Don’t Use the Stove when the Microwave Will Do (20/365)  Let’s
get this out of the way right off the bat. For the specific task
microwaves excel at, they’re much more efficient than stove tops
and ovens. The basic stats on energy use prove this to be the
case.  However, the savings are relatively small. Per comparable
use (one hour in the oven versus fifteen minutes on the stovetop
or in the microwave), you’re saving on the order of 1 to 1.5 kW
by using the microwave – a savings of about $0.20 per hour of
stovetop use, in other words.  In truth, though, the savings are
bigger than that. Let’s dig in a little deeper.  Don't Use the
Stove when the Microwave Will Do (20/365)  The one task that
microwaves really excel at is bringing water to a boil. They can
do this much faster than virtually anything else in your home
(except for perhaps a magnetic induction stove top, which is an
incredibly expensive investment).  I can bring a few cups of
water to boil in our microwave in about two minutes. On our
stovetop, it