Read an EU energy label by identifying the product category and what the consumption figure measures. A letter rating alone does not describe the appliance’s capacity, operating conditions or suitability for your home.
The European Commission explains that labels show energy information and may include other relevant features such as noise or water consumption. The QR code links to EPREL. Label fields and measurement bases depend on the category.
Start with models that fit the required job and capacity, then record each label’s consumption basis. This gives the rating and energy figure a useful context in the purchase. The exact model identifier also helps connect the label with its product information.
Compare equivalent jobs
Choose products that can do the job you need. Record capacity and the usage assumptions behind the figure before comparing consumption. Compare figures on a common measurement basis within the relevant product category.
Turn the label into questions
| Label element | What to check |
|---|---|
| Category and model | Does this describe the product being sold? |
| Consumption | Per cycle, per stated number of cycles or another basis? |
| Capacity | Does it suit the intended workload? |
| Other fields | Which noise, water or performance information is provided? |
| QR link | Does the official model record match? |
Read the relevant category’s official explanation if an icon is unfamiliar.
Calculate only from stated assumptions
For a hypothetical product using 0.5 kWh per specified cycle, 200 equivalent cycles would use 100 kWh under that calculation. Multiplying by a hypothetical 0.25 currency units per kWh gives 25 units. These are demonstration values, not a product specification or tariff.
Real household use can differ from the label’s test conditions. Use the calculation to compare assumptions, not to guarantee a bill. Retain the model information when making a purchase decision so the label stays connected to the exact product.
Convert a common basis into an example cost
Suppose two fictional labels for comparable products report 50 and 65 kWh per 100 cycles on the same relevant measurement basis. At an assumed 200 cycles, the energy amounts would be 100 and 130 kWh. Using an invented energy price of 0.30 currency units per kWh gives 30 and 39 currency units respectively.
These are demonstration values, not product figures, tariffs or guaranteed operating costs. The calculation holds the cycle count and price assumption constant so the consumption difference can be seen clearly.
Keep the product information with the calculation
Check the exact model, capacity and category-specific label basis. The European Commission’s overview explains the label’s energy information, supplementary parameters and EPREL QR link. The product’s relevant category guidance supplies the details needed to interpret its figures.
A useful comparison sheet keeps purchase price, capacity, energy basis, calculated scenario and other required features separately visible. A larger or differently specified appliance may perform a different household job, so suitability belongs in the comparison before a cost ranking.
Save the original label values with the assumptions. If the expected use or electricity price changes, update that scenario without altering the source figures. This makes the estimate reproducible while keeping the standardised label information distinct from the household’s intended use.
Keep the printed units intact on the comparison sheet. When figures use different bases, record the information needed to put them on a common footing. That leaves a clear next step for completing the calculation while retaining the original label information.
Sources consulted
- Understanding the Energy Label — European Commission; checked 4 November 2026.