Tips for Choosing Energy-Efficient Home Appliances in the Kitchen
In the heart of every Australian home, the kitchen is a hub of energy consumption, with appliances accounting for around 40% of energy usage in households. Among these appliances, fridges and freezers are the most energy-hungry, accounting for approximately 8% of an average home's energy use.
Energy-Efficient Fridges
The most energy-efficient fridge model in Australia as of August 2025 is the Hisense 417L Bottom Mount Refrigerator, which boasts an 8-star energy rating and an estimated 10-year running cost of about $911.73. [1]
In contrast, less efficient fridges—such as older or larger models—typically consume significantly more energy annually. For example, average fridges with larger capacity (600-700L) consume about 494 kWh per year, while smaller ones (300-400L) use around 321 kWh per year. [3]
The difference in operating costs over time between the most efficient Hisense model and a typical less efficient model can be on the order of several hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on electricity rates and fridge size. [1][3]
Energy-Efficient Dishwashers
Specific models with the highest and lowest energy efficiency ratings for dishwashers in Australia were not detailed in the search results. However, generally, Energy Star-rated dishwashers can vary widely in energy consumption depending on their cycle efficiency and technology used. [2]
Tips for Energy Savings in Kitchen Appliances
- Fridges and Freezers: Avoid overfilling your fridge as cool air still needs to circulate. [2] Also, minimizing the number of times an oven door is opened can save energy. [2] Ideally, a fridge's temperature should be set to 3°C and the freezer to -18°C. [2]
- Dishwashers: Using the eco mode function can save energy, provided a good-quality detergent is used. [2] Replacing broken seals on ovens that let heat escape can save energy. [2] Waiting until a dishwasher is full before running it can save on water. [2]
- Ovens: Preheating an oven only when necessary can save energy. [2] Baking or roasting on multiple trays can save on time and energy in an oven. [2]
- Other Appliances: Switching off kitchen appliances such as kettles, toasters, and coffee machines at the power point when not in use can save energy, although it may not lead to significant energy savings. [2] Using an induction-compatible kettle to boil water on an induction cooktop has similar running costs to an electric kettle. [2]
Energy-Efficient Appliance Models
- Most Energy-Efficient Fridge: Hisense 417L Bottom Mount Refrigerator [1]
- Typical Less Efficient Fridge: (3-5 stars approx.) Estimated $1,350+ [3]
- Most Energy-Efficient Standard-Sized Dishwasher: Asko DB1343ID.S.AU dishwasher [2]
- Most Energy-Hungry Dishwasher over 10 Years: Model with running costs of $2107 [2]
- Least Energy-Hungry Dishwasher over 10 Years: Model with running costs of $605 [2]
[1] Source: Canstar Blue [2] Source: Energy Rating website [3] Source: Canstar Blue, Australia's average electricity price (~30 c/kWh)
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