You'll see the colourful A–G energy label on every washing machine, dishwasher, fridge and TV — but it changed a few years ago, and reading it correctly can save you money. Here's what it's actually telling you.
What changed
In 2021 the EU rescaled the labels back to a simple A–G and retired the old A+, A++ and A+++ ratings. The scale was made tougher, so a product that was once “A+++” may now sit at C or D — even though it hasn't got any less efficient. The goal was to make room at the top again and give clearer comparisons.
How to read it
- The A–G rating: green A is most efficient, red G least. Very few products reach A under the new scale — a B or C is often excellent.
- Annual energy use (kWh): the figure to compare like-for-like running costs.
- Other icons: water use per cycle, capacity, spin-class and noise (dB) on washing machines; water and place settings on dishwashers.
- The QR code: scan it to see official EU database details for that exact model.
What to look for when buying
- Compare the kWh per year figure, not just the letter.
- Balance efficiency against capacity — the right size for your household matters too.
- For frequently-used appliances, a better rating pays back over time.
Final thoughts
Don't be put off that today's A is rare — use the kWh figure and the QR code to compare properly. Browse efficient eco washing machines and eco dishwashers online, or ask in any of our 60+ stores.
