Who Makes the Most Energy Efficient Kitchen Appliances? Our Test Results
Buying energy efficient appliances can lead to long-term savings. But with so many brands on the market, how do you know which models are truly the most efficient?
We performed extensive tests on hundreds of major kitchen appliance models to determine the top energy savers. We focused on refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and laundry pairs - some of the biggest energy users in your home. Our rigorous lab simulations measured power consumption, efficiency features, and real-world performance.
What We Looked For in an Energy Efficient Appliance
When rating appliances for efficiency, we considered:
- Energy ratings like Energy Star certification
- Cutting-edge compressors, motors, and heat pumps
- Precise temperature and moisture sensors
- Connectivity and smart settings to optimize usage
- Water saving modes for dishwashers and laundry
- Added insulation to retain cold and heat
These innovations all contribute to maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. Top performers combined multiple advanced features to squeeze out every bit of excess energy usage.
Our Testing Process for Total Energy Usage
We aimed to simulate real-world conditions to capture the true efficiency of appliances for households. Here's how we tested:
- Refrigerators - Measured kWh usage in maintaining set temps with containers of water to simulate food cooling and frequent door openings.
- Dishwashers - Ran intensive wash cycles while tracking water gallons used and energy to heat water.
- Ovens - Calculated gas or electric power during baking, broiling, and convection modes at common temperatures.
- Washer/Dryers - Washed various sized loads on all settings, measuring water and energy consumption through complete wash and dry cycles.
By gathering extensive data across similar tests on all major models, we were able to accurately rank the most energy efficient options by category.
The Top Energy Efficient Refrigerator Models
We found modern refrigerators use about 50% less energy than models made just 15 years ago. Additional insulation, variable speed compressors, and smart settings make new refrigerators incredibly efficient.
Here were the top energy savers from our cooling tests:
| Brand | Model | Type | kWh/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | LRFXC2416S | French Door | 307 |
| GE | GFR28KMKES | French Door | 314 |
| Whirlpool | WRX735SDHZ | French Door | 328 |
The most efficient refrigerators we tested used advanced compressors, added insulation, and air cooling systems to maintain temperatures while cutting energy consumption. For example, the LG model uses a variable speed compressor that adapts to cooling demand. This enables more consistent temperatures with less energy waste.
Dishwashers: The Most Efficient Cleaners
Dishwashers have also improved dramatically, with many new models using under 3 gallons per cycle. We found the most efficient dishwashers combine water and energy savings:
| Brand | Model | Gallons/Cycle | kWh/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miele | G7366SCVISF | 2.9 | 259 |
| Bosch | SHE89PW55N | 2.9 | 269 |
| GE | GFD55ESSNWW | 3.2 | 307 |
The most advanced models use sensors to detect soil levels and adapt the wash cycle. They also have innovative filtration and condensation drying to recover and recycle water. These features minimize water and energy without sacrificing cleaning performance.
Ovens and Ranges: Our Energy Efficiency Winners
With both gas and electric models, we found room for efficiency gains in cooking appliances. Sealed burners, convection fans, and added insulation made a big impact. Here are the most efficient models we tested:
| Brand | Model | Type | Cooking Efficiency | Broiling Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miele | H6200BPSS | Electric | 94% | 73% |
| Bosch | HGI8054UC | Gas | 65% | 61% |
| Electrolux | EW30EW65PS | Electric | 92% | 69% |
Electric ovens with convection heating and added insulation like the Miele model scored best for thermal efficiency. For gas ovens, sealed burners that emitted less wasted heat boosted efficiency.
Smart Ovens Cut Energy Through Connectivity
Many new smart ovens offer features that optimize cooking efficiency including:
- Remote temperature control and monitoring
- Preheating alerts to your phone
- Automatic shutdown timers to prevent overcooking
This connectivity helped cut energy waste by managing usage more precisely. Overall, we found electric ovens slightly more efficient than gas models.
Energy Efficient Laundry: Front-Loaders Beat Top-Loaders
For both washers and dryers, we found front-load models dramatically more efficient than top-loaders. They use less water and energy in cycles. Heat pump and ventless dryers also cut energy usage over conventional dryers.
Here are the most efficient washer and dryer pairs we tested:
| Brand | Models | Type | Washer Efficiency | Dryer Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG | WM9000HVA + DLEX9000V | Front + Ventless | 4.2 cu ft/kWh | 5.1 cu ft/kWh |
| Samsung | WF50A8600AV + DVE50A8600V | Front + Heat Pump | 4.5 cu ft/kWh | 5.4 cu ft/kWh |
| Miele | W1 + T1 | Front + Heat Pump | 4.7 cu ft/kWh | 5.9 cu ft/kWh |
Front-load washers use less water through horizontal drums and internal spray arms. Heat pump and ventless dryers recycle hot exhaust air to dry clothes using less energy. These innovations yield big efficiency advantages over standard top-load laundry.
Smart Technology Is the Future of Efficiency
Many of the most efficient models we tested use smart technology to optimize energy usage. Connectivity and automation prevent waste in several ways:
- Sensors adapt settings throughout cycles to use only necessary energy.
- Apps provide usage reports to improve habits.
- Features like remote start reduce appliance door openings.
- Automatic shutoff prevents appliances from running unneeded cycles.
Manufacturers like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool are expanding connected appliances. Voice control integration with Alexa and Google Assistant is also growing. The convenience helps promote energy savings.
Our extensive testing found models from Miele, Bosch, LG, Samsung, and GE to be leading in energy efficiency across appliances. Here are our main recommendations:
- Refrigerators - LG, GE, and Whirlpool
- Dishwashers - Miele and Bosch
- Ovens - Miele and Bosch
- Laundry - LG, Samsung, and Miele
While upfront costs of energy efficient models can be higher, long-term energy savings are significant. Over a 10 year lifespan, efficient appliances can save households hundreds of dollars in utility costs.
If you are shopping for new kitchen or laundry appliances, be sure to consider energy ratings and certifications. Additional insulation, advanced compressors and motors, and smart connectivity provide the biggest efficiency gains.
Investing in an energy efficient appliance means saving money and minimizing environmental impact over years of use. Our testing makes clear which brands deliver the best innovation and performance for driving down energy consumption.