Preheating Wastes Energy

Although you may be accustomed to preheating the oven before cooking, it’s unnecessary and wastes energy, according to Southern California Gas Co. consumer specialists.

Tests show that foods baked from a cold start turn out as well or better than those cooked in preheated ovens.

However, notes the gas company, don’t use the cold-start method in very old ranges which are poorly insulated. A short preheat may be necessary in these ranges.