I would not give up the on-demand boiling water unit. Perhaps put some
additional
insulation around the housing to retain heat when power is "off". Ours
definitely
reduces our electrical consumption relative to an electric kettle (which
is in turn
better than a conventional kettle on a burner element), and it is a
significant
time-saver. To me, this exercise is not about giving up things that
contribute to
quality of life.
I am curious about this appliance. I use propane to cook with (not an
electric burner), but for heating water, I had read once that using a
microwave was cheaper and more energy efficient- as long as the amount you
needed was a cup or two. I would love a definite answer on the best way to
(reasonably quickly- not solar) boil water.
My son loves eating mac n cheese, the choices are stove top or
microwave, for about 3-4 c. of water. It takes 8-9 minutes in my
microwave....can't remember how much on the stove top. A convenience
factor for a microwave is that it turns itself off at the end. Less chance
of getting distracted and burning the noodles...it has happened more than
once :( I also have a Polaris house water heater, which is extremely
efficient. I have debated if it is better to use the hot tap water, energy
wise, but for eating I know that it is healthier to use cold tap water, as
the heated water sitting in the unit is more likely to dissolve metals and
chemicals from the pipes, etc than cold water. Though I do not know if it
is enough to matter. (My exDH is an environmental engineer with the state
water board.)
On a different note, I could investigate the Thermos method
www.kurtsaxon.com/foods005.htm (Thanks Gig!) and get in the habit of just
making it the night before...but you still have to boil a qt of water if I
remember correctly or even two. I wonder how that compares to just cooking
it at the time?
Caroline
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