Start with an old, faulty or oversized appliance that runs continuously, particularly a fridge freezer or freezer, before looking at appliances with frequent cycles and electric cooking equipment. ADEME benchmarks put an average fridge freezer at 315 kWh/year and a freezer at 300 kWh/year, but the volume, features, number of cycles and condition of your existing appliance determine the real priority.
When an appliance runs continuously, start by comparing its annual consumption, usable capacity and the features you genuinely need. ADEME and the European Commission state that the labels for these appliances show details including annual consumption, storage volumes and noise levels.
If you use your dishwasher or washing machine regularly, compare energy and water consumption per cycle, the right capacity, and the repairability or durability information available for the model you are considering.
When replacing a hob or oven, match your choice to your cooking habits and installation requirements. Ovens carry an energy label, whereas hobs are not rated on an A–G scale.
Priority depends first on whether the appliance runs continuously or how many cycles it completes, followed by the genuinely useful size and the information available about its lifespan.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous or frequent use | Compare kWh/year for refrigeration appliances; for appliances with cycles, note how many cycles you actually run. Take the age, faults and condition of your current appliance into account. | I want to look first at equipment that runs all year round or is used very frequently, rather than an occasional-use appliance. |
| Unit of comparison | For a fridge or freezer, compare similar capacities in kWh/year. For a washing machine or dishwasher, use kWh/100 cycles and litres per cycle for the reference programme. | I want to relate the label data to my usual usage, without treating a laboratory figure as guaranteed savings. |
| Suitable capacity | Check the refrigeration volume, laundry capacity in kg or place settings. Also check the noise level if the appliance is near a living area. | My appliance must match my storage or washing needs; excessive capacity and unnecessary features can reduce the benefit of replacing it. |
| Lifespan | For a washing machine, check the durability index where applicable. For a dishwasher, look at the repairability index, along with the model’s spare-parts and after-sales service terms. | I want to consider reliability and whether the appliance can be repaired, not just its stated energy consumption. |
ADEME benchmarks are averages: a fridge or freezer runs continuously, while consumption from an appliance with cycles depends heavily on how often it is used. An average does not measure your current appliance.
Note the model reference, capacity, age, faults and your usual cycles before deciding which category to assess first.
ADEME highlights that the size and excessive features of a fridge can increase consumption; it also recommends matching washing-machine capacity to your needs.
Compare appliances with similar volumes, capacities and features, taking into account the storage, laundry or dishes you actually need to handle.
In the European Union, hobs are covered by ecodesign requirements, but they do not carry an A–G energy label, unlike ovens and cooker hoods.
For a hob, check the technology, electrical installation, built-in dimensions and cookware compatibility before comparing it with your current equipment.
Depending on the technology you choose, check the installation requirements, any electrical adaptations needed and whether your cookware may need replacing.
An appliance that is difficult to repair can increase its cost of use over time. Regulated repairability or durability information is available for certain categories.
For a washing machine, also compare the durability index; for a dishwasher, check the repairability index and the information on spare parts and after-sales service.
These Joybuy options cover replacing a washing machine, fridge freezer, dishwasher or freezer as part of this decision.
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Worth considering for a household that runs washing cycles regularly and needs a 7 kg capacity.
Stated consumption of 40 kWh/100 cycles and 44 L per reference cycle; repairability index listed as 8.6/10.
Check the dimensions, connections and positioning before buying. The stated consumption figures relate to the reference cycle.
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This 10 kg capacity is best suited to households with genuinely large and frequent laundry loads.
Stated consumption of 41 kWh/100 cycles and 48 L per cycle; AutoDose, steam and Wi-Fi are listed for this model.
A large capacity is not automatically suitable for small loads. Also check the durability index, dimensions and connection requirements.
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Compare it with an old fridge freezer that runs continuously and has a similar capacity.
Stated annual consumption of 169 kWh/year, total capacity of 333 L and stated noise level of 34 dB; Total No Frost and DoorCooling+ features listed.
Check that the capacity, compartment layout, dimensions of 59.7 × 186 × 67.4 cm and required clearance suit your kitchen.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen where an integrated dishwasher is used frequently.
Stated capacity of 13 place settings, three-level adjustable basket, automatic door opening and Extra Silence programme listed.
Before comparing its running costs, check the kWh/100 cycles, litres per cycle, repairability index and installation-niche dimensions, along with the connections required.
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This model is designed for regular frozen-food storage in an appliance that runs continuously.
Stated capacity of 161 L, No Frost system, three drawers, two shelves, LED display, alarm and reversible door.
Check the annual consumption in kWh on the label, noise level, dimensions and the capacity you actually need before comparing it with your current freezer.
Take the consumption shown in kWh/100 cycles on the label, multiply it by the number of cycles you expect to run in a year, then divide by 100. Compare identical reference programmes and distinguish between usage patterns that can significantly change the result, such as intensive cycles, half loads or unusual temperatures.
It shows the A to G class, annual consumption in kWh, storage volumes and noise level, among other details. The European Commission explains that the QR code may link to EPREL, the European database where you can view the main characteristics of registered models.
No. In the European Union, energy labelling is compulsory for ovens and cooker hoods, but not for hobs. You should therefore also compare the technology, intended use, power and installation requirements.
For an eligible new washing machine, look for the durability index out of 10, which has been compulsory in France since 8 April 2025 and is based on both reliability and repairability. For a dishwasher, look for the repairability index out of 10, which covers factors including ease of dismantling, maintenance, availability and the price of spare parts.
European ecodesign rules provide for certain parts to be available for 10 years for eligible washing machines and dishwashers. However, check that the specific model, part required and repairer all fall within the applicable scope.