How we calculate the consumption score

Where the values come from

All values come from the EU database EPREL (European Commission). Manufacturers and importers enter them there for the energy label; they are manufacturer figures that we do not change. Retailers and prices never affect the score.

Weights and scales

Each value gets 0 to 10 points on a fixed scale: the value under “10 points” and anything better gives 10, the value under “0 points” and anything weaker gives 0, with points rising evenly in between. The score is the weighted average of the points, rounded to one decimal. Larger appliances may use more: we therefore count energy and water per kg of capacity or per place setting.

Washing machines

Dishwashers

Energy class: A = 10, B = 8, C = 6, D = 4, E = 2, F and G = 0 points.

Why these weights

• 87% of washing machines are energy class A, so the class hardly differentiates. Consumption per kg shows the differences, so it counts most (40%).
• Dishwasher classes range from A to F, so the class counts more (30%).
• Dishwashers often run in the evening or at night, so noise counts 25%.
• We leave out the manufacturer guarantee: almost all give 24 months, so it does not differentiate.

What the score does not say

• It says nothing about repairability, spare parts or durability.
• The values apply to the eco programme under standard conditions; consumption at home may differ.
• If values with more than 20% weight in total are missing, we give no score.
• We do not test devices ourselves or award test verdicts.

Offers and order

The lists are sorted by score or value, never by commission. The “Only with offers” switch hides devices but does not change the order. For links to shops we earn a commission if you buy (marked as ad).

Lists by consumption

• The most efficient washing machines
• The most efficient dishwashers
• The quietest dishwashers
• Washing machines that use little water

Updates

We reload EPREL every week and then recalculate the scores. Values as of 10 November 2026.