Guide
Wine fridge energy labels explained
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In short
The UK energy label for a wine storage appliance shows an efficiency class from A to G, the annual energy use in kWh, the capacity in standard 75 cl bottles and the noise in dB with a noise class. Since the 2021 rescaling, many decent wine fridges sit in classes F or G. To compare fairly, look at kWh per year for models of similar bottle capacity rather than the letter alone.
Products for this job
Compare all 6 productsSeverin KS 9894: 33 bottles, 39 dB, under-counter
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Shopping for a wine fridge can be confusing when a well-known model shows a G on its energy label while a cheap drinks fridge shows an E. The label is useful, but only if you know how to read it. This guide explains each part of the UK label for wine storage appliances, why low class letters are common, how to compare models of different sizes, and how noise is shown. It also points out what the label does not tell you, such as how a fridge performs in a warm room. Label details are set by regulation and may change, so check the current label on the model you are considering.
What is on the label
Older listings may still show the pre-2021 scale with classes such as A+ or A, which are not comparable with the current letters. The Liebherr and Severin titles in our buying guide show examples of both.
- Efficiency class (A to G): based on how the measured energy use compares with a reference for that type and size of appliance.
- Annual energy consumption (kWh per year): measured under standard lab conditions.
- Capacity in bottles: the number of standard 75 cl bottles the maker declares.
- Noise (dB) and noise class (A to D): airborne noise measured under standard conditions.
- QR code: links to the product's entry in the product database with more technical detail.
Why many good wine fridges are F or G
In 2021 the UK and EU rescaled fridge labels so that A is very hard to reach, leaving room for future improvement. Wine coolers were placed on the same type of scale. Because wine fridges have glass doors, lighting and relatively small volumes, many end up in the lower classes even when their annual energy use is modest.
A G-rated wine fridge using 140 kWh a year can cost less to run than a large food fridge with a better letter. The letter tells you how efficient the design is for its size, not how much electricity it will use in your home.
How to compare models fairly
- 1
Group the models you are considering by bottle capacity on the label.
- 2
Within each group, compare the kWh per year figure. Lower is cheaper to run.
- 3
Divide kWh per year by the bottle capacity to compare across sizes. For example, 140 kWh for 33 bottles is about 4.2 kWh per bottle per year.
- 4
Check the noise figure in dB if the fridge will be in a living space.
- 5
Check the climate class on the rating plate covers your room temperatures; the label does not show it.
Reading the noise figure
Noise is shown in dB with a class from A (quietest) to D. Many compressor wine fridges fall in the high 30s to low 40s dB. A difference of 3 dB is noticeable, and 10 dB sounds roughly twice as loud. For an open-plan kitchen or lounge, the noise figure can matter more than the efficiency class. Our quiet wine fridge guide compares stated dB figures, and our noise article explains common sounds.
What the label does not tell you
Bottle counts on the label assume slim Bordeaux bottles. Our article on how many bottles a wine fridge holds explains why the real count is often lower.
| Not on the label | Why it matters | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Climate class (SN, N, ST, T) | Room temperatures it can cope with | Rating plate and manual |
| Temperature range | Whether it can chill whites and sparkling | Listing and manual |
| Venting position | Whether it can be built in | Installation section of the manual |
| Zone split | Bottles per zone in dual-zone models | Specification sheet |
| Real-world use in a warm room | Running cost in summer | Not published; expect higher than the label |
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a class A wine fridge? Very few wine coolers reach the top classes on the current scale. Focus on kWh per year instead.
Is an old A+ label better than a new F? Not necessarily. They are different scales and cannot be compared directly.
Do drinks fridges use the same label? Many do, but check whether the label is for a wine storage appliance or a general refrigerating appliance.
Where can I find more detail? Scan the QR code on the label, which links to the product database entry. See also our running cost guide.
What you need
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Severin KS 9894: 39 dB, 33 bottles