First, compare each appliance’s water consumption with that of similar models in the same category and with a suitable capacity. Then take into account how many cycles you actually run. Replacing a specific appliance may be worthwhile if the difference is significant and you use it frequently. If your appliances still work but are often run with partial loads, changing how you use them is a good first step. Figures on energy labels are based on reference programmes, not every cycle you run at home.
If you do laundry often, compare washing machines by their water consumption per Eco 40-60 cycle, while keeping the size of your usual loads in mind. A larger drum is only useful if you can make the most of it without running lots of small loads.
If you run regular cycles, it’s worth checking the litres per eco cycle and the place-setting capacity. Make sure the appliance will fit your kitchen, too, and that you can wait until it’s sufficiently full before running it.
Before replacing a machine, take note of how often you run partial loads or pre-rinse dishes. This will help you work out what comes down to your habits and what a suitably sized appliance might change.
To choose between laundry, dishes and changing your habits, start with your main need, then compare appliances within their own category.
| Your priority | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent laundry | Litres per Eco 40-60 cycle for washing machines with a suitable capacity; programme duration. | When one wash follows another, I want to reduce water use without choosing a drum that’s too large for my loads. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this laundry-related need. |
| Frequent dishwashing | Litres per eco cycle, place-setting capacity and installation compatibility. | If the dishwasher runs often, its consumption matters to me, but I also need to be able to fill it sufficiently. Around 29% of consumers prioritise reducing the water used for dishwashing cycles. |
| Which appliance to replace first | Difference in litres per cycle compared with a similar model, considered alongside the actual number of cycles for each appliance. | With two appliances at home, I’d rather identify which replacement could make the biggest difference to my water use before making a decision. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this targeted approach. |
| Putting off a purchase | How often you run partial loads, whether you can use the eco programme and your pre-rinsing habits. | My machines still work, so I want to see first whether fuller loads and stopping pre-rinsing will meet my needs. Around 21% of consumers prioritise changing how they use their appliances. |
ADEME points out that consumption varies by model and programme. For European energy labels, the reference programme for washing machines is Eco 40-60, while for dishwashers it is the eco programme with the appliance loaded to capacity. Their litres-per-cycle figures therefore don’t represent the same service. Compare models separately within each category before considering how the differences relate to how often you use them.
The reference programmes and loads are different. On its own, the per-cycle figure doesn’t tell you which appliance offers the greatest potential savings for your household.
Compare each appliance with replacements in the same category, then consider the differences alongside the number of cycles you actually run over the same period.
A larger drum or basket will only help you avoid extra cycles if your usual loads make good use of its capacity.
Before opting for a larger capacity, check how many kilograms or place settings you need, as well as the appliance’s dimensions and installation type.
ADEME advises against pre-rinsing dishes, recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full and suggests loading the washing machine sufficiently without packing clothes in too tightly.
Try these steps while you compare appliances to better understand the impact of your habits and whether replacing an appliance could make a difference.
A feature specific to a model doesn’t replace its water-consumption figure for the reference programme, and it won’t necessarily tell you how much water all its cycles use.
Check the label for the exact variant, its capacity and the programme the stated consumption figure relates to.
For comparing washing machines using the Eco 40-60 energy-label figures for the model you’re considering.
For assessing a dishwasher in light of its eco programme and installation requirements.
For a built-in dishwasher project, taking into account the space available and your usual loads.
For considering a specific washing machine’s weighted water consumption, capacity and Eco 40-60 duration together.
This table-top dishwasher may be worth considering if you’re looking for a 6-place-setting model for your kitchen. To assess its water efficiency, check the ECO programme’s consumption figure for the variant on offer and compare its capacity with your usual loads.
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Worth considering if a 6-place-setting table-top appliance suits your dishwashing needs and the space available.
The product name lists 7 programmes, a digital display and a stated noise level of 47 dB. Check the dimensions and connection requirements before buying. Also confirm which programme and measurement conditions the stated 6,5 l per wash relate to before comparing this figure with an energy-label value.
No. These figures relate to different reference loads and programmes: Eco 40-60 for washing machines and the eco programme with the dishwasher loaded to capacity. First compare models within each category, then consider how often you actually run cycles to decide which replacement to look into.
Yes, if the duration works for you. ADEME recommends the eco programme to reduce water and electricity use. Its longer duration doesn’t mean that the stated water-consumption figure applies to other programmes.
If your appliances still work but you often run partial cycles or pre-rinse dishes, start by changing these habits. Wait until the dishwasher is sufficiently full and load the washing machine without packing the drum too tightly, then reconsider whether replacing an appliance would be worthwhile.
Choose a capacity that suits the amount of laundry you usually wash. Then compare the litres per Eco 40-60 cycle for models with a suitable capacity. A larger drum won’t by itself reduce the number of cycles if your loads are still small.