Fridge freezer energy ratings and running costs explained

How the energy label works

In March 2021 the EU and UK energy labels were rescaled. The old A+, A++ and A+++ grades were scrapped and replaced with a simpler A-to-G scale, deliberately made tougher so there was room at the top for future improvement. The practical upshot catches a lot of people out: a fridge freezer that proudly wore an A+++ sticker a few years ago might now be labelled D or E — not because it got worse, but because the goalposts moved. So don't be alarmed by a D rating; most mainstream fridge freezers today sit somewhere in the D to F band, and A-to-C models are the genuinely frugal premium options.

The label shows more than a letter. The most useful number on it is the annual energy consumption in kWh — the estimated electricity the appliance uses in a year under standard test conditions. That figure is what lets you compare two models fairly and turn the rating into real money.

Calculating the real running cost

Working out the yearly cost is straightforward. Take the annual kWh figure from the energy label and multiply it by your electricity unit rate in pounds per kWh. For example, a fridge freezer rated at 200 kWh a year, on a tariff of around 28p per kWh, costs roughly £56 a year to run (200 × £0.28). A more efficient model using 150 kWh would cost about £42, while a thirstier one at 300 kWh would cost around £84.

That's the whole sum: annual kWh × your unit rate = yearly cost. Across our test, most modern fridge freezers land somewhere between roughly £30 and £80 a year. The differences look small year to year, but remember the appliance lasts ten years or more — so a £20-a-year gap is £200 or more over its life, which is well worth factoring into the purchase decision.

Is paying more for a better rating worth it?

Often, yes — but it depends on the numbers and how long you'll keep the appliance. A more efficient model usually costs more up front, and the question is whether the lower running cost recovers that premium over the years you'll own it. If a model that's £100 dearer saves you £20 a year, it pays for itself in five years and saves money for the rest of its life. If the saving is only a few pounds a year, the premium may never be recouped.

This is exactly why we rate the D-rated LG GBV3100DEP as the pick for cost-conscious buyers: its smart inverter compressor earns the best rating in our comparison, which adds up over a long ownership. By contrast, the F-rated Hotpoint H3T811IOX is cheaper to buy and very roomy, but it will cost a little more each year — a fair trade for a family that prioritises space and up-front price. There's no single right answer; do the sum for your own tariff and timeframe.

How to keep running costs down

Beyond the rating itself, a few habits genuinely lower the bill. Don't buy bigger than you need — cooling empty space is wasted money, so right-sizing (see our size guide) is the simplest saving of all. Set sensible temperatures: around 3 to 5°C for the fridge and −18°C for the freezer is the efficient sweet spot; colder than that just burns energy. Leave clearance around the appliance so it can vent heat, keep the coils at the back free of dust, and check the door seals are intact — a worn seal lets cold leak out and makes the compressor work harder. Finally, let hot food cool before storing it and avoid leaving the door open while you decide what to cook.