Opting for Optimal Ovens
Convection ovens are more energy-efficient than standard ovens. They continuously circulate heat around the food which distributes the heat more evenly so temperatures and cooking time can be decreased. You end up saving about a third on energy use.
 Self-cleaning ovens, both gas and electric, are more energy efficient than those without the feature because of their extra insulation. But be sure not to use the self-cleaning feature more often than once a month, since it burns energy. (Please pardon the pun.)
Look for an oven with a window in the door so you don't let out the heat checking to see if dinner's done. If you cook without ever opening the door to check, you could save energy by getting an oven without a window. But I don't know anyone who cooks this way.
Microwave ovens without any frills are efficient compared to regular ovens. Using a microwave will reduce your energy consumption by about two-thirds compared to using a regular oven. Microwaves also create less heat so require less air conditioning in the summer.
The most energy-efficient microwaves have frills like temperature probes, variable power settings, and controls that turn the microwave off when the food is cooked.
All right, for the hard-core types there are solar cookers. Especially during the summer, you can put these out in the sun to collect sunlight and direct it at your food.
| 
