If you’ve been shopping for a new washing machine recently, you may have noticed something surprising — very few models are rated A.
Instead, most machines now fall into the B, C or even D categories. At first glance, that can feel like a step backwards. But in reality, it’s the opposite.
Here’s what’s really going on.
Why did energy ratings change?
The EU introduced a new energy labelling system in 2021 to make ratings clearer and more meaningful.
Previously, most appliances were rated A+, A++ or A+++. Over time, this became confusing — nearly every machine looked “efficient,” making it difficult to compare products properly.
The new system resets everything back to a simple A–G scale:
- A = most efficient
- G = least efficient
However, the key detail is this: the new scale is much stricter.
Why are so many washing machines rated C or D?
Because the bar has been raised significantly.
A washing machine that would have been rated A+++ under the old system may now fall into a B, C or even D category under the new one.
So while it might look like machines are less efficient, they’re not — the standards have simply changed.
Is a C-rated washing machine still good?
Absolutely, yes — and this is where many people get caught out.
C-rated washing machines today are still considered energy efficient. In fact, for most households, they represents an excellent balance between performance, price and running costs.
Only a small number of machines currently achieve an A rating, and they tend to come at a higher price point.
What actually affects the energy rating?
Energy ratings are based on several factors, including:
- Electricity usage per cycle
- Water consumption
- Programme efficiency (especially eco modes)
- Load capacity
Most ratings are calculated using the Eco 40-60 programme, which is designed to minimise energy use — even if it takes longer to run.
Should you only buy A-rated?
Not necessarily.
While A-rated machines are the most efficient, they are often more expensive upfront. For many households, a B or C-rated model offers better overall value.
Instead of focusing only on the letter, it’s worth considering:
- How often you use your machine
- Your typical load size
- The features you actually need
The bottom line
The new energy labels haven’t made washing machines worse — they’ve made the ratings more honest.
So if you’re seeing more C-rated machines than you expected, don’t worry. You’re still looking at modern, efficient appliances — just measured on a much tougher scale.