Households replacing a fridge or freezer
You want to look at an appliance that runs continuously without choosing more capacity than you need. The ADEME highlights that size and over-specifying can add to energy consumption.
Who is this guide for ?
Households that use laundry appliances frequently
You’re replacing a washing machine or dishwasher and want to compare the stated consumption per cycle with how often you use it. In France, the applicable index depends on the appliance category.
Households that often use a tumble dryer
You’re considering replacing a tumble dryer and want to compare appliances using the current label, without confusing the old and new energy classes.
What should you compare before replacing an appliance ?
Fridge or freezer
Worth looking at if : you need to replace an old or unsuitable fridge or freezer that runs continuously.
Consider : extra capacity or features may exceed your household’s storage needs.
Washing machine
Worth looking at if : you do laundry frequently and are planning to replace your appliance.
Consider : your actual cycles and loads may differ from the label’s reference programme.
Dishwasher
Worth looking at if : you use the appliance frequently and are planning to replace it.
Consider : the built-in dimensions and place settings should suit your kitchen and household.
Tumble dryer
Worth looking at if : you regularly dry your laundry in a machine.
Consider : how useful the figures on the label are also depends on your actual number of cycles and installation requirements.
Energy label figures are not all based on the same measure. The European Commission, for example, gives figures in kWh/year for refrigeration appliances and kWh/100 cycles for laundry appliances. In France, the durability index has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025, while dishwashers are covered by the repairability index, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption of a fridge or freezer | kWh/year, fridge and freezer volumes in litres, dimensions and appliance type. | If you’re replacing an appliance that runs day and night, look for a capacity that suits your food storage needs. Around 33% of consumers prioritise refrigeration that runs continuously. |
| Frequent washing and appliance lifespan | kWh/100 eco 40–60 cycles, capacity in kg and the applicable durability index. | If you do laundry frequently, compare the reference figures with your usage and consider durability. Around 25% of consumers prioritise laundry. |
| Dishwasher consumption and repairability | kWh/100 eco cycles, litres per cycle, place settings, repairability index and dimensions. | If your dishwasher runs often, it’s worth considering energy consumption, capacity and repairability together. Around 25% of consumers prioritise washing dishes. |
| Drying frequency and energy consumption | Current A–G label, capacity, dimensions and water drainage requirements. | If you regularly use a tumble dryer, compare models using the current label and taking the available space into account. Around 17% of consumers prioritise drying. |
Mistakes to avoid when choosing
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Replacing the category said to use the most energy first
Average consumption figures for each category don’t, on their own, determine the best order for replacing appliances in your household. The ADEME also notes that size and over-specifying can add to energy consumption.
Start with the appliances you own, their condition and how often you use them. Then compare capacities that suit your needs.
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Comparing figures that use different measures
Labels for refrigeration appliances show annual consumption, while washing machine and dishwasher labels include figures per 100 cycles. For tumble dryers, the current scale runs from A to G and has applied since 1 July 2025, according to the European Commission.
Compare appliances in the same category using equivalent label figures, then factor in how many cycles you run. Also check which generation of label the tumble dryer uses.
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Confusing the durability index with electricity consumption
The French durability or repairability index covers different criteria from the kWh figures on an energy label. The ministry responsible for ecological transition distinguishes between washing machines covered by the durability index and dishwashers covered by the repairability index.
Check the energy label and the index that applies to your chosen category and model separately.
Brands to consider by appliance type
Bosch
Examples of models documented in France include options for washing and drying laundry.
- Bosch lists an 8 kg capacity for the WAN2827FFR washing machine and 9 kg for the WQG1450BFR tumble dryer.
- These specifications apply to these models and don’t indicate the performance of the entire range.
LG
The GBB72BM9CQ1 fridge freezer is an example to consider when comparing capacity and annual energy consumption.
- LG lists a capacity of 387 L, a C energy rating and consumption of 174 kWh/year for this model.
- These manufacturer figures don’t prove that it uses less energy than every other model or that it’s right for every household.
Electrolux
The fully integrated EES67410L dishwasher is worth considering if it’s compatible with your kitchen installation.
- Electrolux lists a width of 60 cm and water consumption of 10.5 L per cycle for this model.
- The dimensions must fit your available space; these figures don’t describe the entire range.
Miele
The TCA520WP 8kg Active heat pump tumble dryer is an example of a model to compare based on its capacity and your usage.
- Miele lists an 8 kg capacity for this model.
- Miele says that its development tests on components from the T1 and T2 ranges don’t guarantee the durability of the finished appliances.
Joybuy products for replacing household appliances
This selection includes refrigeration appliances, dishwashers, washing machines and a tumble dryer. Compare them based on the appliance you’re replacing and the criteria on its energy label.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing a refrigeration appliance and want to compare capacity with your household’s storage needs.
360 L, E energy rating, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone, according to the product name.
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Samsung DW90H79JAI0U1 Bespoke AI, built-in dishwasher
Worth considering if you’re replacing a dishwasher and have a compatible built-in space.
60 cm wide, 14 place settings and A energy rating, according to the product name.
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Candy ProWash 700 BS 410B10-S, 10 kg washing machine
Worth considering if you’re replacing a washing machine and want to match its capacity to your household’s usual loads.
10 kg, 1,400 rpm and A energy rating, according to the product name.
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AUCMA, 95 L convertible chest freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact refrigeration appliance and want the option to switch between refrigeration and freezing.
95 L, E energy rating and 7-level thermostat, according to the product name.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you’re replacing a tumble dryer you use regularly. Check the installation requirements first.
8 kg capacity and C energy rating, according to the product name.
Frequently asked questions
How can you compare running costs without guaranteeing savings ?
For comparable refrigeration appliances, start with the kWh/year shown on the label. For washing machines and dishwashers, use the kWh/100 cycles for the eco programme and the number of cycles you expect to run. Multiply the estimated kWh by the applicable tariff for your household, using the same period and measure. Programmes, loads and actual usage may differ from the reference conditions.
Which French indices should you look for in store or online ?
For the categories concerned, the durability index has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025, while dishwashers are covered by the repairability index, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. These indices don’t replace the energy label.
What should you check before installation and during use ?
Check the dimensions, usable capacity and connections required by your chosen model. The ministry responsible for ecological transition recommends, among other things, keeping refrigeration appliances away from heat sources, defrosting them when necessary, loading machines correctly and using the eco programme. These steps don’t guarantee a specific saving.
What rights apply after buying from a professional in France ?
Subject to its conditions, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The DGCCRF states that claims must be brought within two years of the goods being delivered. A commercial warranty is separate and optional, so check its terms before taking it out.
What should you do with your old appliance when replacing it ?
The ministry responsible for ecological transition distinguishes between « 1 for 1 » take-back of an appliance of the same type when you make a purchase, and « 1 for 0 » take-back, which depends on the shops involved and the applicable conditions. Check the arrangements with the seller before delivery or drop-off.