about reducing your impact/footprint, not about saving money. So it really becomes a moral choice than an economic one. On another note, I'd definitely agree with the toaster oven overall, simply because most foods taste better and power consumption is less than the microwave.

[garnetmoth]

Or, make or buy a solar oven and get a thermometer to make sure your food is reaching the proper temperatures!

[KingArthurLOL]

Putting bread in the microwave or oven makes no sense enviromentally and time-wise, use a toaster :P