Your Guide to Fridge Energy Rating and How to Slash Your Power Bills
The fridge energy rating is a label that indicates a refrigerator's energy efficiency. It is usually graded from A to G, with A consuming less energy and G the most. This means that in your kitchen, the fridge rating is one of the most crucial numbers. In an average household, the fridge or fridge freezer usually runs 24/7, 365 days a year. This means your fridge rating determines the amount of electricity you consume in a year. Owning a fridge with a higher rating will add on your average energy bills every year without you noticing.
This guide looks at how fridge energy ratings work in the current UK labelling system. It also focuses on which fridge freezer energy rating you should prioritise, and how pairing your appliances with home solar storage can make your kitchen substantially cheaper to run.
Understanding the New UK and EU Energy Label System
Note: The EU Energy Labelling Regulation governs energy ratings for fridge freezers. Always refer to the European Commission website for any changes to this law and for up-to-date information.
The current standardized classification, A to G, replaced the old A+, A++, and A+++ classifications in 2021. In the old system, it was difficult for buyers to truly understand the energy ratings of the appliances because they all had an A-rating. Now, models that were rated A+++ have an energy rating of C or D in the current label system. So, if you buy an A energy rated fridge freezer, you know it’s A-rated because of its power consumption.
The current label displays:
Annual energy consumption in kWh
A QR code linking to the EU EPREL product database
A colour-coded letter from A (dark green, most efficient) to G (red, least efficient)
A noise rating in decibels
Comparing Performance: What is the Best Energy Rating for a Fridge Freezer?
What is the best energy rating for a fridge freezer? Under the current A to G scale, A is the highest possible fridge rating. They are the most efficient for buyers. However, the A-class are more expensive and sometimes difficult to find. For an average household, B-rated are the second best when it comes to efficiency, and slightly affordable.
If you want to compare energy ratings for fridge freezers, look at the annual kWh figure alongside the letter. This is important because, A C-rated large fridge freezer may consume more energy per year than a D-rated compact model because of its size. For a typical 300-350 litre fridge freezer, use these figures as a benchmark:
Energy rating A fridge freezer: Approximately 100—110 kWh per year
B-rated: Approximately 150–200 kWh per year
C-rated: Approximately 200–250 kWh per year
D-rated: Approximately 250–310 kWh per year
In the UK, the current average electricity price is around 24.67p per kWh in 2026.
Note: In the UK, the current average electricity price is around 24.67p per kWh in 2026. This figure is subject to change. Always check on Ofgem energy price cap updates for the most updated information.
This means if you upgrade from a D-rated fridge freezer to a B-rated of a similar size, you could save £25 to £36 per year. And if you aggregate this figure across the 10-15 year span of most fridges, the difference is substantial.
Is Energy Rating E Good for a Fridge Freezer?
Is energy rating E good for a fridge freezer? E is below average efficiency compared to ratings A to D above it. Although it’s more efficient than F- and G-rated models. Your E-rated fridge will cost more to run than those with A, B, C, and D ratings.
And, if you still have an appliance with the old fridge freezer energy rating A, A+, or A++ system, it may be rated E or F in the current system. However, this doesn’t mean its efficiency has changed. It means that the benchmark has changed. So, if your fridge freezer is more than a decade old and sits at E or below, it is likely to pay for itself in a few years. Because it consumes more electricity and may have parts that need replacing.
If you are in the market looking for new appliances, where possible avoid the ones with E, F, and G ratings.
Finding the Efficiency Sweet Spot
Fridge freezer energy ratings of A, B, or C are the sweet spot for most UK households because they provide a balance between upfront price, running costs, and availability. An A energy rating fridge freezer is the gold standard. However, they come with a higher initial purchase cost.
When looking for the best energy rated fridge freezer, look for models that have the modern A to G energy rating. Avoid those still running on the legacy A+++ labels. The current rating system gives you a clear picture of what to expect when it comes to annual running costs.
EcoFlow Solutions to Offset Your Fridge Energy Costs
No matter which fridge you own, you will still have to pay for electricity. This is a fact and doesn’t matter even if you own an appliance with the best fridge freezer energy ratings. Using solar energy you generate and store at home to partially run your fridge could save you hundreds of pounds per year. Here are the two recommended Ecoflow products:
1. EcoFlow STREAM Ultra X Home Solar Battery
The EcoFlow STREAM Ultra X is a 3.84kWh all-in-one home solar battery. It is built around LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry. It has a rated cycle life of 6,000 cycles to 70% capacity and a 10-year warranty. EcoFlow STREAM Ultra X Home Solar Battery is built to deliver roughly 15 years of reliable use.
If you own a B-rated fridge freezer that consumes about 175kWh per year, it means that it’s using 0.48kWh per day. The STREAM Ultra X’s battery capacity of 3.84kWh can store sufficient energy to keep your fridge running for several days. So, shifting your energy rated fridge freezer from the grid to self-generated solar energy, you can reduce running costs towards near zero, especially during peak solar months. Depending on your energy usage and tariff, you can save up to £1,729.
2. EcoFlow STREAM All-in-One Home Storage Kit
If you want to run your whole household purely on solar, the EcoFlow STREAM All-in-One Home Storage Kit is the more comprehensive solution. This bundle includes:
1 × STREAM Ultra X (3.84kWh), which is the primary inverter and battery unit
2 × STREAM Pro, which are additional storage expansion batteries
2 × FREE Parallel Cables, which provide seamless parallel connection
These three units are connected in parallel to create an AI-managed home energy network that produces a combined output of up to 2,300 on grid. The setup handles, comfortably, simultaneous draws from appliances, such as washing machines, electric cookers, and your energy rated fridge freezer at the same time. This kit is your scalable route to genuine energy independence.
Practical Tips to Optimise Your Energy Ratings for Fridges
Selecting the best fridge energy rating is the foundation for energy efficiency. Other crucial factors that impact fridge performance include placement, maintenance, and usage habits.
1. Strategic Placement and Airflow
Place your fridge 5 to 10cm from walls to keep ventilation grilles clear. Don’t place it next to an oven or in direct sunlight. Ambient heat from these sources forces the compressor to cycle more often, increasing energy draw regardless of the labelled fridge energy rating.
Maintenance for Maximum Efficiency
Defrost regularly to prevent ice build-up on freezer coils that insulates them, making the compressor work harder
Check door seals by closing the door on a piece of paper, if it slides out easily, the seal needs replacing
Set correct temperatures which are 0–5°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer as recommended by the Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Clean condenser coils annually to maintain heat dissipation and protect your fridge energy rating performance in practice
Smart Usage Habits
When using your fridge, don’t place hot food, let it cool first. Also, maintain the fridge at full capacity because the thermal mass can help sustain temperature between compressor cycles. If you are using the EcoFlow STREAM system, schedule battery charging during peak solar generation and ensure your fridge draws from stored energy instead of the electric grid in the evenings.
Future-Proofing Your Kitchen Efficiency With Modern Technology
A strong fridge energy rating is one piece of a larger home efficiency strategy. The current A to G label system gives you a clearer picture of running costs than the old A+++ system. A B- or C-rated models are the most effective for most buyers because they balance initial purchase costs and running costs. D- to G-rated appliances consume more energy than A,B, or C, and the annual energy cost difference is significant.
Selecting the best energy rating for fridge freezer requires careful balancing of the initial purchase costs, units availability, and the long-term energy savings the appliance delivers. Controlling your source of power is where freedom is. Pairing your appliances with EcoFlow’s advanced STREAM series solar solutions, you can decouple your home from rising grid costs. It will also ensure your home appliances run on clean, self-generated energy. EcoFlow provides you with the technology to turn your efficiency goals into long-term savings. Check out our full range of smart energy solutions on our official website or visit our official shopping platform to find the perfect solar kit to power your future-proof kitchen.
Fridge Energy Rating Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best energy rating for a fridge freezer to look for in the UK?
What is the best energy rating for a fridge freezer? From the current rating system, A is the best fridge energy rating, while G is the worst. However, for most buyers, the best energy rating fridge freezer is B because they provide a balance between initial purchase costs and running costs.
Is energy rating E good for a fridge freezer under the new system?
Is energy rating E good for a fridge freezer? No, under the current labeling system, E is below average and will cost more to run than A, B,C, or D. If your fridge has been reclassified from A+ system label to E, try comparing running costs against a newer model to determine if replacement makes financial sense.
How much can I save with a better fridge energy rating?
If you upgrade from D-rated to B-rated on a similar sized fridge freezer, you could save about £25 to £36 per year at current UK electricity rates. You can further reduce the cost of running your freezer by combining it with a home solar storage system to near zero during the sunniest months of the year. To know how much energy you consume, check out our energy bill calculator article for more information.