Start by looking at appliances that run continuously or are used very often, then compare the energy consumption figures for models in the same category. According to ADEME, capacity and features that run constantly matter too: a newer appliance that is too large for your household won’t necessarily mean a lower bill.
If you need to replace a fridge, fridge-freezer or freezer, compare its annual energy consumption with that of appliances of the same type. Then choose a capacity that suits your storage habits: ADEME points out that an appliance that is too large or has too many features may use more energy.
If you regularly run the washing machine or use a tumble dryer, choose a capacity that matches the size of the loads you actually wash. For washing machines, ADEME also recommends checking energy use, water consumption and the duration of the reference programme. In France, the durability index provides another point of comparison for applicable models.
If you use these appliances several times a week, how often you use them matters just as much as their features. For a dishwasher, check its capacity and Eco programme figures in particular. If you’re replacing a hob, consider how you cook and whether your cookware is compatible.
When deciding which appliance to replace, start with how often you use it. Then compare models in the same category using the same label unit, before choosing a capacity that suits your household.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration appliance running continuously | Compare kWh/year figures for appliances of the same type, then check usable capacity and features that run continuously. | When my fridge runs day and night, I want to keep its energy use down without choosing more capacity than I need. Around 36% of consumers would put this refrigeration-related need first. |
| Laundry cycles | For a washing machine, check the kWh/100 cycles for the Eco 40-60 programme, water use per cycle and capacity. Check the tumble dryer’s label separately. | If I do laundry or use the dryer frequently, I want a capacity I’ll actually fill. This would be the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Dishwasher cycles | Compare kWh/100 cycles and litres per cycle with the place settings capacity and Eco programme duration. | My dishwasher runs regularly, so I want to avoid extra cycles without installing an appliance that’s too large. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Electric cooking | If you need to replace your hob, check how often you cook and whether your cookware is compatible before considering induction. | When I replace a hob that I use often, its energy consumption matters to me, but the change needs to work with my pans. Around 14% of consumers would put this need first. |
Refrigeration appliances run continuously. ADEME reminds shoppers that size and features that run all the time, such as ice-making, can push up your bill, even if the appliance is new.
Work out the usable capacity your household needs, then compare kWh/year figures for fridges or freezers of the same type.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you how much energy the appliance will use in your home. The units and reference programmes also vary, particularly between refrigeration appliances and those that run in cycles.
For comparable models, check the energy consumption using the same unit, then check the capacity and the programme details used for the label.
A larger capacity is only useful if it suits your usual laundry loads. ADEME says that a 7 kg drum is usually sufficient and advises avoiding cycles with small loads.
Assess the size of your usual laundry loads before comparing kWh/100 cycles, water use per cycle and the duration of the reference programme.
Figures published by Bosch or Miele relate to specific models; they don’t guarantee the energy use you’ll get in every household.
Check the exact model number, then compare its label and product information in the European EPREL database with those of other models in the same category.
A brand worth exploring when comparing washing machines and tumble dryers in different capacities.
A brand to consider if you’re comparing washing machine capacities to suit your usual laundry loads.
A brand to consider when comparing washing machines, taking both capacity and energy figures into account.
These models let you explore three replacement scenarios: a dishwasher used regularly, a refrigeration appliance that runs continuously, or a washing machine for larger loads. To assess their energy use, check the label and EPREL information for the exact model before comparing appliances in the same category.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a built-in dishwasher that gets regular use. Check the dimensions of the space and door panel, then check the capacity and Eco programme figures on the label for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you regularly fill a 14-place-setting dishwasher. Make sure it’s compatible with your integrated kitchen setup, then compare its Eco cycle figures with those of similar-sized models.
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Worth considering if you need a 333 L fridge-freezer to replace an appliance that runs continuously. Check that the capacity suits your household and the available space, then compare its kWh/year label figure with those of similar fridge-freezers.
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Worth considering if your usual laundry loads genuinely call for an 11 kg drum; otherwise, this capacity may be more than you need. Compare the Eco 40-60 programme figures on the label and check the durability index that applies to this model.
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Worth considering if you need a 344 L capacity to replace your fridge-freezer. Check the installation space and how much usable capacity you really need, then compare its kWh/year label figure with those of fridge-freezers in a suitable size.
Yes, for the relevant categories. ADEME says the energy label must be displayed both in shops and online. Check the figures specific to each category, including energy consumption and, depending on the appliance, water use or noise levels.
No. According to ADEME’s guidance, refrigeration appliances are compared using figures such as kWh/year, while a washing machine’s label shows kWh per 100 reference cycles. First compare appliances in the same category using the same unit. For a washing machine, the reference figures relate to the Eco 40-60 programme, as specified by the European Commission.
Check its energy label and look up its model number in EPREL. According to the European Commission, this public database lets you compare the main specifications of relevant products. Make sure you select the exact variant you’re thinking of buying.
Yes. According to the French ministry responsible for ecological transition, washing machines have been covered by the requirement since April 2025. This score out of 10 provides an indication of factors including reliability and repairability; check the score for the model you’re considering, alongside its energy label.
No. The class makes it easier to compare appliances under reference conditions, but your energy use also depends on the capacity you choose, the cycles you run and the features you use. ADEME points out in particular that a refrigeration appliance that’s too large or has too many features can push up your bill.