Anyone searching for an A+ minibar finds labels that no longer exist. For a hotel room, three numbers matter together: class, kWh/24h and decibels.
Class A minibars: consumption and silence
Scenario
Since 1 March 2021 the EU energy label for refrigerators uses only the A to G scale: A+, A++ and A+++ no longer appear on new labels.
Among PAMIBAR minibars, the absorption and thermoelectric models are class F or G but declared at 0 dBA, while the SGC40 compressor model is class B: the choice depends on how much consumption and silence matter in the room.
How to read a minibar's energy class
- The class compares consumption with volume: a 30-litre unit using 0.52 kWh/24h is still class G.
- The figure that drives cost is kWh/24h, multiplied by 365 and your tariff.
- The figure that drives comfort is noise in dBA, decisive near the bed.
- Compressors give the best class and fastest cooling; absorption and Peltier give silence.
Class, consumption and noise of documented models
| Model | Technology | Class | kWh/24h | kWh/year | Noise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG30T / SG40T | Thermoelectric, glass door | G | 0.52 | 190 | 0 dBA |
| SEA30 / SEA40 | Absorption | G | 0.63 | 230 | 0 dBA |
| SEA25 | Absorption | G | 0.75 | 274 | 0 dBA |
| S30T | Thermoelectric | F | 0.75 | 274 | 0 dBA |
| SEA30/40G | Absorption, glass door | G | 0.79 | 288 | 0 dBA |
| S40T | Thermoelectric | F | 0.85 | 310 | 0 dBA |
| SEA40DX / B60 | Absorption | G | 1.1 | 402 | 0 dBA |
| SGC40 | Compressor, glass door | B | — | — | — |
SGC40 is declared class B; read consumption and noise on the current technical sheet.
Technical check
What to compare before choosing
- 1Each model's kWh/24h, not just the letter.
- 2Declared noise and distance from the bed.
- 3Room temperature and solar exposure.
- 4Cabinet ventilation, which affects real consumption.
Four models, four balances
SG30T with the lowest documented consumption, class F S30T, the SEA30 absorption unit with no moving mechanical parts, and the class B SGC40 compressor for warm climates.
Declared data
PAMIBAR SG30T
- Capacity
- 30 litres
- Dimensions
- 500 × 405 × 415 mm
Declared data
PAMIBAR S30T
- Capacity
- 30 litres
- Dimensions
- 500 × 405 × 415 mm
Declared data
PAMIBAR SEA30
- Capacity
- 30 litres
- Dimensions
- 500 × 405 × 430 mm
Declared data
PAMIBAR SGC40
- Capacity
- 40 litres
- Dimensions
- 552 × 403 × 458 mm
Questions from the brief
Do A+ minibars still exist?
Not on new labels: since 1 March 2021 the EU scale for refrigerators runs from A to G. A+, A++ and A+++ belong to the old label.
Why is a silent minibar class F or G?
Absorption and Peltier cooling remove the compressor and its noise but are less efficient. In absolute terms the documented consumption stays between 0.52 and 1.1 kWh/24h.
Which minibar uses the least energy?
Among the models documented in the Vision catalogue, SG30T and SG40T declare the lowest consumption: 0.52 kWh/24h, about 190 kWh per year.
Class A or silent minibar: which should I choose?
Near the bed, favour a 0 dBA model; in hot or highly exposed rooms a class B compressor such as SGC40 provides more cooling power.