Start by comparing appliances in the same category, then relate the figures on their energy labels to how you use them: energy consumption may be shown per cycle, per 100 cycles or per year. The energy class gives you a useful guide, but capacity, noise and test conditions can all affect your choice. The scale and information shown also vary by appliance type, as the European Commission explains.
If you’re replacing an appliance, its energy class letter alone isn’t enough to compare how it performs in use. According to the European Commission and ADEME, washing appliances show figures linked to specific cycles, while a fridge’s energy consumption is given on an annual basis.
In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, check that the capacity suits your needs and that the noise level is acceptable. Depending on the appliance category, the European Commission lists place settings, kilograms of laundry or storage volumes, as well as noise data.
To get a fuller picture than the energy label alone, look for the relevant indicator for your appliance. In France, the ministry responsible for ecological transition states that the durability index replaced the repairability index for washing machines on 8 April 2025; the repairability index applies to dishwashers, among other appliances. European data for tumble dryers includes a repairability class.
To choose between two appliances, start with what matters for the way you use them, then compare figures for the same category and based on the same unit of measurement.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | For washing appliances, compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle; for refrigeration, compare annual kWh; for an oven, compare kWh per cooking cycle. | If I’m replacing an appliance, I want to understand what kind of use its energy consumption relates to before choosing between two models. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise comparing energy consumption this way. |
| Capacity and noise | Check the capacity in the unit used for that appliance, then look at the noise level and, if shown on the label, its noise class. | In an open-plan kitchen or when my loads vary, I want a suitable size without overlooking noise. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise usable capacity or quieter operation. |
| Repairability and durability | Look for the relevant indicator: the durability index for a washing machine, the repairability index for a dishwasher or the repairability class for applicable tumble dryers. | If I plan to keep an appliance for a long time, I want to consider information about its repairability or durability as well as its energy consumption. This would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Scale and test conditions | Check the scale for that appliance category and the programme or mode shown: the eco cycle, cooking mode or cooker hood’s normal speed. | Before comparing letters or figures, I want to know whether they describe the same type of use. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise understanding the scales and modes. |
Two dishwashers with similar energy classes may differ in place settings, eco programme duration, water consumption or noise. The European Commission shows these details separately on the label.
Compare appliances with a suitable capacity first, then look at all the figures expressed using the same unit of measurement.
A fridge’s annual energy consumption isn’t measured in the same way as the consumption per 100 cycles of a washing machine or dishwasher, according to information from the European Commission.
Keep to the unit and time period shown, and use the figures to compare appliances in the same category.
The indicators differ: the ministry responsible for ecological transition distinguishes between the durability index for washing machines, applicable since 8 April 2025, and the repairability index for dishwashers. Applicable tumble dryers have a repairability class in their European data.
Check which indicator applies to your chosen model and use it alongside the information about how the appliance performs in use.
The European Commission states that an A to G label has applied to relevant tumble dryers since July 2025. The old A+++ to D scale therefore cannot be read in the same way as the new scale.
Check the label format on the model’s product page before comparing its class with that of another tumble dryer.
These two appliances illustrate different ways to read an energy label: for the dishwasher, look at the figures linked to its cycles; for the fridge-freezer, check its annual energy consumption and storage volumes. Compare each only with models in the same category.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a tabletop dishwasher with space for 6 place settings. The product name lists an energy class of D and a noise level of 47 dB. Check the model’s energy label to compare consumption, the reference programme and noise class with those of another dishwasher.
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Worth considering if you need a stated total capacity of 444 L. The product name mentions frost-free technology, energy class E and a noise level of 40 dB. Before comparing this model, check the energy label for its annual consumption, the capacity of each compartment and its noise class.
No. The same letter isn’t enough to compare different categories. The European Commission uses scales and measurements specific to each appliance type. Start by comparing products in the same category, then check their energy consumption using the same unit and reference conditions.
Check the energy class alongside kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, capacity, eco programme duration, spin efficiency and spin noise. ADEME and the European Commission link these figures to the reference programme “eco 40-60”, so bear this in mind if your usual washing habits are different.
For applicable washing machines, look for the durability index instead. It replaced the repairability index on 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. This indicator complements comparisons of energy consumption, capacity and noise; it doesn’t replace them.
No. The European Commission states that the energy label for ovens doesn’t apply to hobs. When comparing ovens, check their capacity and energy consumption per cycle for the cooking mode shown, and don’t apply these figures to a hob.