Compare the energy use of the models that catch your eye. Check with (www.energystar.gov) or look for the Energy Guide Label. Models with the freezer on the top are most energy efficient. Nice as they are, ice makers and water/ice dispensers in the door increase energy consumption by a sizeable amount.

If you need an extra freezer in the garage to store your family's food, a chest freezer conserves more energy than an upright model as they are insulated better and the cold air doesn’t rush out as readily.

Small appliances take up a considerable amount of energy so don’t get too carried away with gadgetry. Who really needs a standalone ice maker or a portable, outdoor refrigerator anyway?

Now let's take a look at green kitchen cooking appliances.

Overall cooking appliances do not use as much energy as a refrigerator because they are not in use all of the time. Still, some cooking appliances that you buy do have an impact on the environment. There are pro’s and cons in regard to gas or electric stoves. Gas is more energy efficient but it produces more pollution in the form of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. A good ventilating system and a carbon monoxide detector is a good idea if you choose a gas cooktop for your kitchen.

Induction cooktops are the most energy efficient of all of the electric cook tops available. Gas and electric cooking are pretty much a matter of choice as the difference in energy use isn’t great. The same issues are addressed with ovens. We probably aren’t going to give up our self cleaning ovens but keep in mind that a self cleaning oven cycle uses a lot of energy and creates noxious fumes. Of course, store brand oven cleaners contain all sorts of toxic ingredients too (sometimes it's hard to win!).

The best conservation recommendations are to use your oven only when cooking large dishes. For small dishes use a toaster oven or microwave. Cooking meals in smaller appliances saves energy and keeps the kitchen cooler in the summer. Microwave ovens use 75% less energy than a convention oven and it doesn’t produce surplus heat. As with everything, new and better ovens continue to evolve and they focus on cooking food faster and with greater convenience. Faster cooking times mean less energy use. For the fun and efficiency of it, and if you live in a sunny climate, you might try solar cooking (www.solarcooking.org).