Don’t replace an appliance just because a new model has a better energy rating. First, check the condition and maintenance of the appliance you own, and whether it can be repaired. If replacing it makes sense, compare appliances with a suitable capacity using the right energy label figures, then consider how you actually use them and the installation requirements.
Your appliance still works or may be repairable, and you want to compare maintenance, repair and replacement. ADEME points out that a fault doesn’t necessarily mean the whole appliance needs replacing.
You want to choose a capacity that suits your needs, read the annual energy use shown on the label and check the installation requirements.
You’re replacing a washing machine or dishwasher and want to compare the energy use shown with the usable capacity, programmes and how often you run a cycle.
ADEME recommends using the energy label to help guide your choice. The European Commission states annual energy use in kWh for fridges, while washing machines and dishwashers show kWh per 100 reference cycles.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Replace or repair | Appliance condition and maintenance, plus a diagnosis and quote if it has developed a fault; measured energy use, if possible. | If your appliance still works or seems repairable, you want to compare the diagnosis and cost before making a new purchase. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the choice between keeping, repairing or replacing an appliance. |
| Fridge capacity and energy use | kWh/year, compartment capacity in litres and dimensions that fit the available space. | If you’re replacing your fridge, you want a suitable capacity without losing sight of annual energy use. Around 27% of consumers put fridge capacity and energy use first. |
| Washing machine load and cycles | kWh/100 cycles, capacity in kg and reference programme; also check the applicable index. | If laundry is your priority, you want to match the capacity and cycles to your usual loads. Around 20% of consumers focus first on washing machine capacity and energy use. |
| Dishwasher place settings and cycles | kWh/100 Eco cycles, number of place settings, water use per cycle and installation compatibility. | When comparing dishwashers, you want a capacity suited to the amount of washing-up you usually have and comparable energy figures. Around 20% of consumers prioritise place settings and dishwasher cycles. |
The label describes a new model under reference conditions. It doesn’t show how it compares with your appliance or how much energy it will use in your home.
Compare appliances with a relevant capacity and use. To estimate the impact of a change in your home, make your assumptions clear or use suitable measurements.
The kWh/100 cycles figure is based on a reference programme. Your loads and the programmes you use may be different.
Check the capacity in kg or place settings, and compare figures on the same basis before considering how often you’ll use the appliance.
The fault may be caused by a repairable component, so replacement isn’t the only option to consider.
Ask for a diagnosis and a quote, then compare the repair with the replacement you’re considering.
The specifications below relate to specific models. They don’t allow conclusions to be drawn about an entire range or your household’s energy use.
Worth considering for a freestanding dishwasher, particularly the SMS4ECI28F.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a front-loading washing machine, such as the F94V41WH, and its capacity suits your expected loads.
Worth considering for a freestanding fridge freezer, particularly the B1RCNA344W.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a 9 kg front-loading washing machine, such as the FFSP9269WFR.
The models featured include fridge freezers, washing machines and dishwashers. Compare each type using the relevant energy label figures, and check the capacity and installation requirements.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for an integrated dishwasher with a capacity that suits your needs.
14 place settings; C rating. Check that the housing and installation are suitable.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with a total capacity that suits your storage needs.
355 L total capacity; C rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions before choosing.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a 14-place-setting integrated dishwasher and want to consider its energy rating.
14 place settings; A rating. Check that it’s suitable for your kitchen’s built-in installation.
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Worth comparing if a 9 kg capacity suits the laundry loads you expect to wash.
A rating; 9 kg; 1 600 tr/min; connected. Check what’s needed to use the connected features.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with a total capacity that meets your storage needs.
333 L; C rating. Check the dimensions and clearance needed for installation.
No, these figures are based on different measures. The European Commission states reference annual energy use for refrigeration appliances and energy use per 100 reference cycles for washing appliances. To relate the latter to your use, consider how many cycles you expect to run, but don’t confuse this with a measurement of your household’s consumption.
Ask for a diagnosis and a quote, then compare the repair with the replacement you’re considering. ADEME says a Repair Bonus may be deducted from the bill when an eligible appliance is repaired by a certified professional. Check that both your appliance and the repairer meet the requirements.
For the washing machines concerned, the durability index replaced the repairability index on 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. Dishwashers remain among the product categories covered by the repairability index. These indices provide information that is separate from energy use.
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. It is exercised through the seller, according to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. The DGCCRF also points out that, under the “one for one” principle, the seller must take back an equivalent old appliance free of charge when you buy a new one. Ask the seller how this applies to your purchase.