An Option of Ranges

Refrigerators may have been the scourge of energy savers in the past, but these days, ovens and ranges can be the biggest power hogs in the kitchen, consuming on average close to 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually for cooks who use them more than once a week. When it comes to conserving energy, some tips are basic—avoid preheating, especially for items you're cooking 20 or more minutes, and don't peek in the oven while food is cooking. But if you reflexively reheat leftovers or cook for a brood, you could well save energy and cash by investing in an oven better suited to your needs.

Here's a quick rundown of choices that all received at least "good" ratings from Consumer Reports:

Microwave Ovens

Microwaves use only about 20 percent of the energy a conventional oven uses and have sensors that automatically shut the oven off when food is finished cooking, saving even more. A convection mode may brown foods, though the results won't match those of a regular or even a toaster oven.

GE Profile JES2251SJ[SS] large countertop model (2.2 cu. ft.) 1,200-watt with auto defrost and cooking sensor, though no convection mode ($249; www.ajmadison.com)

Save counter space with an over-the-range microwave: LG LMV2053 with cooking sensor (2.0 cu. ft., $309; www.lge.com).

Toaster Ovens

If soggy, microwaved pizza isn't for you, a toaster oven may be a better choice. Using only half the energy of conventional ovens, toaster ovens with convection modes or infrared heating can also cook food speedily.

T-Fal Avante Elite Convection Toaster Oven works well as a substitute oven ($111.35; www.amazon.com). The DeLonghi EO1260 comes with an enameled interior, which makes for easy cleaning ($99.82; www.amazon.com).

Cooktops

Induction
Induction models heat pans made with magnetic materials (cast iron or stainless steel) and use half the energy of standard electric cooktops. They're a high-end alternative at over $1,700 for the cheapest, but single "burner" induction hot plates are much more affordable.

Thermador CIT302D[S] ($1,999; www.thermador.com)