Start by sizing each appliance to suit your needs, then compare only models in the same category, with similar capacity and installation requirements. Always-on refrigeration deserves particular attention to usable volume and kWh/year, while dishwashers should be compared using figures such as kWh/100 cycles and litres/cycle for the Eco programme. Standardised figures make it easier to compare models, but they do not predict a household’s actual energy bill.
You need to choose refrigeration, dishwashing and cooking appliances at the same time, without treating appliances with different dimensions as though they were directly interchangeable. ADEME and European regulations use different indicators depending on the appliance category.
You want to prioritise appliances used every day or continuously, particularly the fridge, freezer and dishwasher, while avoiding buying appliances that are larger than necessary. ADEME points out that the size and over-equipment of refrigeration appliances can increase energy consumption.
You need to reconcile dimensions, usable volume, washing capacity and installation type before comparing the standardised consumption figures of your shortlisted models.
First define the required volume, installation and intended use of each appliance. Then compare the figures on the energy label only between genuinely comparable models.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Compare without promising savings | Compare appliances in the same category, format and capacity. Check the units shown: kWh/year for refrigeration, and kWh/100 cycles and litres/cycle for a dishwasher. | I want to reduce my outgoings without confusing a label figure with my actual bill. In the 2025 Baromètre énergie-info survey by France’s national energy ombudsman, 85% of the 2,000 households surveyed in mainland France said they adapted their habits to reduce their energy consumption. |
| Choose the right refrigeration capacity | Assess the usable fridge and freezer volume, appliance type and kWh/year. Compare these figures between appliances with similar volume, installation requirements and features. | I want enough space for fresh and frozen food without continuously cooling a volume I do not use. ADEME says that the size and over-equipment of refrigeration appliances can increase energy consumption. |
| Choose a dishwasher that suits your needs | Consider place settings, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration, noise level and built-in dimensions together. | My kitchen needs an appliance suited to the number of place settings I use and the space available, rather than one chosen solely by its energy class letter. |
| Distinguish between hob and oven | For a hob, check the cooking technology, compatible cookware, number of cooking zones and installation requirements. For an oven, consider the cavity volume and cooking modes in relation to the dishes you prepare. | I choose hob cooking and oven cooking separately, based on the dishes I prepare, my worktop and my electrical installation. |
Fridges and freezers run continuously. ADEME says that their size and over-equipment can increase energy consumption.
Define your fresh and frozen storage needs before comparing kWh/year between appliances with similar formats and features.
Unused capacity or features add to your ongoing energy consumption.
The label also shows energy and water consumption, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise class.
Compare models with similar capacity by considering energy, water, Eco programme duration and noise levels together.
The categories use different units and testing protocols: annual consumption for refrigeration, reference cycles for dishwashers and a separate label for ovens.
Create a shortlist by category, then prioritise appliances that run continuously and those used frequently in your kitchen.
Old appliances come under France’s WEEE recycling scheme, while delivery and installation may depend on the retailer and the terms offered.
Before ordering, check the written terms for taking away the old appliance, delivery, unpacking and installation suitable for your home.
Removal, access to your home and installation may create logistical requirements.
Worth considering when comparing fridge-freezers and freezers in different sizes.
Worth considering if you want to coordinate cooking, dishwashing, refrigeration and freezing appliances, particularly built-in models.
Worth considering if you want to compare ovens, hobs, fridges, freezers and dishwashers from one manufacturer.
Worth considering when looking at a range covering refrigeration, built-in cooking and dishwashers, either freestanding or integrated.
These Joybuy options cover continuous refrigeration, electric hobs and dishwashers for a fully equipped kitchen. Compare each appliance with models in the same category and check installation requirements before buying.
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For a household looking to combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance.
Declared capacity of 333 L: 183 L refrigeration, 113 L freezing and a 37 L fresh-food compartment. Class C, 169 kWh/year, 34 dB and dimensions of 597 × 1 860 × 674 mm.
Compare its usable volume and kWh/year with fridge-freezers offering similar installation requirements and features. Also check the ventilation space required around the appliance.
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For households with substantial fresh and frozen food storage needs in a fully equipped kitchen.
Declared capacity of 390 L, including 276 L refrigeration and 114 L freezing. Class E, 264 kWh/year, 35 dB and dimensions of 59.5 × 203 × 65.8 cm.
Choose this capacity only if it matches your actual storage needs. Compare it with fridge-freezers of similar capacity, features and installation requirements.
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For a built-in kitchen using several cooking zones and, where needed, large pans.
Four induction zones, Bridge zone, Booster function, touch controls and a cut-out of 56–56.2 × 49 cm. Stated standby power of 0.2 W and networked standby power of 0.8 W with Wi-Fi enabled.
Check that your cookware is compatible, along with the cut-out dimensions and connection requirements. The power rating or Booster function cannot be used to estimate the consumption of a meal.
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For a built-in kitchen with four cooking zones that requires an induction hob.
Four induction zones, Booster function, pan detection, residual heat indicator and a 56 × 49 cm cut-out. Connection options: 220–240 V or 400 V 2N.
Use induction-compatible cookware and check the electrical connection. According to the model information, this hob must not be installed above a dishwasher or an under-counter fridge.
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For a household with a suitable opening for a fully integrated dishwasher.
Class B, stated capacity of 13 place settings and an opening of 820–900 × 600 × 555 mm. The model features adjustable baskets and automatic door-opening drying.
Check the full label for kWh/100 cycles, litres/cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level, as well as hinge compatibility and installation requirements.
No. A fridge is assessed using annual consumption, while a dishwasher displays kWh per 100 reference cycles and litres per cycle. Ovens are covered by a separate labelling system under European regulations. Focus your comparisons on appliances in the same category, with similar volume, capacity and installation requirements.
Yes. Under the European regulation covering household dishwashers, energy, water and duration figures are measured using the Eco programme with the appliance loaded to its rated capacity. This makes comparisons easier within that framework, but does not necessarily represent intensive cycles or half loads.
No. Also check the usable volume, appliance type, dimensions, installation requirements and features you genuinely need. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that their size or over-equipment can increase consumption.
Electrical and electronic appliances come under France’s WEEE recycling scheme. Collection, delivery, removal and installation arrangements vary depending on the retailer and sales channel, so check them before ordering, particularly if access to your home or built-in installation requires specialist work.