Appliances · Buying guide
Since 1 July 2025, tumble dryers in the EU use the rescaled A–G label. The letter is only the start: compare the actual kWh per 100 Eco cycles, capacity, programme time, noise and condensation efficiency.
What changed
The new label replaced the old A+++–D scale with A–G. The European Commission states that the new label has been the required display in shops and online since 1 July 2025. Ecodesign rules applying from the same date also push new dryers placed on the EU market toward the more efficient heat-pump technology.
The six fields worth comparing
FieldWhat it meansHow to use itA–G classOverall energy-efficiency class.Useful as a filter, but not enough on its own.kWh / 100 cyclesWeighted average energy consumption for 100 Eco cycles.The easiest number for comparing expected running energy between models.CondensationHow effectively moisture is condensed into water.A stronger class can matter when the dryer sits in an enclosed room.NoiseAirborne noise level and class during the Eco programme.Important in kitchens, hallways or open-plan homes.CapacityMaximum Eco-programme load in kg.Match it to your washer and your real laundry loads.TimeEco programme duration at full load.Shows part of the trade-off between efficiency and speed.
Why kWh/100 cycles is more useful than the letter
Two models can sit close together in class while still having different absolute consumption. If you dry frequently, the kWh/100-cycle gap adds up. For a rough household estimate, multiply the label figure by the number of hundreds of cycles you expect to run each year, then by your own electricity price.
Price-neutral example: if one dryer shows 85 kWh/100 cycles and another 105 kWh/100 cycles, the gap is 20 kWh for every 100 drying cycles. The money difference depends on your tariff and usage.
Do not compare Eco numbers with a quick programme
The label values are determined using the Eco programme. A different programme may be faster, gentler for certain fabrics or simply more convenient, but you should not expect the same energy and duration figures.
Check the exact model in EPREL
The QR code on the energy label links to the EU's EPREL database, where you can check the official product information for that exact model. This is useful when a retailer page is incomplete or still shows an outdated label image.
Two practical ways to cut drying energy
- Use the highest suitable washer spin speed: removing water mechanically is much more efficient than evaporating it in the dryer.
- Untangle laundry and avoid overloading so air can circulate through the load.
Bottom line: when buying in 2026, compare kWh/100 cycles first, then capacity, programme time, noise and condensation. The A–G letter is a convenient shortcut; the underlying numbers are more useful for your actual home.
