Toaster ovens, crockpots and electric skillets are all more efficient than a range. Food cut into smaller pieces will cook faster. Cooking with a gas or electric oven is not the most cost effective way of preparing food. Using the range top is at least thirty percent more efficient than the oven. Use small portable appliances for cooking whenever possible.
Microwave ovens save energy by cooking and heating food so much quicker than conventional methods.
If you must use a standard oven, there are a few simple rules which should be followed to conserve energy. Cook the entire meal at one time. Open the oven door as little as possible since fifty percent of the heat can be lost each time the door is opened. Use a small portable broiler instead of the oven broiler whenever possible. The gasket around the oven and broiler should be checked at regular intervals using the dollar bill test.