Start by looking at your cooling appliances: according to ADEME, fridges and freezers run continuously, and choosing a larger capacity than you need can increase energy use. When deciding whether to replace an appliance, compare models designed for the same purpose and with a suitable capacity. Annual figures for cooling appliances, per-cycle figures for ovens and figures per 100 cycles for dishwashers are not measured on the same basis.
A fridge, fridge freezer or freezer runs continuously, ADEME reminds us. If you’re thinking of replacing yours, check that the capacity you choose suits your food storage needs before comparing annual energy use.
For an oven, capacity and energy use per cycle help you compare models used in a similar way. For a hob, your choice is more about the technology, the size of the cooking zones and whether your cookware is compatible.
If you run the dishwasher often, choose a capacity that suits the amount of washing-up you usually have. The energy label also lets you check energy use per 100 Eco programme cycles, water use per cycle, the programme duration and noise level.
Start with how you’ll use the appliance and the capacity you need, then check energy use in the unit used for that type of appliance.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous cooling | For a fridge, fridge freezer or freezer, compare kWh/year with the fridge and freezer capacities. Compare appliances with a similar function and capacity. According to ADEME, choosing a larger size or more features than you need can increase energy use. | My appliance runs day and night: do I need the same capacity, a different size, or a separate freezer? |
| Washing up | The European Commission says a dishwasher’s energy label shows energy use per 100 Eco programme cycles, water use per cycle, place setting capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level. The energy figure does not cover every programme. | I run the dishwasher regularly: does its capacity suit the amount of washing-up I usually have, and does the Eco programme duration work for me? |
| Electric oven | According to the European Commission, compare the capacity in litres and kWh per cycle using the same cooking mode, either conventional or fan-assisted. Don’t compare these figures directly with a fridge’s kWh/year. | Do my dishes need the capacity of the oven I’m considering, and which cooking mode will I use? |
| Electric hob | The European Commission states that hobs are not required to carry an energy label. Check the technology, cooking zone sizes and the manufacturer’s specifications. If you’re considering induction, make sure your pans are compatible. | I’m replacing my hob: will my cookware work with the cooking zones I’m considering and suit the way I cook? |
A fridge or freezer runs continuously. ADEME warns that choosing a larger size or more features than you need can increase energy use without meeting a genuine need.
Work out how much storage you need, then compare the kWh/year of models with similar capacities and configurations.
The energy labels described by the European Commission show kWh/year for cooling appliances, kWh per 100 Eco programme cycles for dishwashers, and kWh per cycle for each oven cooking mode. These figures don’t relate to the same kind of use.
Note the unit and measurement conditions alongside each figure. Start by comparing appliances of the same type and similar capacity.
According to the European Commission, hobs are not required to carry an energy label. So an oven’s energy rating won’t help you compare hobs.
Check the hob’s specifications and cooking zone sizes. If you’re considering induction, make sure your pans are compatible.
Switching to induction may mean buying new cookware if your current pans aren’t compatible.
The rating alone won’t tell you whether the capacity, Eco programme duration, water use per cycle and noise level suit the way you use it.
Check these details alongside the kWh per 100 Eco programme cycles before choosing a model.
These models are for food storage and washing up. To compare them, start with the usable capacity and check energy use across appliances designed for similar purposes.
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This fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for an integrated appliance and its capacity suits your storage needs. The product name lists a 249 L capacity, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the cabinet dimensions and the energy label for the exact model to compare its annual energy use.
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This 344 L fridge freezer is best compared with appliances of a similar configuration and capacity, rather than with a small fridge. The product name lists an E energy rating. Check the available space and the energy label for the exact model before assessing its energy use.
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Its capacity of 14 place settings is worth comparing with the amount of washing-up you usually have; the product name also lists 7 programmes. Before buying, confirm the installation type and check the energy label for the exact model to find out its energy use and Eco programme duration.
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This 467 L model makes sense if its capacity suits your storage needs and you have enough space in your kitchen. The product name lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the overall dimensions, required clearance and the energy label for the exact model to compare its annual energy use.
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Before choosing this 444 L fridge freezer, check that its capacity meets your actual food storage needs. The product name lists an E energy rating and a noise level of 40 dB. Also check the space available and the energy label for the exact model to compare its annual energy use.
No. These figures relate to different periods and types of use. The labels described by the European Commission show annual energy use for cooling appliances and energy use per 100 Eco programme cycles for dishwashers. Start by comparing appliances of the same type and similar capacity.
Check the annual energy use in kWh alongside the storage capacity, energy rating and noise level. The European Commission says this information is provided for cooling appliances. When choosing a model, compare it with the storage capacity your household actually needs.
No. According to the European Commission, the energy figure on the label is based on 100 Eco programme cycles. Also check water use per cycle, capacity, the programme duration and noise level to see whether the model suits the way you use it.
The European Commission says hobs are not required to carry an energy label. To choose one, check its technical specifications and cooking zone sizes. If you’re considering induction, make sure your cookware is compatible.
Compare their kWh per cycle using the same cooking mode, either conventional or fan-assisted, then check the usable capacity in litres. The European Commission provides these figures for each mode, so a figure for one mode shouldn’t be treated as a measure of another.