When running a commercial kitchen, energy efficiency is an important factor just as as food quality and service speed. From high-powered ovens to walk-in refrigerators, the equipment in a busy kitchen can consume massive amounts of electricity daily, significantly impacting operational costs. However, not all kitchen appliances are energy guzzlers—some, like the LFC biodigester, help reduce food waste efficiently while using minimal energy compared to cooking and refrigeration units.
Understanding which appliances use the most energy can help restaurant owners, caterers, and food service operators manage costs, optimize workflows, and reduce their environmental footprint. This ranked list breaks down the most commonly used commercial kitchen appliances by energy consumption, from the biggest energy-hungry workhorses to lower-energy essentials like food processors and waste biodigesters. Whether you’re looking to cut down on electricity bills or invest in energy-efficient equipment, this breakdown will help you make smarter decisions for your professional kitchen.
Energy Consumption Ranking (Highest to Lowest Daily Use)
High Energy Consumers (20 kWh/day or more)
- Electric Oven (~40–100 kWh/day)
- Essential for baking, roasting, and large-scale cooking.
- Runs at high temperatures for extended periods.
- Electric Stove (Cooktop) (~30–80 kWh/day)
- Multiple burners operate continuously during peak service hours.
- Key for sautéing, boiling, and searing large quantities.
- Deep Fryer (~20–50 kWh/day)
- Used constantly in fast-paced kitchens to fry large batches.
- Requires high heat and long preheating times.
- Commercial Dishwasher (~20–50 kWh/day)
- Runs multiple cycles daily, consuming energy for high-temperature washing and drying.
- Vital for sanitization and rapid turnover of dishware.
Medium Energy Consumers (5–40 kWh/day)
- Walk-in Coolers & Freezers (~15–40 kWh/day)
- Operates continuously, essential for bulk food storage.
- High energy demand due to frequent door openings and cooling load.
- Microwave (~10–25 kWh/day)
- Used frequently for reheating and defrosting.
- More energy-efficient per use than ovens but still a regular power draw.
- Convection Oven (~10–25 kWh/day)
- More efficient than standard ovens due to faster cooking times and even heat distribution.
- Griddle (~10–20 kWh/day)
- Used continuously for pancakes, meats, and breakfast foods.
- Heavy-duty models retain heat for long periods.
- Toaster Oven (~8–15 kWh/day)
- Ideal for small batch baking and toasting.
- Consumes less power than full-size ovens but still runs frequently.
- Steam Table (Hot Holding Equipment) (~5–15 kWh/day)
- Keeps food warm for extended service periods.
- Often used throughout the day in buffet or cafeteria settings.
- Electric Kettle or Hot Water Dispenser (~5–15 kWh/day)
- Essential for hot water supply in bulk.
- Used continually in cafés, hotels, and catering services.
- Coffee Machine (~5–12 kWh/day)
- Runs constantly for brewing and keeping coffee warm.
- High energy consumption, especially in busy cafés and restaurants.
Lower Energy Consumers (Under 5 kWh/day)
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker (~5–10 kWh/day)
- Faster cooking reduces total energy consumption compared to stovetops.
- Ice Maker (High-Capacity) (~3–7 kWh/day)
- Runs continuously, but usage varies based on demand for ice production.
- Commercial Mixer (Floor or Countertop Model) (~2–6 kWh/day)
- Used for large batches of dough, batter, and sauces.
- LFC-50 biodigester (~1.9 kWh/day)
- Eco-friendly food waste management system.
- Uses significantly less energy than major kitchen appliances.
- Processes between 17–150 kg (38–330 lb) of food waste each day
- Food Processor or Blender (~1–5 kWh/day)
- Used in high-volume meal prep, but short run times keep energy use low.
- Heat Lamp or Food Warmer (~1–4 kWh/day)
- Keeps food warm before serving, often used in fast-service kitchens.
- Slow Cookers (Crockpots, Multiple Units) (~1–5 kWh/day)
- Great for soups, sauces, and slow-cooked meats.
The Bottom Line on Commercial Kitchen Energy Use
In a commercial kitchen, energy efficiency impacts the bottom line just as quality of food and speed of service. While ovens, deep fryers, and refrigeration units are among the biggest energy consumers, optimizing the usage of appliances and choosing energy-efficient models can significantly reduce costs.
One of the best ways to improve efficiency is by investing in sustainable solutions like the LFC biodigester, which helps manage food waste with minimal energy consumption. Additionally, adjusting operating hours, maintaining appliances, and switching to high-efficiency models can lead to substantial energy savings.
By understanding which equipment consumes the most energy, restaurant owners and food service operators can make smarter choices that reduce electricity bills and environmental impact. Small changes in energy usage and equipment selection can lead to big savings and a more sustainable kitchen operation in the long run. Contact Power Knot today to see how the LFC biodigester can help your bottom line today.