A fridge freezer can run every hour of every day, while a dishwasher may only run a few times a week. That is why appliance energy ratings are useful, but they are not a simple league table of ‘best’ and ‘worst’. The right rating for your household depends on what the appliance costs to buy, how large it is, how often you will use it and which features you genuinely need.
For households replacing a broken appliance or working to a firm renovation budget, the label can help prevent an expensive mistake. It can also show when paying a little more upfront may make sense over the years ahead.
How appliance energy ratings work
Most major household appliances are sold with a UK energy label. Since the rescaling of labels, the familiar A+++ to D system has been replaced on many product categories by a clearer A to G scale. A is the most efficient class and G is the least efficient.
Do not assume that an appliance previously described as A+++ would automatically be an A on the newer scale. The revised labels are deliberately tougher, leaving room for future improvements in efficiency. A product that earns a C or D rating on the current scale can still be very efficient in real terms.
The label also includes a QR code and product-specific information. The exact details vary by appliance type, but the figures are designed to help you compare like for like. For example, a washing machine label may show energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, capacity, programme duration and spin-drying class. A fridge freezer label shows annual energy consumption, storage volume and noise level.
The key point is simple: compare appliances within the same category, with a similar capacity and format. A large American-style fridge freezer will naturally use more electricity than a compact under-counter model, even if the larger appliance has a better energy class.
Read beyond the coloured scale
The coloured A to G arrow is a useful starting point, especially when you are choosing between otherwise similar models. It should not be the only figure you consider.
Look at the kWh figure
Kilowatt-hours, shown as kWh, tell you how much electricity an appliance is expected to use. Fridges, freezers and wine coolers usually show kWh per year because they run continuously. Washing machines, washer dryers and dishwashers tend to show kWh per 100 cycles, based on a specified eco programme.
This figure is often more helpful than the letter rating alone. Two appliances can share the same energy class but have noticeably different consumption because one is larger or has a different capacity. If you are comparing two 60cm dishwashers with similar place settings, the model with the lower kWh per 100 cycles should generally cost less to run.
To estimate the electricity cost, multiply the kWh figure by your tariff rate. If a fridge freezer uses 180kWh a year and your electricity costs 30p per kWh, the estimated annual electricity cost is around £54. Your actual bill will vary with your tariff, room temperature, settings and how the appliance is used, but this gives you a sensible comparison point.
Check capacity before deciding
An efficient appliance that is too small can be a false economy. A family of five may need a larger washing machine drum or full-size dishwasher to avoid running extra cycles. A smaller model with a slightly better rating may then use more energy across the week.
The same applies to refrigeration. Buying a tall fridge freezer with far more space than you need costs more to run, but cramming a small model can make it harder for air to circulate and may lead to more frequent shopping and food waste. Choose a capacity that suits your household first, then compare appliance energy ratings among models of a similar size.
Notice water use and programme times
For washing machines and dishwashers, water consumption matters as well as electricity use. The label normally gives litres per cycle, allowing you to compare similar-capacity models. This can be particularly useful for busy households running several loads each week.
Eco programmes can take longer than standard programmes. That is normal. They often use less water and energy by washing at lower temperatures or using a longer soak period. If you need a quick wash for the school uniform or a last-minute dinner load, a fast programme is handy, but it is unlikely to be the most economical option for everyday use.
Which appliances make the biggest difference?
Refrigeration deserves close attention because it is always switched on. The energy difference between two similarly sized fridge freezers can add up over a long ownership period. Think about the layout as well: a frost-free freezer is convenient, but it may use more energy than a comparable manual-defrost model. For many households, the time saved is worth that trade-off.
Tumble dryers are another category where running costs can vary sharply. Heat pump tumble dryers typically use much less electricity than condenser or vented dryers, although they can cost more to buy and programmes may take longer. If you dry laundry frequently, a heat pump model can be worth serious consideration. If it is only used occasionally, a lower purchase price may matter more.
Washer dryers offer a practical answer where there is no room for separate appliances. However, their drying capacity is usually lower than their wash capacity, so a full wash load may need to be split before drying. They are ideal for some flats and smaller homes, but a separate washing machine and tumble dryer may work better for a large family with regular laundry loads.
Dishwashers can be economical when used well. Wait until the machine is reasonably full, use the eco programme where practical and avoid rinsing every item under a hot tap first. A 45cm slimline dishwasher is a good space-saving choice for one or two people, while a 60cm full-size model can be more efficient per place setting for a larger household.
A better rating is not always the best-value buy
A higher-rated appliance usually costs less to run, but the upfront price difference matters. Consider two similarly sized washing machines: one may be £100 cheaper but use enough extra electricity and water that the saving disappears over several years. Another may cost considerably more, yet only deliver modest savings for a household that does two loads a week.
This is where a value-led approach pays off. Rather than chasing the highest letter available, compare the purchase price, expected energy use, warranty or cover offered, capacity and features. A discounted new, graded or ex-display appliance with a sensible rating can be a stronger value choice than a full-price model with a marginally better label.
When considering graded or ex-display stock, check the exact model number and its energy label rather than relying on a similar-looking product. Cosmetic grading does not change an appliance’s designed energy performance, but specifications can differ between model variants. If you are unsure, ask for help before ordering.
Get the savings you have paid for
Even an efficient appliance can waste energy if it is installed or used poorly. Leave the recommended ventilation space around refrigeration appliances, keep door seals clean and do not place a fridge freezer next to a radiator, cooker or sunny window where possible. Let hot food cool before placing it in the fridge, and check that the temperature settings are not colder than needed.
For laundry, wash full loads without overfilling, choose lower temperatures for everyday clothes when suitable and clean the washing machine filter as recommended. With tumble dryers, clear the lint filter after every use. If you have a heat pump model, follow the instructions for cleaning filters and the condenser area so airflow is not restricted.
For dishwashers, use dishwasher salt and rinse aid where required for your water hardness, clean the filters and make sure spray arms can turn freely. Small maintenance jobs protect performance and can help an appliance last longer.
The label helps, but your household decides
Appliance energy ratings make it easier to compare running costs without needing to become an appliance expert. Start with the right size and installation type for your home, then compare the energy figures, water use, noise level and purchase price between suitable models. If two options still look close, choosing the one that fits how your household actually cooks, washes and stores food is usually the better decision - and our sales team are here to help you weigh up the practical details before you buy.
