by Jbs052109d3 — May 27, 2009—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced new requirements for commercial griddles and ovens to earn the Energy Star label that will help protect the environment and reduce energy costs for businesses. According to EPA, Energy Star-labeled griddles and ovens are approximately 10 to 20 percent more energy efficient than standard models.
Energy Star-qualified electric griddles can save businesses about $190 per year, while gas griddles can save an average of $175 per year, says EPA. Qualified electric ovens can save about $190 per year, while gas ovens can save an average of $360 per year. Outfitting an entire kitchen with a suite of Energy Star-qualified commercial food service equipment could save operators approximately $3,600 each year.
To earn the Energy Star label, commercial griddles and ovens must meet minimum cooking efficiency, as well as maximum idle energy rates. Cooking efficiency represents the amount of energy absorbed by the food product compared to the total energy used by the griddle or oven during the cooking process. Idle energy rate represents the energy used by the griddle or oven while it is maintaining or holding at a steady temperature. Both can be purchased as electric or gas models.
If all commercial griddles and ovens sold in the U.S. were to meet the new specifications, the energy cost savings would reportedly grow to more than $700 million per year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from more than 660,000 vehicles.
For more information, see the Energy Star Commercial Food Service Web site.
