It’s worth considering replacing an appliance that still works if a suitable model uses significantly less energy on a like-for-like basis. For a fridge or freezer that runs continuously, compare annual kWh and usable capacity; for a dishwasher or oven, take into account how many cycles you actually run. Keeping your appliance is still an option if the difference in energy use is small, or if the new model offers capacity you don’t need.
If your fridge or freezer runs day and night, compare its energy use with that of an appliance of the same type and similar capacity. ADEME points out that size and usage affect actual energy consumption: an energy rating on its own won’t tell you whether it’s worth replacing.
How often you run a cycle affects whether replacing an appliance makes sense. For a dishwasher, compare the kWh per 100 eco cycles with how often you wash up; for an oven, compare the kWh per cycle using the same cooking mode, based on the information described by the European Commission.
If you’re considering a larger appliance or one with extra features, start with the capacity you actually use and the space available. ADEME notes that an appliance that’s too large, or has unnecessary extras, can increase energy use.
First, compare what your current appliance does with what a potential replacement would offer: the same appliance type, a suitable capacity and energy use measured on a like-for-like basis.
When: If the appliance meets your needs and the difference in energy use compared with a similar model is small, adjusting how you use it may be enough for now.
Bear in mind: You’ll also keep its current energy use, particularly if it runs continuously.
When: If a model with a suitable capacity uses less energy on a like-for-like basis that reflects how you use it.
Bear in mind: A better energy rating alone doesn’t justify choosing a larger model or features you’ll rarely use.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Difference in energy use | Compare the kWh figures for your current appliance and the model you’re considering over the same period, taking your actual usage into account. | If I’m replacing an appliance that still works, I want to know whether the difference in energy use is large enough to make it worthwhile. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this difference. |
| Fridge or freezer capacity | For a fridge or freezer, compare the appliance type, the capacity you need, the dimensions and the stated kWh/year. | My fridge or freezer runs continuously, but I don’t want to increase its capacity unnecessarily. The right capacity and energy use come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| How often you run cycles | For a dishwasher, check the kWh per 100 eco cycles; for an oven, compare the kWh per cycle using the same cooking mode. | If I run the dishwasher often or use the oven regularly, I want to compare the stated energy use with the number of cycles I actually run. Around 20% of consumers prioritise how often they use an appliance. |
| Unnecessary features or capacity | Check the capacity you need, the space available and whether extra features or appliances would be useful. | I’d rather avoid capacity I won’t use or features that don’t make a difference to my daily life. Around 20% of consumers prioritise avoiding unnecessary extras. |
Appliances with different capacities won’t necessarily do the same job. The European Commission says that a dishwasher’s label includes information such as kWh per 100 cycles and capacity, while an oven’s label shows its volume and kWh per cycle.
Compare appliances in the same category with a similar usable capacity, then check the energy figures that matter for the way you use them.
Énergie-Info explains that an electricity bill includes fixed and variable charges. So using less energy won’t automatically reduce every part of your bill.
Start by assessing the difference in kWh based on your habits. Don’t confuse an appliance’s energy use with your entire bill.
According to ADEME, size and unnecessary extras can affect energy use, even in a relatively new appliance.
Measure the space, work out how much capacity you actually use and rule out features that don’t meet a regular need.
The European Commission explains that electric hobs aren’t required to carry an energy label. Comparing their energy rating with an oven’s would lead to a misleading choice.
For a hob, check that it’s suitable for your planned installation and cookware, and that it has the number of cooking zones you need.
Bosch offers refrigeration, laundry and cooking appliances, and its French-language information also encourages repairs.
Electrolux offers products including fridges and freezers, cooking appliances and dishwashers, as well as a spare parts portal.
Beko’s French-language buying guides include advice on choosing a fridge’s capacity to suit your household.
These models suit two different needs: replacing a dishwasher, or choosing a fridge or freezer whose capacity genuinely suits your household. Before deciding, compare the specifications for each exact model with those of your current appliance.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fully integrated dishwasher with room for 14 place settings.
The product title states an energy rating of C; check the label for the exact model to confirm. Also check the dimensions of the appliance and the housing unit, as the stated width for this model varies between listings.
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Consider this if you genuinely need a large amount of fridge and freezer space.
The product title describes a 467 L, four-door Total No Frost model with a stated energy rating of E. Check that the capacity and dimensions suit your needs, then check the kWh/year on the label for the exact model.
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Worth considering if 444 L meets your storage needs without being more capacity than you require.
The product title states an energy rating of E and a noise level of 40 dB. Before comparing it with your current appliance, check the dimensions and annual energy use on the label for the exact model.
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Consider this only if your household uses around 495 L of storage space.
The product title states an energy rating of E. Check the layout and dimensions for the exact model, along with its kWh/year on the energy label. A larger model alone won’t solve high energy use.
Compare energy use on the same basis and take your usage into account. For fridges and freezers with similar capacities, compare kWh/year; for dishwashers, compare kWh per 100 eco cycles; and for ovens, compare kWh per cycle using the same cooking mode. These units appear in the product information described by the European Commission.
No. Also check the stated energy use, capacity and what each appliance can do. ADEME points out that size and usage affect actual energy consumption, so a larger model could change the comparison. For models with energy labels in the European Union, you can check their main specifications in the EPREL database.
Don’t base your choice on an energy rating that hobs aren’t required to have: the European Commission says electric hobs don’t need an energy label. Instead, check that the hob suits your cookware and planned installation, and has the number of cooking zones you need.
No. It depends on the difference in energy use compared with a similar appliance, how often you use it and the capacity you need. As ADEME points out, size and usage affect actual energy consumption. Keeping an appliance that suits your needs may still make sense if its replacement would be too large.