Understanding the EU Energy Label for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

Since March 2021, commercial refrigeration equipment has featured a new EU energy label with a scale from A to G – the familiar plus classes like A+++ are a thing of the past. For caterers, the label is much more than a mandatory sticker: for devices that run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the efficiency class determines several thousand euros in operating costs. This guide explains what the label shows, how to read it correctly, and why careful scrutiny before every purchase pays off.

Why the Energy Label is Mandatory for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

With EU Regulation 2019/2018, a labelling obligation has applied since 1 March 2021 for commercial refrigeration equipment with a direct sales function – this includes refrigerated display cabinets, beverage refrigerators with glass doors and ice cream display cabinets. For commercial storage refrigeration and freezer units, there has been a specific labelling obligation since 2016. Retailers must display the label on the device and in the online shop, and manufacturers must register their devices in the European product database. Important to know: storage refrigerators and sales devices are classified according to different measurement procedures. The classes are therefore only directly comparable within the same device group – a storage refrigerator with class C and a refrigerated display cabinet with class C do not automatically consume the same amount. An overview of all device types can be found in our category Refrigeration Technology.

The New Scale from A to G – The End of A+++

The old scale with A+, A++ and A+++ was barely meaningful for buyers because almost all devices crowded into the top classes. The EU therefore significantly tightened the classification and switched to a clear scale from A to G. Class A was deliberately defined strictly: it remains largely unoccupied initially, giving manufacturers an incentive for more efficient new developments. A device in class C or D under the new scale can therefore correspond to the previous A++ level. So don’t be deterred by seemingly poor letters – what counts is the comparison within the current scale and the specific annual consumption.

What the Label Shows in Detail

The EU energy label provides the most important technical data at a glance:

• Energy efficiency class (A–G): Classification based on the energy efficiency index, colour-coded from green to red.
• Annual energy consumption in kWh/annum: The key value for your calculations – measured under standardized conditions.
• Usable volume in litres: For refrigeration and freezer units separated by temperature ranges, and for display cabinets supplemented by sales or exhibition area.
• Temperature range and climate class: Indications of the operational and ambient conditions for which the device is designed.
• QR code: Directs straight to the full product datasheet in the EPREL database.

The EPREL Database: All Product Data at a Glance

Behind the QR code on the label is the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL). Every manufacturer must register their devices with a complete datasheet here before they may be sold in the EU. For you as the buyer, this is a practical tool: you can neutrally compare consumption values, usable volume and climate class of different models without relying on brochure claims. Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone or search the database for the model designation.

Calculation Example: Class C versus Class G in Continuous Operation

How much the efficiency class matters is shown by a simple calculation using the example of a beverage refrigerator with glass door, as found in our category Glass Door Refrigerators. An efficient model in class C consumes around 450 kWh per year, a simple device in class G quickly reaches 1,400 kWh – both run around the clock in catering operations. At an electricity price of €0.35 per kWh, this means: about €158 in annual electricity costs for the class C device versus around €490 for the class G device. The difference of over €330 per year adds up to more than €3,300 over a typical service life of ten years – significantly more than the premium for the more efficient device in most cases. Deciding on a cooling technology purchase solely based on the purchase price is therefore almost always a mistake.

Climate Class and Ambient Temperature – An Underestimated Factor

The climate class specifies up to which ambient temperature the device reliably maintains its cooling performance and indicated consumption. In commercial devices, three classes are especially relevant: climate class 3 (up to 25 °C ambient temperature), climate class 4 (up to 30 °C) and climate class 5 (up to 40 °C). If a stainless steel refrigerator is located in a hot kitchen right next to the stove and fryer, climate class 5 is the right choice. A device with climate class 3 would be permanently struggling against the heat there: consumption rises noticeably above the label value, the internal temperature fluctuates and the compressor wears out faster. The best efficiency class is of little use if the climate class does not suit the installation location.

What to Look for When Purchasing

• kWh/year instead of just a letter: Compare the specific annual consumption – there can be significant differences within a class.
• Put usable volume in relation: A large device in class D can be more efficient per litre of usable volume than a small one in class C.
• Climate class matching the location: Kitchen, counter or air-conditioned storage room present completely different requirements.
• Check refrigerant: Modern devices with natural refrigerant R290 are particularly efficient and future-proof.
• Calculate total costs: Purchase price plus ten years’ electricity costs give the true comparison value.

Additional levers for low electricity costs – from installation to maintenance – are summarised in our guide Energy Efficiency in the Commercial Kitchen.

Conclusion

The EU energy label finally makes commercial refrigeration equipment transparently comparable: efficiency class, annual consumption, usable volume and climate class are clearly stated at a glance, and the EPREL database provides all details. Those who include annual consumption in their calculations and select the climate class suitable for the installation site can quickly save a four-figure sum over the device’s lifecycle. Unsure which efficiency and climate class is sensible for your operation? We gladly advise you personally at +49 6724 2069393.