Why Don’t Hobs Require Energy Labels in the UK?

1. Difficulties with standardised testing

Energy labelling depends on standardised tests to compare appliances fairly. For hobs – especially induction models – it’s difficult to create a consistent, repeatable test that accurately reflects real-world energy use because:

• Different types and sizes of cookware affect efficiency.
• User behaviour (e.g. heat settings, cooking duration) varies significantly.
• Induction hobs are inherently more efficient, but not in a way that can be easily represented on a standard label.

2. Induction hobs are already highly efficient

Induction hobs are much more efficient than traditional electric or gas options:

• Around 85–90% efficiency, compared to 65–70% for standard electric hobs and 40–55% for gas.

Because of this, UK and EU regulators decided that an energy label wouldn’t offer meaningful comparisons for consumers.

3. Focus on higher-impact appliances

The energy labelling scheme focuses on appliances where energy consumption varies more and has a greater impact, such as:

• Ovens
• Fridges and freezers
• Dishwashers
• Washing machines

These appliances benefit more from energy efficiency labels, as they help consumers make better-informed choices.

Unless regulations change or more accurate test methods are developed, hobs will continue to be excluded from UK energy labelling requirements.