In brief
There is no definitive EU energy label for commercial coffee machines yet, but regulations are evolving rapidly. The stricter standby regulation (EU 2023/826) has been in effect since May 2025, and the ESPR regulation will expand the scope of the rules in the coming years.
- The Standby Regulation sets maximum power-off times and standby limits for coffee machines in offices and households.
- The ESPR (Regulation 2024/1781) allows for the imposition of ecodesign requirements on virtually all physical products on the EU market, including professional coffee machines.
- Start using energy consumption as a selection criterion now when purchasing, leasing, or renewing contracts.
- Ask suppliers to specify the standby power consumption in watts and the annual energy consumption in kWh per machine.
There is a great deal of uncertainty among facility managers and purchasers regarding the 2026 EU energy label for coffee machines. The regulations are evolving, but no definitive energy label specifically for professional coffee machines has yet been established. However, the stricter standby regulation (EU 2023/826) has been in effect since May 2025, and the ESPR regulation (short for Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the new European framework for sustainability requirements for products) will expand the scope in the coming years. Below, you can read which machines are affected, what changes for your replacement policy and TCO, and how to align your procurement strategy accordingly.
EU requirements currently in effect for coffee machines
The basis for this is Regulation (EU) 2023/826, which will replace the older standby regulations (801/2013) as of May 9, 2025. This regulation sets maximum shutdown times and standby power consumption limits for household and office equipment, including coffee machines. Filter coffee makers with an insulated carafe must automatically shut off within five minutes after the last brewing cycle. Fully automatic machines are allowed a maximum delay of thirty minutes.
Running in parallel is the ESPR (Regulation 2024/1781), which entered into force in July 2024 and is gradually replacing the old Ecodesign Directive. The 2025–2030 work plan focuses initially on steel, textiles, furniture, and mattresses. Household appliances and professional cooking equipment are covered by ongoing processes from the previous work plan, with a transition period until December 31, 2026.
Coffee machines that will soon be subject to stricter requirements
The current Standby Directive focuses on devices intended for the consumer market. Professional coffee machines for offices, the hospitality industry, and healthcare facilities are not automatically covered by it. However, the ESPR makes it possible to impose EU ecodesign requirements on virtually all physical products on the EU market, regardless of whether they are intended for domestic or professional use.
Once professional coffee machines are included as a product group, manufacturers must register their models in the EPREL database (the European Product Register for Energy Labels). Buyers can then directly compare energy consumption using the A to G energy label. Industry organizations such as ECOS (European Environmental Citizens Organisation for Standardisation, a European environmental organization focused on product standards) are actively advocating for the inclusion of professional coffee machines within that scope. As a result, an energy label for professional coffee machines is more a matter of “when” than “if.”
Check with your supplier to see if the machines you lease or rent already meet the standby requirements of EU Regulation 2023/826. Be sure to ask specifically about the standby power consumption in watts and the automatic shutdown time.
Impact on TCO and replacement policy
Energy consumption is an often-overlooked component of the total cost of ownership (TCO, the total cost of a product over its entire lifespan) of a coffee machine. A professional machine that remains on standby for ten to twelve hours a day consumes hundreds of kilowatt-hours per year just to keep the coffee warm. With rising energy rates, that difference adds up significantly over a contract period of three to five years.
A practical rule of thumb: take the listed annual consumption in kWh, multiply it by your current kWh rate, and add that amount to the total contract cost. Compare suppliers based on that total cost rather than just the monthly rate. This will quickly rule out appliances without smart energy management features.
How leasing and rental companies are adapting
Leasing companies are updating their fleets with more energy-efficient models. When renewing a contract, it is advisable to include a clause that refers to the applicable EU ecodesign requirements.
Be sure to include at least these two points in an addendum:
- The requirement that the machine supplied complies with Regulation (EU) 2023/826.
- An agreement that, in the event of interim tightening under the ESPR, the supplier will offer an upgrade without any additional obligations.
Also check existing service contracts for a clause regarding compliance with current regulations. If one is missing, arrange for an addendum to be added by the next renewal date.
Practical Procurement Checklist for 2026
A facility manager who puts the coffee contract out to tender again in 2026 would be wise to include energy consumption as a criterion in the request for proposals. This will result in a shortlist of suppliers who demonstrably meet current requirements and are prepared for future stricter standards under the ESPR.
The 2026 EU energy label for coffee machines is not yet a reality for professional machines, but the direction is clear. Those who already systematically factor energy consumption into their purchasing and replacement decisions will avoid surprises once the European Commission further expands the scope.
Frequently Asked Questions About EU Energy Labels for Coffee Makers
Which coffee machines are subject to the new requirements?
The Standby Regulation (EU) 2023/826 applies to household and office equipment. Professional coffee machines for the hospitality industry and high-volume use are not directly covered by it, but the ESPR extends the scope to virtually all products on the EU market.
How do I factor energy consumption into my TCO calculation?
Energy consumption is becoming a more significant factor in the TCO. Ask suppliers to provide your annual consumption in kWh based on your usage pattern. This way, you can compare not only the contract rate but also the total actual consumption over the entire contract period.
When will the new EU energy labels for coffee machines take effect?
No definitive energy label has yet been established for commercial coffee machines. The revised Standby Regulation (EU 2023/826) has been in effect since May 9, 2025. The ESPR allows for product-specific requirements to be introduced in the coming years, but an exact date has not yet been confirmed.
