If your fridge or freezer is old or larger than you need, start by reviewing it: according to ADEME, these appliances run continuously. Compare their annual energy consumption and usable capacity before deciding whether to replace one. For a dishwasher or oven, compare the figures per cycle with how often you use it. No energy label alone can tell you what your bill will be.
As ADEME points out, fridges and freezers run continuously. If you're thinking of replacing yours, compare its capacity with your current needs, then check the annual kWh use and noise levels of models with a similar capacity.
For a dishwasher or oven you use often, the figure per cycle is more useful when you consider it alongside the number of cycles you run and the programme or cooking mode you usually choose.
A large fridge or freezer, or a high dishwasher capacity, is only worthwhile if you use it. Before comparing energy labels, check your storage needs, typical load sizes and the features you actually need.
Start by separating appliances that run continuously from those whose energy use depends mainly on how often you use them. Then compare models with capacities suited to the same needs.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge and fridge-freezer | According to the European Commission, the energy label shows annual energy use, capacity and noise levels. Compare kWh/year for appliances of a similar type and capacity. For a fridge-freezer, check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. | I want enough room for fresh food and, if needed, frozen food, without leaving a large compartment unused for long periods. |
| Separate freezer | Compare the kWh/year, freezer capacity and noise levels shown on the energy label. Also consider whether you still need separate storage: according to ADEME, a freezer runs continuously. | If I rarely use its full capacity, I want to reconsider whether I need a separate freezer before replacing it. |
| Dishwasher | The European Commission says the label shows kWh per 100 cycles for the eco programme, water use per cycle, programme duration, capacity and noise levels. Compare these figures for loads suited to your household. | I run cycles often, so a capacity that lets me fill the appliance and a programme duration that fits my routine matter just as much as the figure on the label. |
| Electric hob | The European Commission states that hobs are not required to carry an energy label. Check the technology, the number of cooking zones you need and whether your pans are suitable. | For the way I usually cook, I want zones that suit the pans I use, rather than an energy rating that does not apply to hobs. |
| Electric oven | According to the European Commission, the energy label shows the capacity and energy use per cycle in conventional mode and fan-assisted mode. Compare the mode you actually use. | I cook in the oven often, so how many times I use it and the size of the dishes I usually cook will help me assess the figures per cycle. |
| How long to keep using an appliance | Before replacing a faulty dishwasher, note down its model number, consider getting it diagnosed and check its repairability index. The French Ministry of the Economy says this index is compulsory for dishwashers in France. | I’d rather check whether my appliance can keep going before deciding to buy a new one. |
According to ADEME, fridges and freezers run continuously. Extra capacity won’t necessarily meet a genuine storage need.
Work out how much fresh and frozen food you store, then compare the annual kWh use of appliances of a similar type and capacity.
A letter rating doesn’t tell you how much you can fit in or how often you’ll run it. The European energy label also shows kWh per 100 eco cycles, water use per cycle and programme duration.
Check the capacity against your usual load sizes and compare energy use for the same programme.
Unlike ovens, hobs are not required to carry an energy label, according to the European Commission.
For a hob, check the technology, the cooking zones you need and your pans. For an oven, compare the kWh per cycle figures and capacity.
A faulty appliance doesn’t always need to be replaced straight away. In France, the repairability index gives an indication of how easy an appliance is to repair, according to the Ministry of the Economy.
Note down the exact model number, check the index and arrange a diagnosis suited to the fault before making a decision.
These models are mainly suited to comparing fridge-freezers, alongside a compact dishwasher. Check that their size suits your needs, then consult the model’s energy label before making a decision based on its energy use.
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This fridge-freezer may be worth considering if its compartments meet your storage needs. The product title lists a 262 L capacity, a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm and Low Frost technology. Compare its annual energy use on the energy label.
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This size is worth comparing if you genuinely need plenty of fresh and frozen food storage. The product title lists a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the model’s annual kWh use on the energy label.
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Only consider this capacity if it suits your usual storage needs and the space available. The product title lists a 495 L capacity and an E energy rating. Check the door configuration, usable capacity and the model’s annual energy use before comparing it with other appliances.
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Consider this compact model in relation to how much washing up you have and how many cycles you’ll need to run. This white and copper pack can be compared with other dishwashers using the kWh per 100 eco cycles, capacity, water use per cycle and programme duration shown on its energy label.
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Check that this capacity suits your needs and that the appliance will fit in your kitchen. The product title lists a 444 L capacity, a frost-free system, 40 dB and an E energy rating. Check the energy label for annual kWh use and the capacity of each compartment.
Compare appliances of the same type and similar capacity, then look at their annual kWh use, usable capacity and noise levels. According to the European Commission, this information appears on fridge and freezer energy labels. You can also check the model’s details in EPREL.
France Rénov’ says that eco mode can take longer while using less electricity and water. To decide whether the duration suits you, check it alongside the kWh per 100 eco cycles, water use per cycle and capacity shown on the European energy label.
No. The European Commission says that hobs are not required to carry an energy label. An oven’s label shows, among other things, its capacity and energy use per cycle for different cooking modes. For a hob, check the technology, the cooking zones you need and whether your pans are suitable.
First, check that it’s well maintained and that its capacity meets your needs. France Rénov’ recommends regularly dusting and defrosting fridges and freezers. If you’re still considering a replacement, compare the capacity and annual kWh use of similar appliances.
Note down its model number, check its repairability index and ask for a diagnosis based on the fault. In France, the Ministry of the Economy says this index is compulsory for dishwashers. It helps you assess how repairable the appliance is, but it can’t tell you on its own whether your dishwasher can be put back into service.