The appliance energy label explained: reading, comparing, calculating

Why the label changed

The old label had filled up from the top: almost all appliances showed A+, A++ or A+++, and the difference was no longer visible. The European Union therefore reset the scale with a A-to-G scale, deliberately demanding: at launch, class A was almost empty, leaving room for progress in the years ahead.

The practical consequence is simple: never compare a letter from the old scale with a letter from the new one. A class C washing machine or a class D fridge today are good appliances. And the progress is real: according to the European Commission, an average fridge-freezer sold consumed 477 kWh a year in 1990, 181 kWh in 2020, and should fall to around 114 kWh by 2030.

Which scale for which appliance in 2026?

Good to know: since 1 July 2025, EU ecodesign rules only allow the sale of heat-pump tumble dryers heat pump. Older resistance-based condenser models have disappeared from new stock.

Reading a fridge label

1. The scale from A (most efficient) to G.
2. The class of the appliance.
3. Annual energy consumption in kWh ： the figure to use when calculating the cost.
4. Freezer volume in litres (absent if the appliance has no freezer section).
5. Fridge volume in litres.
6. Noise in dB(A), with a class from A (quietest) to D.

The QR code at the top right opens the model's record in the EPREL database. The full record also gives the climate class (the room temperature in which the appliance operates correctly), essential if you're considering a garage. Our advice on this is in the fridge buying guide.

Reading a washing machine label (and a dishwasher label)

1. The scale from A to G.
2. The class of the appliance.
3. Consumption in kWh per 100 cycles of the Eco 40-60 programme.
4. Rated capacity in kg.
5. The spin efficiency class (A to G): the higher it is, the drier the laundry comes out.
6. The duration of the Eco 40-60 programme at full load.
7. Water consumption per cycle, in litres.
8. Spin noise in dB(A), with its class from A to D.

The Eco programme takes a long time (often more than 3 hours), and that is normal: it heats the water less and makes up for it with time. The dishwasher follows the same logic: class, kWh per 100 Eco cycles, number of place settings, litres per cycle, duration and noise. The tumble dryer adds a condensation efficiency class. A 10 dB difference is perceived as a noise roughly twice as loud. To choose your machine, see the washing machine guide.

Ovens and hoods: still the old label

For an oven, you read the energy source (1), the A+++ to D scale (2), the class (3), the cavity volume (4) and the consumption per cycle in conventional heat (5) and fan-assisted heat (6). Most recent ovens are rated A or A+: the difference between two models is small, so choose first on features (see our oven guide). For a cooker hood, the label shows annual consumption and classes for extraction, lighting and grease filtration.

Converting kWh into euros

The calculation is simple:

• Refrigeration : annual cost = kWh per year × price per kWh.
• Washing and dishwashing : annual cost = (kWh per 100 cycles ÷ 100) × number of cycles per year × price per kWh.

What price per kWh? We use €0.35 per kWh including VAT as a ballpark figure. It is consistent with the reference rates published by the CREG for Q4 2026 (around €0.32 in Flanders, €0.37 in Brussels and €0.38 in Wallonia). Your actual price depends on your supplier, your contract, your Region and the capacity tariff in Flanders: for an accurate calculation, use the price per kWh on your bill.

Ballpark figures calculated at €0.35 per kWh, not precise models. For a given appliance, check its label or EPREL record.

Two lessons: the refrigeration runs 24 hours a day, so that is where the class pays off most over 13 years; and replacing a very old fridge or an old resistance dryer can save more than €100 a year.

The EPREL database: the checking tool

EPREL (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) is the EU's public database where every manufacturer must register its labelled appliances. To use it:

1. Scan the QR code on the label with your mobile, or search for the exact model reference on the European Commission's EPREL website.
2. Download the official label and the product information sheet.
3. Compare kWh, noise, dimensions, climate class (fridges) or programme duration (washing machines).

It is also the tool our sales staff use to check a figure when a product sheet is incomplete.

Comparing in store: a few examples

Public prices checked on nimestore.com on 15 October 2026. The product sheet takes precedence; Nimesclub members often get a reduced price. At Samsung and Haier, a letter in the reference corresponds to the energy class: always check the label.

For TVs, the label works a little differently: see our page on television energy consumption.

A few models to compare in store

Fridge-freezer SAMSUNG RB38C7B6AS9€1,799.00Samsung RB34C705CB1 Fridge-Freezer€742.00Combined fridge freezer BOSCH KGN36NLEA€645.00Built-in fridge BOSCH KIR81NSE0€1,079.00American & Multi-Door Fridge Freezer HAIER HSR3918ENPG€691.00Chest freezer LIEBHERR CFD2085-26€1,099.00Built-in oven SAMSUNG NV7B41307AB€679.00Cooker hood BOSCH DWK87FN60€799.00

Frequently asked questions