If a professional confirms that a repair can restore the function you need within an acceptable timeframe, compare their quote with the full cost of replacing the appliance before deciding. ADEME and ecosystem point out that the Repair Bonus depends on the appliance, the fault and the repairer, so check that you’re eligible before deducting it. When buying refurbished, assess the specific item being sold. For a new appliance, its features and the relevant index for its category can help guide your choice.
If you’d like to get your appliance working again without replacing one that may be repairable, compare the quote, any existing warranty and the Repair Bonus terms. ADEME and ecosystem explain that the support available depends, among other things, on the appliance and the repair work required.
If a repair isn’t suitable or the outcome is uncertain, compare the total cost and features of the specific refurbished item with those of a new appliance. The DGCCRF advises checking the information provided about the refurbished item, while Service Public explains the legal guarantee of conformity for purchases from professional sellers.
If the disruption is affecting your day-to-day life, check the actual repair, availability and delivery times, as well as the installation arrangements. The timeframe given will depend on the appliance, your address and the offer in question.
Consider this:if the diagnosis indicates that the repair can restore the appliance’s function at an acceptable cost and within an acceptable timeframe.
Weigh up:the quote, parts availability and timeframe. Confirm eligibility for the Repair Bonus before deducting it. For an eligible washing machine repaired outside its warranty, ecosystem states that the bonus is 50 € under the terms applicable on 23 October 2026.
Consider this:if a repair won’t meet your needs and a tested, suitable item is available from a professional seller.
Weigh up:the condition, features and services included with the specific item being sold. These may differ from those of a new model with a similar name.
Consider this:if a repair won’t restore the function you need under acceptable conditions, and no available refurbished appliance is suitable.
Weigh up:the features you need and the index that applies to the category. In France, the durability index replaced the repairability index for televisions on 8 January 2025 and washing machines on 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Repairability and net cost | Existing warranty, quote including VAT, parts required, and whether the fault and repairer qualify for the bonus. | If I want to keep my appliance, I’ll first check whether it can be repaired and how much I’ll actually have to pay. Around 33% of consumers prioritise repairability and the net cost of repair. |
| Total replacement cost | Compare the offers available and the services you’ll need, including delivery and installation if they aren’t included. | When replacing an appliance, I compare the costs associated with each offer rather than relying on the advertised price alone. Around 27% of consumers put the total cost of replacement first. |
| Time until it’s working again | Confirmed repair date, parts availability, and delivery or installation date. | If I rely on the appliance every day, I’ll check when each option will actually be ready to use. Around 20% of consumers prioritise how quickly they can get back to using their appliance. |
| Condition and expected durability | For a refurbished appliance, check the condition and tests carried out on the specific item. For a new one, check the index that applies to its category. | When choosing a replacement, I want to know the refurbished item’s actual condition or the information available about the new model. Around 20% of consumers prioritise condition and expected durability after replacing an appliance. |
Support depends on the appliance and the repair work, and some repairs don’t qualify. If the appliance is still covered by a warranty, different bonus terms apply than for a repair outside the warranty.
Ask an approved repairer to confirm your eligibility and the amount available before comparing your options. ecosystem explains that the terms vary depending on the appliance and the fault.
If the repair doesn’t qualify, the bonus won’t reduce your bill. Compare your options using the confirmed total quote.
The technical and cosmetic details should reflect the refurbished item actually being sold. Its features and the services included may differ from those of a supposedly identical new model.
Check the tests carried out, the condition described, the item’s features, who the seller is and what’s included. The DGCCRF recommends paying close attention to the information provided about refurbished products.
In France, the repairability and durability indices don’t apply uniformly to all household appliances. For washing machines and televisions, the durability index replaced the repairability index in 2025.
Check which index applies to the specific category and model. It can help you compare products, but it doesn’t guarantee the lifespan of an individual appliance. The ministry responsible for ecological transition explains this change.
A French network that collects, refurbishes and resells equipment. Worth considering when comparing refurbished appliances with a repair or a new replacement.
A provider offering in-home repairs and refurbished household appliances. Worth considering if both options are available at your address.
A manufacturer to consider when comparing new washing machines and specific model references.
A manufacturer to consult when comparing new models and the index information for a specific reference.
These products are for replacing a fridge or freezer after a breakdown. Before comparing your options, check that the appliance type, capacity and dimensions meet your needs.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a combined appliance with an adjustable-temperature zone.
Advertised capacity: 483 L; Total No Frost; energy class E; My Fresh Choice zone adjustable from +5 °C to -18 °C.
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Worth comparing if you need a large-capacity fridge freezer with a variable-temperature compartment.
Advertised capacity: 606 L; Total No Frost; energy class E; internal water tank specified for the dispenser.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a combined appliance with an advertised width of 60 cm.
Advertised total capacity: 310 L, including 211 L for the fridge and 99 L for the freezer; width: 60 cm; reversible doors; energy class E.
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Worth comparing if you need cold storage that can switch between fridge and freezer modes.
Advertised capacity: 291 L; five-level digital control; stated dimensions: 1,100 × 597 × 872 mm; energy class E.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a combined fridge freezer with a water dispenser.
Advertised capacity: 268 L; energy class E.
Before working out how much you’ll have to pay, ask an approved repairer whether the appliance, fault and repair work qualify. The bonus covers eligible repairs, and the amount varies by appliance, as ADEME and ecosystem explain. For an eligible washing machine repaired outside its warranty, ecosystem states that the bonus is 50 € under the terms applicable on 23 October 2026.
Yes. It also covers second-hand and refurbished goods bought by a private individual from a professional seller. Service Public states that the fault must appear within two years of delivery. For a second-hand item, the presumption that the fault existed at the time of delivery lasts for 12 months, compared with 24 months for a new item.
Check which index applies to the specific category and model. In France, the durability index has replaced the repairability index for televisions since 8 January 2025 and for washing machines since 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. These indices don’t apply across the board to all household appliances.
Check the dimensions, required connections, delivery date and what’s included in the installation. Also ask how much any necessary services that aren’t included will cost. A product listing alone can’t confirm that an appliance can be installed at your address.
Ask the retailer what take-back arrangements apply to your appliance. The DGCCRF reminds retailers of their obligation to take back used equipment and notes that consumers aren’t always well informed about how this works.