How We Research

Every appliance covered on GretaMichaud is evaluated using our
6-Point Efficiency Analysis Framework — a methodology based on manufacturer specifications,
government energy data, and published electricity rates, not in-house lab testing. We don’t own
a testing lab, and we don’t claim to.

The 6-Point Framework

1. Energy draw analysis — manufacturer-published kWh/cycle or kWh/year specs,
   cross-checked against ENERGY STAR or DOE figures where available
2. Running cost projection — annualised cost calculated using EIA state-level
   average electricity rates (cited and dated)
3. Payback period analysis — break-even calculation vs. category average,
   shown as a worked formula with illustrative numbers you can re-run with your own rate
4. Head-to-head efficiency comparison — specs compared against category
   peers using the same sourced figures, never a proprietary “tested” score
5. Owner-reported patterns — where we cite real-world performance notes, we
   pull them from a representative sample of verified buyer reviews and report the actual
   frequency (e.g. “4 of 50 reviews mentioned X”), not an isolated complaint presented as fact
6. 5-year ownership cost — purchase price + projected running cost, combined

Our Independence Policy

We earn through affiliate links on products we recommend, but our comparisons are never
influenced by brand relationships — a product that scores poorly on the numbers gets published
that way regardless. In my years comparing appliance running costs, I’ve found the biggest
efficiency gaps are rarely the ones brands advertise loudest.

Last methodology review: November 2026 — Greta Michaud