If you’re replacing a washing machine, fridge or electric hob, start by choosing a capacity and features that suit your needs. Then compare models in the same category by purchase price and energy-use figures measured on the same basis. Estimate costs based on how often you use the appliance and your price per kWh, but don’t treat the calculation as a guaranteed saving. It may also be worth looking into a repair before replacing an appliance.
You’re looking for the right usable capacity and want to compare the annual energy use of an appliance that runs continuously. ADEME and the European Commission outline useful criteria to check, including capacity and kWh per year.
You want to compare energy and water use against your usual cycles and the amount of laundry or washing-up you actually do. ADEME and the European Commission explain the units and reference figures to compare for these categories.
Your current appliance may still be usable. A fault diagnosis, repair options and information about spare parts can all help you decide. ADEME and the DGCCRF set out points to consider for maintenance and parts availability.
Start by deciding on the capacity and features you genuinely need, then compare energy use using the figures specified for each category.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use and capacity for refrigeration | Compare kWh/year and usable compartment volumes for fridges and freezers that meet the same needs. | If I’m replacing a fridge or freezer, I want a capacity that suits what I store, rather than choosing based only on the appliance’s external dimensions. Around 29% of consumers prioritise energy use and capacity when choosing refrigeration appliances. |
| Wash cycles and laundry load | Work out your usual load sizes, then compare kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle and noise levels for suitable washing machines. | If I do laundry regularly, I want a capacity that suits my loads and comparable figures based on the reference cycles. Around 22% of consumers prioritise matching their laundry habits and load size with energy use. |
| Energy, water and noise for dishwashing | Check the place-setting capacity, kWh per 100 cycles on the eco programme, litres per cycle, programme duration and noise level. | If I’m replacing my dishwasher, I want one that suits the amount of washing-up I usually do and lets me compare energy use, water use and noise. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the cost and convenience of dishwashing. |
| A hob to suit your cooking | Check the hob type, stated specifications, and whether your cookware and installation are compatible. | If I’m replacing a hob, I want one that suits the way I cook and the equipment I have. Around 14% of consumers prioritise choosing a hob that suits their cooking habits. |
| Repair or replace | Have your current appliance diagnosed. If you’re buying, check the relevant index for its category and the information available about spare parts. | If my appliance can still be used, I want to compare the cost of repairing it with the cost of a suitable replacement before deciding. Around 14% of consumers prioritise diagnosis, repair or keeping their current appliance. |
For washing machines, the energy label shows figures including kWh per 100 cycles and water use per cycle. Dishwasher labels also give the eco programme duration and noise level. For refrigeration appliances, compare annual energy use in kWh and compartment volumes. The European Commission specifies these labelling bases; they are not interchangeable between categories.
To estimate an appliance’s electricity costs, multiply a fridge or freezer’s annual kWh figure by your price per kWh. For a washing appliance, divide the kWh per 100 cycles by 100, then multiply by the number of cycles you expect to run and your price per kWh. This calculation is based on the energy-label figures and your assumptions about use, so it cannot guarantee the amount of your bill. Hobs do not have an energy label; the European Commission states that no energy-labelling requirements apply to them.
In France, the durability index has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. Dishwashers are among the categories covered by the repairability index. These indices provide information that is separate from electricity use. Also check the information available about spare parts for the model you’re considering.
The kWh/year figure for a refrigeration appliance and the kWh per 100 cycles figure for a washing appliance describe different categories and different usage bases. Comparing them directly can therefore be misleading.
First compare appliances in the same category, then estimate costs based on how you use them and your price per kWh.
ADEME points out that size and unnecessary extra capacity can affect energy use. A larger capacity is only useful if it matches the volumes you actually use.
Before comparing energy labels, think about your laundry loads, storage needs or the amount of washing-up you usually do, depending on the appliance.
Energy-label figures are based on defined conditions. Averages and scenarios published by ADEME do not predict how much energy an individual household will use.
For an estimate, state the number of cycles you expect to run or the period you’re using, along with the price per kWh. Don’t present the result as a guaranteed saving.
A diagnosis can help you find out whether the appliance can be repaired or maintained. However, keeping it does not guarantee lower electricity use.
Have the fault assessed and compare repair options with a suitable replacement, taking into account the information available about spare parts.
A new appliance may also need delivery or installation. Check what’s required for the model and the space where it will go.
The brand offers washing, refrigeration and cooking ranges in France, so you can look at several categories depending on what you need.
The washing machine range shown in France includes different formats and capacities to consider depending on the size of your laundry loads.
The brand offers integrated and freestanding dishwashers in different formats, which you can compare with the space available.
This selection includes refrigeration appliances and dishwashers to compare by capacity, stated energy use and how well they fit your space.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer and want to compare its annual energy use and the volume of each compartment.
Stated energy use: 254 kWh/year. Capacity: 230 L for the fridge and 114 L for the freezer. Reversible door.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if a capacity of 6 place settings suits the amount of washing-up you do and you’re looking for a table-top model.
Stated figures: 49 kWh per 100 cycles, 6.5 L per cycle and 47 dB.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have space for a fully integrated dishwasher and a capacity of 13 place settings suits your needs.
Stated specifications: energy class C and a noise level of 44 dB(A).
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have space for a fully integrated appliance and its capacity of 13 place settings suits the way you use it.
Stated specifications: energy class B and an Extra Silence programme.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a freestanding refrigeration appliance and its capacity suits your storage needs.
Stated energy use: 271 kWh/year. Capacity: 235 L for the fridge and 125 L for the freezer. The product name mentions Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
For a refrigeration appliance, multiply the stated kWh/year by your price per kWh. For a washing machine or dishwasher, divide the kWh per 100 cycles by 100, then multiply by the number of cycles you expect to run and your price per kWh. The result depends on the energy-label figures and how you use the appliance; it is not a guaranteed bill or a direct comparison between categories.
No. The European Commission states that no energy-labelling requirements apply to domestic hobs. So don’t look for the same class or labelled kWh figures as you would for a dishwasher. This answer does not cover oven labelling.
In France, the durability index replaced the repairability index for washing machines on 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. Dishwashers are among the categories covered by the repairability index. These indices provide information that is different from electricity use and should not be applied indiscriminately to fridges or hobs.
Before replacing a faulty appliance, have the cause investigated and look into maintenance or repair options. For a new appliance, check the information available about spare parts and compare features that suit your needs. The DGCCRF states that if the seller has been informed by the manufacturer how long spare parts will be available, they must pass this information on to the consumer at the time of purchase.
When you buy from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies subject to its conditions. The DGCCRF states that claims under this guarantee must be brought within two years of the goods being delivered. When you buy a replacement appliance, the retailer must tell you before the sale how to arrange free take-back of your old equipment, including for distance purchases, according to Service-Public.fr.