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 history. For caterers, the label is much more than a mandatory sticker: for equipment running 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 a close look before every purchase pays off.
Why the energy label is mandatory for commercial refrigeration equipment
Since 1 March 2021, EU Regulation 2019/2018 mandates labelling for commercial refrigeration units with direct sales function – this includes refrigerated display cabinets, beverage refrigeration units with glass doors, and ice cream display cabinets. A specific labelling requirement for commercial storage refrigerators and freezers has existed since 2016. Dealers must display the label on the unit and online shop; manufacturers must register their equipment in the European product database. Important to know: Storage refrigerators and sales equipment are classified using different measurement methods. Therefore, classes are only directly comparable within the same equipment group – a storage refrigerator classed C and a refrigerated display cabinet classed C do not automatically consume the same amount of energy. An overview of all equipment types can be found in our category Refrigeration Technology.
The new scale A to G – the end of A+++
The old scale with A+, A++, and A+++ was barely meaningful for buyers because almost all devices clustered in the top classes. The EU has therefore tightened the classification significantly and switched to a clear scale from A to G. Class A was deliberately defined strictly: it initially remains largely unoccupied to provide manufacturers with an incentive for more efficient new developments. A device of class C or D on the new scale can therefore correspond roughly to the previous A++ level. Don't be deterred by seemingly poor letters – the crucial factor 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 calculation – measured under standardised conditions.
- Usable volume in litres: For refrigerators and freezers separated by temperature zones, for display cabinets additionally with sales or display area.
- Temperature range and climate class: Information about the operating and ambient conditions for which the unit is designed.
- QR code: Directs you 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). There, every manufacturer must register their equipment with a complete datasheet before it can be sold in the EU. For you as a buyer, this is a practical tool: you can neutrally compare consumption values, usable volume, and climate class of different models without relying on brochure information. Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone or search the database by model number.
Calculation example: Class C versus Class G in continuous operation
How strongly the efficiency class affects costs is shown by a simple calculation for a beverage refrigeration unit with glass door, as you can find it in our category Glass Door Refrigerators. An efficient model of class C consumes about 450 kWh per year, a simple device of class G reaches quickly about 1,400 kWh – both run in catering operation around the clock. At an electricity price of 0.35 Euro per kWh, this means roughly 158 Euro electricity costs per year for the C device versus about 490 Euro for the G device. The difference of over 330 Euro per year adds up to more than 3,300 Euro over a typical usage period of ten years – significantly more than the surcharge for the more efficient device in most cases. Deciding the purchase solely by the purchase price is therefore almost always a mistake in refrigeration technology.
Climate class and ambient temperature – an underestimated factor
The climate class indicates up to which ambient temperature the device reliably maintains its cooling performance and specified consumption. For commercial units, three classes are particularly 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 standing in a hot kitchen right next to stove and fryer, climate class 5 is the right choice. A device of climate class 3 would permanently struggle against the heat: consumption rises noticeably above the label value, internal temperature fluctuates, and the compressor wears out faster. The best efficiency class helps little if the climate class does not fit the installation location.
What to look out for when buying
- kWh/year instead of just letter: Compare the specific annual consumption – there are considerable differences within a class.
- Put usable volume into perspective: A large device of class D can be more efficient per litre usable volume than a small class C device.
- Climate class matching installation location: Kitchen, counter or climate-controlled storage room impose completely different requirements.
- Check refrigerant: Modern devices with natural refrigerant R290 operate particularly efficiently and future-proof.
- Calculate total costs: Purchase price plus ten years electricity costs yield the honest comparison value.
Other levers for low energy costs – from installation through maintenance – are summarised in the 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, the EPREL database provides all details. Those who include annual consumption in their calculations and choose the climate class according to the installation location quickly save a four-figure amount over the lifetime of a unit. Unsure which efficiency and climate class makes sense for your operation? We will be happy to advise you personally at +49 6724 2069393.
Related Guides
Last updated on 2 September 2026.