Households dealing with a breakdown
A diagnosis, a quote and information on parts availability will help you decide whether the appliance can still be used after repair.
Who is this decision for?
Households mindful of energy use and noise
If you’re replacing a washing machine, dishwasher or another appliance, compare the label values for products in the same category, while keeping the capacity you need in mind.
Shoppers interested in refurbished or second-hand appliances
Before making a decision, check the appliance’s condition, the checks carried out, the accessories included and the seller’s identity.
How do you choose between repair and replacement?
Have it repaired
Consider this: if a diagnosis confirms that a repair is possible and the appliance still meets your household’s needs.
Bear in mind: your decision also depends on the appliance’s overall condition, safety and whether parts are available.
Choose a new appliance
Consider this: if a diagnosis shows that repair isn’t worthwhile, or your old appliance no longer has the capacity you need.
Bear in mind: an energy rating or large capacity alone won’t tell you whether an appliance is right for your needs.
Choose a refurbished or second-hand appliance
Consider this: if the appliance’s condition and features suit your needs and are clearly described.
Bear in mind: check what inspections have been carried out, what’s included and the seller’s status. These conditions vary from one offer to another.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Ask for a diagnosis and a quote. Check the appliance’s overall condition and whether the necessary parts are available. | My appliance has broken down, but I want to know whether a repair would let me keep using it. |
| Capacity and energy use | Compare appliances in the same category: usable capacity, energy rating and consumption figures for the reference cycle. According to ADEME, the label may show kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per cycle. | I’m looking for a capacity that suits my household’s usual loads, rather than the largest one available. |
| Noise and installation | Check the noise level and noise class if they appear on the label. Check the dimensions, required connections and intended location. | The appliance will be near a living area, or its location has space or connection requirements. |
| Durability | In France, the Ministry responsible for the environment says that the durability index has applied to televisions since 8 January 2025 and washing machines since 8 April 2025. For an appliance covered by the index, also check the information on parts and maintenance. | I want to assess the maintenance and future repair options for the model I choose. |
| Condition and seller | For a refurbished or second-hand appliance, check the tests, any repairs or refurbishment, the accessories and the seller’s identity. France’s Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to refurbished or second-hand goods sold by a trader to a consumer, but not to sales between private individuals. | Before buying a used appliance, I want to understand what has been checked and who I’m buying it from. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Replacing the appliance as soon as it breaks down
A fault may be caused by a part that can be repaired, without needing to replace the whole appliance.
Ask for a diagnosis and a quote, then take the appliance’s overall condition, safety and parts availability into account.
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Looking only at the energy rating or capacity
Energy figures are based on reference conditions, and a larger capacity may exceed what your household usually needs.
Compare appliances of the same type, looking at capacity, relevant energy and water figures, the reference cycle duration and noise levels.
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Assuming ‘refurbished’ means ‘as good as new’
A refurbished appliance has been used before. You’ll need to assess the condition of the specific item and the work carried out on it.
Ask for details of the tests, any refurbishment work and the accessories included, then check whether the seller is a trader. In France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes sales by traders from private sales when it comes to applying the legal guarantee of conformity.
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Expecting every category to have a durability index
In France, the Ministry responsible for the environment says that the index has applied to televisions since 8 January 2025 and washing machines since 8 April 2025. The absence of an index for another category doesn’t tell you how durable the product is.
Use the index where it applies, and also check the available information on parts, maintenance and after-sales service.
A guide to the brands
There’s no brand information to display.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
These washing machines, this fridge freezer and this tabletop dishwasher are options to consider if you’re thinking of replacing an appliance. Compare features within the same category, once you’ve worked out the capacity and installation requirements you need.
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Electrolux EWF1410N2, 10 kg washing machine
Worth considering if you’re replacing a washing machine and a 10 kg capacity suits your usual loads. Check the energy label, dimensions, applicable durability index and the model’s repair options.
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Electrolux EW6FI4805AW, 8 kg washing machine, 1400 rpm
Consider the stated 8 kg capacity in relation to the amount of laundry your household produces. Compare its energy label with those of other washing machines, and check the dimensions, applicable durability index and repair options.
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Electrolux EW7FI259160V, 9 kg washing machine, 1600 rpm
Consider the stated 9 kg capacity and 1600 rpm spin speed in relation to how you’ll use the machine. Check the energy label and spin noise level, then check the dimensions, applicable durability index and information about parts.
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Hisense FTN461WCE1, 467 L fridge freezer, class E
Check whether the stated 467 L capacity meets your storage needs and whether the appliance will fit in your home. The model name lists an energy class of E and Total No Frost. Check the label for annual energy consumption, and make sure you allow the required clearance. Also look for information about parts.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, tabletop dishwasher, 6 place settings
Consider whether this tabletop model, with its stated capacity of 6 place settings, suits the space and connections available. The model name lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy class D. Check these figures on the label, along with the information about parts and repairs.
Frequently asked questions
When should you consider repairing an appliance before replacing it?
Ask for a diagnosis and a quote if a repair is possible. ADEME points out that a fault may affect a part that can be repaired. The appliance’s overall condition, safety and parts availability will also help you decide.
How can you compare the energy use of two appliances?
Compare models in the same category using the figures on their energy labels and the same reference basis. According to ADEME, this may include kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per cycle. Your actual consumption will depend on how you use the appliance.
Does the durability index apply to all appliances?
No. In France, the Ministry responsible for the environment says it has applied to televisions since 8 January 2025 and washing machines since 8 April 2025. For other categories, check the information available for the model on maintenance and parts.
Are refurbished appliances covered by the legal guarantee of conformity?
Yes, in France, when a trader sells the item to a consumer. The Ministry of the Economy explains that this guarantee also applies to second-hand and refurbished goods. It doesn’t apply to sales between private individuals, so check who the seller is before you buy.
Does the Repair Bonus apply to every repair?
No. According to ADEME, it covers repairs to eligible appliances carried out by a certified professional, and the discount is taken off the bill directly. Check with the repairer that both the appliance and the repair are eligible before you hand it over.