If your appliance has broken down, consider whether it can be repaired before buying a replacement. If you do need a new one, first choose a capacity that suits how you use it. Then compare kWh/year and storage volumes for refrigeration appliances, or kWh/100 Eco cycles and place settings for a dishwasher. An energy rating alone isn’t enough to predict how much energy your household will use.
A fridge, fridge freezer or freezer runs continuously, according to ADEME. If you’re replacing yours, work out how much space you need in each compartment before comparing annual energy use and noise levels across models of a similar size.
If you run cycles often, choose a place-setting capacity that suits your usual loads. The European Commission says the energy label includes information such as energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per cycle and the duration of that programme.
A diagnosis can help you decide whether to repair or replace it. In France, the Repair Bonus may be available for eligible work carried out by a QualiRépar-approved repairer. ecosystem notes, among other conditions, that the appliance must be out of warranty and not covered by insurance.
If your appliance has broken down, start by finding out whether it can be repaired. If you’re replacing it, compare models with a capacity suited to how you use them, then check the energy information relevant to that appliance category.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use of refrigeration appliances | Compare kWh/year and capacity in litres across appliances of the same type and similar size. Check the noise level too. | If I regularly store fresh or frozen food, I want enough space without having a large amount of unused capacity all the time. Around 42% of consumers put this refrigeration need first. |
| Dishwasher cycles | For the Eco programme, check kWh/100 cycles, litres/cycle and place-setting capacity. | If I wash dishes frequently, I want a capacity I can usually fill and a programme that suits my routine. Around 33% of consumers make their choice of cycle a priority. |
| Repair before buying | Ask for details of the fault and repair options. For the Repair Bonus, check the warranty, insurance and whether you’ll use a QualiRépar-approved repairer. | If my appliance has broken down, I’d rather find out whether it can be repaired before deciding to replace it. Around 25% of consumers put this possibility first. |
kWh/year for a refrigeration appliance and kWh/100 Eco cycles for a dishwasher describe different types of use. Comparing these figures directly won’t help you choose between the two appliances.
Compare each model with others in the same category, then consider how much storage space you need or how often you wash dishes.
ADEME points out that the size of a refrigeration appliance and having more capacity than you need can affect its energy use. A good energy rating doesn’t tell you whether the extra space will be useful to you.
Work out how much fridge and freezer space you need separately before comparing annual energy use.
According to the European Commission, the energy information on a dishwasher label is based on the Eco programme. It may not reflect your usage as closely if you mainly choose other programmes.
Check how long the Eco programme takes and think about which programmes you’ll actually use.
France’s scheme depends on the appliance, the fault and the terms of the repair. According to ecosystem, an appliance that is still under warranty or covered by insurance isn’t eligible.
Ask a QualiRépar-approved repairer to identify the fault and confirm the relevant conditions before relying on the bonus.
For a dishwasher, Bosch model specifications can help you check the energy rating, water use on the Eco cycle and noise rating.
For a refrigeration appliance, compare the usable capacity and annual energy use of a Beko model with those of appliances that meet the same storage needs.
If you’re considering an integrated Electrolux dishwasher, look at the Eco programme information, capacity and installation requirements together.
These appliances are options if you’re replacing a refrigeration appliance or dishwasher. First choose the appliance type and capacity you need. If your appliance has broken down, consider whether it can be repaired separately.
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Worth considering if you need a large-capacity refrigeration appliance. Check that the space in each compartment suits your needs.
The product name lists an E rating and Total No Frost technology. Check the energy label to compare its annual energy use with similar-capacity models.
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Worth considering if you regularly fill a 14-place-setting dishwasher and have a compatible space for an integrated model.
The product name lists a C rating. Check the installation dimensions and kWh/100 Eco cycles on the energy label before comparing its energy use.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of storage space. Make sure the capacity suits your needs and that you have enough room for the appliance.
The product name lists an E rating. To compare refrigeration appliances, check their energy labels and compare kWh/year alongside their usable capacities.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for plenty of storage space. Check the installation space and how much capacity you really need.
The product name lists an E rating and a noise level of 40 dB. Check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year on the energy label to make a meaningful comparison.
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Worth considering as a replacement for an integrated fridge freezer, provided the cabinet space and installation are compatible.
The product name lists an E rating and TwinTech No Frost technology. Before comparing it with other models, check the energy label for kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment.
No: their energy labels use different measurements. The European Commission lists kWh/year and capacity for refrigeration appliances, but kWh/100 Eco cycles for dishwashers. Compare models in the same category and choose a capacity that suits your needs.
Yes. In France, the Ministry of the Economy says the requirement to display an energy label also applies to online sales of relevant new appliances, including fridges and dishwashers. Check the information for the specific model you’re considering.
You can look into this if the appliance and fault are eligible and the work is carried out by a QualiRépar-approved repairer. According to ecosystem, the appliance must, among other things, be out of warranty and not covered by insurance. A diagnosis can help establish what repair may be needed.
They still provide a common basis for comparing dishwashers, but may not reflect your own cycles as closely. According to the European Commission, the kWh/100 cycles and litres/cycle on the energy label refer to the Eco programme, so take into account which programmes you expect to use.