There are two types of Australians: those who peel the energy rating sticker off a new appliance immediately, and those who leave it there for years like a tiny badge of domestic honour. After a viral video sparked a very Australian debate about whether those bright yellow stickers are meant to stay or go, we started thinking: if you’re going to leave one proudly displayed on your fridge, washing machine or dryer, it may as well be a good one that is energy efficient, and more importantly, that saves you money.
Top EOFY appliances to shop this June
Australians are paying more for energy, here’s where to save
If your electricity bill seems to climb every winter, you’re not imagining it. As temperatures drop, heaters, dryers and hot water systems work harder, while shorter days mean lights stay on for longer. The result? Higher household energy use and, often, a noticeable jump in your quarterly bill.
While simple habits like switching off unused appliances and taking shorter showers can certainly help, one of the biggest opportunities to reduce your long-term running costs is upgrading the appliances you use every day. Modern energy-efficient models are designed to use less electricity (and, in many cases, less water) without compromising on performance, helping to lower household energy consumption over the life of the appliance.
The biggest savings usually come from replacing appliances that run frequently or continuously. Think fridges that never switch off, dryers that work overtime during winter, washing machines tackling multiple loads each week and dishwashers that have become part of the nightly routine. Even small improvements in efficiency can add up over years of everyday use.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best energy-efficient appliances available in Australia across the categories that have the greatest impact on household energy use.
Which appliance should you replace first?
| Priority | Appliance | Why it matters | Potential savings |
| ❗❗❗❗❗ | Heat pump dryer | Traditional vented dryers are among the biggest household energy users. | High |
| ❗❗❗❗❗ | Fridge | Runs 24 hours a day, every day. | High |
| ❗❗❗❗ | Reverse-cycle air conditioner | Heating and cooling make up a large share of household energy use. | High |
| ❗❗❗ | Washing machine | Efficient front loaders use less water and electricity. | Medium |
| ❗❗❗ | Dishwasher | Eco cycles reduce both water and power use. | Medium |
| ❗❗ | Oven | Used less frequently, so savings are smaller. | Low |
Best energy-efficient dryers
If there’s one appliance that can make a noticeable difference to your household energy use, it’s your dryer. Traditional vented dryers are among the most energy-hungry appliances in the home, particularly during winter when they’re used more frequently and clothes take longer to dry naturally. Upgrading to a modern heat pump dryer can significantly reduce electricity consumption by recycling warm air instead of constantly generating new heat.
While heat pump dryers typically cost more upfront, their lower running costs can help offset the initial investment over time, especially for busy families who rely on their dryer several times a week. Many newer models also include sensor drying technology, which automatically stops the cycle when clothes are dry, helping to avoid unnecessary energy use while being gentler on your laundry.
01
Bosch Series 8 Heat Pump Dryer (8kg)
$1,863 (RRP $2,499) at Appliances Online
Best for: small homes and busy lifestyles
A lot of heat pump dryers have one point of contention: you have to manually scrape wet fluff out of the lower heat exchanger block to preserve energy efficiency. Bosch solves this problem entirely with their Series 8 Heat Pump Dryer, as it features a clever self-cleaning condenser system that automatically harvests water from your damp clothing to aggressively flush the internal unit clean several times per cycle.
Key features:
- 10-star energy rating
- Self-cleaning condenser system
- Anti-vibration sidewalls
Keep in mind: The 8kg capacity is ideal for couples and most families, but larger households washing bulky bedding or multiple loads a day may find a 9kg model more practical. Like most heat pump dryers, drying cycles can take longer than traditional vented dryers—but the trade-off is significantly lower energy consumption over time.
Also available at: Bing Lee, The Good Guys
02
Samsung Bespoke AI Dryer (9kg)
$1,999 (+ up to $200 off with trade-in) at Samsung
Best for: smart homes & delicate fabrics
If you’re looking for a dryer that’s as stylish as it is energy efficient, Samsung’s Bespoke AI Heat Pump Dryer ticks both boxes. Its sleek flat-front design, crisp white finish and tempered glass door give it a built-in look that blends beautifully into contemporary laundries, making it an ideal choice for anyone planning a seamless cabinetry fit-out.
Key features:
- 9-star energy rating
- AI Dry technology
- Silent Dry mode
- Hygiene Care+ cycle
Keep in mind: While the 9-star energy rating and AI features help keep running costs low, this is a premium appliance with a higher upfront price. It’s best suited to busy households that dry laundry regularly, where the long-term energy savings are more likely to offset the initial investment.
Also available at: The Good Guys, Appliances Online
Best energy-efficient fridges
Unlike most household appliances, your fridge never gets a day off.
Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it’s one of the biggest contributors to your home’s ongoing electricity use, which also makes it one of the smartest appliances to upgrade.
Today’s energy-efficient fridges are designed with features such as inverter compressors, improved insulation and clever cooling systems that help maintain a consistent temperature while using less power.
03
Haier 433L Bottom Mount Fridge Satina
$691, (usually $799) Bing Lee
Best for: small families and everyday households
If you’re after a fridge that balances energy efficiency, thoughtful storage and everyday practicality without a premium price tag, the Haier 433L Bottom Mount Fridge is a standout. Its generous 433L capacity comfortably suits couples and small-to-medium families, while the eye-level fridge compartment makes everyday essentials easier to reach.
Keep in mind: While the 433L capacity is ideal for most households, larger families or keen entertainers may find themselves needing additional fridge space and could be better suited to a 500L+ model.
Key features:
- 5-star energy rating
- 255kWh
- Multi-Zone Air cooling
- Humidity Zone™ drawer
- Super Freeze
Also available at: The Good Guys, Appliances Online
04
Hisense 417L Bottom Mount Refrigerator
$799, The Good Guys
Best for: budget-conscious families
If you’re looking for a family-friendly fridge that delivers reliable performance without the premium price tag, the Hisense 417L Bottom Mount Refrigerator is well worth considering. Its bottom-mount design keeps fresh food at eye level for easier everyday access, while the sleek PureFlat finish gives it a built-in look that suits modern kitchens. Powered by durable inverter technology, it helps maintain a consistent internal temperature while using less energy than conventional compressors, making it a smart choice for households looking to keep running costs in check.
Key features:
- 4.5-star energy rating
- 417L capacity
- Durable inverter technology
- Multi Air Flow system
- PureFlat design
- Holiday mode, Super Cool and Super Freeze functions
Keep in mind: If energy efficiency is your top priority, Hisense also offers newer Eco Vision models with significantly higher energy ratings, albeit at a higher purchase price.
Also available at: Appliances Online, Bing Lee
Best energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners
Heating and cooling account for a significant portion of the average Australian household’s energy use, making your air conditioner one of the most important appliances to get right.
Reverse-cycle split systems are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling options available, offering year-round comfort while helping keep running costs under control. When comparing models, look for high energy star ratings and choose a unit that’s appropriately sized for your space.
05
Daikin US7 & Cora Series
$$1,010 at Wholesale Airconditioning
Best for: year-round comfort with low running costs
The Daikin Cora 2.5kW Reverse Cycle Split System has earned a loyal following for its impressive balance of energy efficiency, quiet performance and year-round comfort. Designed to heat and cool smaller rooms with minimal energy use, it combines inverter technology with environmentally friendlier R32 refrigerant to deliver consistent temperatures without constantly cycling on and off. Its understated design blends seamlessly into modern homes, while its reputation for reliability makes it a smart long-term investment.
Key features:
- 5.5-star cooling and 6-star heating energy ratings
- 2.5kW cooling and 3.2kW heating capacity
- Inverter technology
- Whisper-quiet operation
- R32 refrigerant
- Powerful Operation mode
Keep in mind: If you’re heating or cooling a large open-plan living area, a higher-capacity unit will provide better comfort and operate more efficiently than an undersized system running continuously.
06
Mitsubishi Electric 2.5kW MSZ-AP Series
$1,172 at Appliances Online
Best for: bedrooms, apartments and smaller living areas where quiet, energy-efficient comfort is a priority
If you’re looking for a split system that delivers reliable year-round comfort without driving up your power bill, the Mitsubishi Electric 2.5kW MSZ-AP Series is an excellent choice. Designed for single rooms and compact homes, it pairs advanced inverter technology with an efficient R32 refrigerant to maintain a comfortable temperature while using less energy. Its streamlined, minimalist design also blends effortlessly into modern interiors, while whisper-quiet operation makes it particularly well suited to bedrooms, nurseries and home offices.
Key features:
- 5.5-star cooling energy rating
- Advanced inverter technology
- Reverse-cycle heating and cooling
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Dual Barrier Coating
- Night Mode
Keep in mind: If you’re heating or cooling a large open-plan living area, a higher-capacity unit will provide better comfort and operate more efficiently than an undersized system running continuously.
Best energy efficient washing machines
A modern front-load washing machine can help reduce both your electricity and water bills without compromising on cleaning performance. Compared with many older models, today’s machines use smart sensors, efficient motors and Eco programs to tailor each cycle to the size of the load, helping you save energy every time you wash.
07
Electrolux UltimateCare
$993 at Bing Lee
Best for: busy families who want premium fabric care with lower running costs
The Electrolux UltimateCare 700 9kg Front Load Washer is packed with clever technology designed to make laundry day easier while helping reduce energy and water use. Its 5-star energy rating and 4.5-star WELS water rating make it an efficient choice for everyday washing, while features like UltraMix technology, SensorWash and SmartSelect work together to optimise each cycle. The result is a thorough clean that’s gentler on fabrics and more economical to run—ideal for households tackling multiple loads each week.
Key features:
- 5-star energy rating
- 9kg capacity
- 4.5-star WELS water rating
- UltraMix technology
- SensorWash and SmartSelect
- Vapour Refresh and Sanitise cycles
- Reload function
Keep in mind: While the 9kg drum is a great all-round size for most households, larger families washing bulky doonas or several loads a day may benefit from stepping up to a 10kg or 12kg model. Likewise, if smart connectivity or steam refresh cycles are high on your wishlist, you may need to look at Bosch’s higher-end Series 6 or Series 8 ranges.
Also available at: The Good Guys
08
Bosch 8kg Front Load Washer
$899 at The Good Guys
Best for: Reliable, energy-efficient family laundry
The Bosch 8kg Front Load Washer is proof that you don’t need all the bells and whistles to get an exceptional wash. With a practical 8kg capacity, it’s perfectly suited to families and busy households, while Bosch’s renowned engineering ensures quiet, dependable performance for years to come.
Key features:
- 4.5-star energy rating
- 8kg capacity
- EcoSilence Drive™ motor
- ActiveWater Plus
- SpeedPerfect
- Reload function
Keep in mind: While the 8kg capacity is a great fit for most families, it may be more washing machine than smaller households need. If you only wash a few loads a week, a smaller 7kg or 8kg model with a similar energy rating could be a more economical choice both upfront and over its lifetime.
Also available at: Appliances Online, The Good Guys
Best energy-efficient dishwashers
Believe it or not, a modern dishwasher can often use less water than washing dishes by hand—especially when run on an Eco cycle.
Today’s most efficient models combine impressive energy and water ratings with clever features like load sensors and delayed start timers, making them an easy way to cut household running costs while taking one more chore off your plate.
09
Bosch Series 6 Freestanding Dishwasher
$1,299 (usually $1599) at JB HI-FI
Best for: busy families looking for a quiet, water-efficient dishwasher
The Bosch Series 6 15-Place Setting Freestanding Dishwasher is designed to take the hassle out of daily clean-ups while helping keep household water and energy use in check. With room for up to 15 place settings, it’s ideal for larger families or anyone who prefers to run fewer loads each week. Quiet enough to run overnight and packed with smart features like Home Connect and ExtraDry, it’s a premium appliance that balances performance with efficiency.
Key features:
- 4-star energy rating
- 15-place setting capacity
- ExtraDry function
- Home Connect Wi-Fi
- Silence Plus
- Rackmatic adjustable upper basket and AquaStop Plus anti-flood protection
Keep in mind: Its generous 15-place setting capacity is fantastic for busy households, but it may be more dishwasher than couples or smaller homes need. If you rarely fill a full load, a compact model may be a more economical choice both in terms of upfront cost and everyday use.
Also available at: The Good Guys, Appliances Online
10
Miele G 5000 SCU Built-Under Dishwasher
$1,799 at The Good Guys
Best for: premium kitchens that prioritise efficiency and longevity
The Miele G 5000 SCU Built-Under Dishwasher is designed for homeowners who see their appliances as a long-term investment. Combining Miele’s renowned build quality with clever EcoPower technology, it delivers exceptional cleaning performance while using less water and energy. With space for 14 place settings, quiet operation and practical features like QuickPowerWash, it’s a premium dishwasher that makes everyday clean-up feel effortless.
Key features:
- 4-star energy rating
- EcoPower technology
- QuickPowerWash
- 14-place setting capacity
- Comfort basket design
- Quiet 46dB operation
Keep in mind: Miele appliances are built to last, but that longevity comes with a higher upfront price. If you’re furnishing your first home or sticking to a tighter renovation budget, there are more affordable dishwashers that offer similar energy ratings, although they may not match Miele’s premium build quality or reputation for durability.
Also available at: Appliances Online, Bing Lee
Best energy efficient ovens
While ovens don’t carry Australia’s familiar Energy Rating Label, there are still plenty of features that can help reduce energy use in the kitchen. Look for models with fan-forced cooking, rapid preheat functions and well-insulated cavities, which cook food more evenly and efficiently.
If convenience is high on your wishlist, pyrolytic self-cleaning ovens can also save hours of scrubbing—though the cleaning cycle is best used sparingly due to its higher energy consumption.
12
Fisher & Paykel Series 7 Contemporary Pyrolytic
$1,999 at The Good Guys
Best for: passionate home cooks who want premium features and effortless clean-up
The Fisher & Paykel Series 7 60cm Pyrolytic Oven is designed for those who love spending time in the kitchen without spending hours cleaning it afterwards. Its spacious 72L usable capacity, AeroTech™ cooking technology and ActiveVent™ moisture control work together to deliver consistently even cooking results, while the pyrolytic self-cleaning function takes care of baked-on grease and food residue with the touch of a button.
Key features:
- A+ energy rating
- 72L usable capacity (85L total)
- Pyrolytic self-cleaning
- AeroTech™ technology
- ActiveVent™ system
- Nine cooking functions
- Rapid preheat
- CoolTouch triple-glazed door
Keep in mind: Pyrolytic ovens use a high-temperature cleaning cycle, which consumes more electricity than wiping down the oven after each use. However, because the function is only needed occasionally, many home cooks find the convenience well worth it. If you rarely use your oven, a standard multifunction model may offer better value.
Also available at: Bing Lee
12
Bosch Series 8 60cm Pyrolytic Oven
$1,799 at The Good Guys
Best for: home cooks who want premium performance with minimal effort
The Bosch Series 8 60cm Pyrolytic Oven takes the guesswork out of cooking while helping make clean-up almost effortless. With a generous 71L capacity, smart cooking assistance and a built-in Air Fry function, it’s designed for busy households that love to cook from scratch. The standout feature is its pyrolytic self-cleaning mode, which burns away grease and food residue at high temperatures, leaving behind only a small amount of ash to wipe away.
Key features:
- A+ energy rating
- Pyrolytic self-cleaning
- 71L capacity
- Air Fry function
- 14 cooking functions
- Home Connect
- TFT Touch Display with Digital Control Ring
Keep in mind: Unlike fridges and washing machines, ovens don’t carry Australia’s familiar star energy rating label. While this model is designed to be efficient for its size, pyrolytic cleaning cycles use more electricity than standard operation, so they’re best reserved for occasional deep cleans rather than frequent use.
Also available at: Bing Lee
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