Electric appliances in Kenyan households can lead to high bills, especially with the increasing cost of electricity in the country.
Some Kenyans have confessed to switching off appliances or reducing their use in their households to reduce electricity bills or number of tokens used.
However, Kenya Power, through its electric cooking campaign ‘Pika na Power’ has continued to champion for cost effective uses of clean energy through the use of electric appliances in cooking.
The power company listed four appliances that ensure efficiency, are cost saving and time saving.
In this article, we highlight these four electric appliances and explain in reference to Kenya power, how they can save Kenyans money and time.
An Induction Cooker
Induction cookers are approximately 5-10% more energy efficient per unit than conventional electric cooktops and approximately three times more energy efficient per unit than conventional gas products.
Induction cookers shine when it comes to efficiency. Compared to traditional electric cooktops, they use 5-10% less energy per unit, and compared to gas stoves, they are three times more efficient.
Pika na Power states that you can cook your favorite meals while using less energy and potentially saving money on your bills while using an Induction cooker.
“You are not just saving energy when using an induction cooker; you are cooking more efficiently and contributing towards saving the environment,” says a statement from Pika na Power.
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This is because instead of the traditional heat transfer of gas and electric models, induction cookers generate a magnetic field that induces current directly inside the cookware.
This means less energy is wasted heating the stovetop itself, and more power is directed straight to your food, leading to faster cooking and lower electricity bills.
Air Fryer
Air fryers continue to gain popularity among Kenyans because of its unique ability to make crispy, fried-like textured food.
Compared to electric ovens, deep fryers, and toaster ovens, air fryers have smaller cooking compartments and more powerful fans. This optimizes heat circulation, leading to improved energy efficiency by up to 50%.
Subsequently this ensures lower power consumption and a reduced carbon footprint.
Also, unlike deep-frying, which requires submerging food in oil, air fryers use hot air circulation for the same results reducing fat content in cooked food, as highlighted by the Kenya Power initiative.
“Air fryers offer a resourceful way to reduce the use of cooking oil as they circulate hot air to cook the food.
“Simply brush some oil on your fries, add your spices, and they are good to go,” it stated in a past campaign.
Rice cooker
Rice Cookers have secured their place among essential kitchen appliances because of their ability to simplify preparation of rice.
Also, the appliance offers multi-function settings, meaning it can be used for the preparation of other meals.
Apart from helping in making rice faster, tastier and easier, a rice cooker is also easy to clean.
According to Pika na Power, a rice cooker ensures reduced energy consumption, and time-saving features which contribute to their popularity in homes.
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An Electric Pressure Cooker
Earlier in January 2024, the campaign sparked reactions online after stating that it was possible to cook beans for Ksh20.
According to Pika na Power, an electric pressure cooker offers an efficient way to prepare food by harnessing the power of steam and pressure.
Unlike traditional cookware, electric pressure cookers create a sealed environment where water boils at a higher temperature due to increased pressure leading to faster cooking time by about 7 percent.
This is beneficial for tougher cuts of meat, legumes like lentils and chickpeas, and dried beans, which typically require lengthy cooking times in conventional methods.
“Who knew cooking ‘wairimu beans’ could be budget-friendly?
“Cook your dish to perfection using an electric pressure cooker. Affordable, and effortlessly delicious,” it stated.
Also, the power company noted that the appliance could also be used to cook ugali, which is a staple food for Kenyans.
“Did you know you can easily cook ugali with an electric pressure cooker?
“Set the sauté or simmer functions on the EPC on low for 30 minutes to boil water, mix your maize flour, and you’re ready to go,” it instructed.
