With the rising cost of living, saving on household expenses has become more important than ever. One major area where Kenyan households can cut costs is on cooking gas (LPG). Whether you use a 6kg or 13kg gas cylinder, simple adjustments in your daily cooking routine can help your gas last longer and save you money in the long run. Here are practical methods to help extend the life of your cooking gas:
1. Use the Right Cooking Pots
Always use flat-bottomed and well-fitting pots with lids. A flat base ensures maximum contact with the burner, making heating more efficient. Lids trap heat and allow food to cook faster, reducing the amount of gas needed. Avoid using small pots on large burners, as a lot of heat escapes around the sides, wasting gas…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
2. Prepare Everything Before Turning on the Gas
Many people waste gas by turning it on before preparing ingredients. Chop your onions, tomatoes, vegetables, and meat before lighting the burner. Once everything is ready, the cooking process will be faster, and your gas will last longer.
3. Use Low Flame When Necessarily
Not all meals require high flame. Cooking on medium or low heat is often sufficient and reduces gas consumption significantly. High flames tend to waste gas because much of the heat escapes without being absorbed by the pot.
4. Clean the Burner Regularly
A clogged or dirty burner produces a yellow flame, which is less efficient and uses more gas. A clean burner gives a blue flame, which is hotter and more energy-efficient. Clean your burner holes with a pin or a wire brush to maintain proper flame quality.
5. Switch Off the Gas When Not in Use READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Even a few seconds of wasted gas adds up over time. Always ensure you turn off the gas immediately after cooking. Also, make it a habit to check the regulator and hose for leaks, which can slowly waste gas without you noticing.
6. Cook More Than One Meal at a Time
If possible, cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner in one session. Reheating meals uses less gas than cooking from scratch each time. This method also saves time and reduces your overall daily gas usage.
7. Use a Pressure Cooker
Pressure cookers trap steam and cook food much faster than regular pots, especially when preparing beans, maize, or meat. This drastically reduces the amount of gas needed for such meals.
8. Use Wind Guards or Shields
Cooking in a windy place can lead to heat loss, requiring more gas to maintain the cooking temperature. Using wind shields around the stove or cooking in a sheltered area helps conserve heat and saves gas.
Conclusion
By adopting these simple yet effective strategies, you can extend the lifespan of your cooking gas and reduce household expenses. Efficient cooking habits, proper kitchen equipment, and routine maintenance of your gas stove all contribute to better gas economy. Make these steps part of your daily routine and enjoy longer-lasting gas and more savings.