Microwave magic

Microwave ovens take less time to cook food and can be more energy efficient.

Consider which foods can be cooked in the microwave instead of using more traditional methods.

Microwaves have had to battle against a storm of controversy and health risks over the past few decades, eventually triumphing to become a staple in the UK kitchen.

One of the main advantages of the microwave is its energy efficiency. Studies have found that microwaves consume a third of the energy used by conventional electric ovens, as well as cooking the food in a fraction of the time.

The major downside is that standard microwavable meals tend to be wrapped in many layers of packaging. Producing this covering has probably consumed even more energy than you would save by using your microwave.

The most energy efficient way to microwave is to home cook meals in bulk, freeze them and then reheat the amount needed in your microwave.