Anyone replacing a washing machine
You’re looking for a front-loading or top-loading model that suits your household, and want to take account of the repairability and reliability criteria included in its durability index.
Who is this guide for?
Anyone replacing a dishwasher or vacuum cleaner
You want to check information about parts, documentation and dismantling before choosing a model covered by the repairability index.
Anyone who wants to keep their repair options open
You’re considering having a future fault diagnosed and want to be able to find the parts, documents and services that relate to the model you choose.
Which criteria should you consider?
When replacing a washing machine, dishwasher or vacuum cleaner in France, first check that the model suits your needs. Then compare its score and detailed criteria with those of appliances in the same category.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable rating | Identify the exact category, then check the score out of 10 and its breakdown for the model you’re considering. | I’m replacing an appliance and want to avoid comparing scores based on different criteria; around 31% of consumers prioritise identifying the right rating. |
| Use and installation | Check the size and format, available space, connections and features you need before comparing models by their rating. | If the new appliance doesn’t suit my setup or needs, its score won’t solve my problem; around 25% of consumers put this suitability ahead of other criteria. |
| Access to repairs | Review the dismantling and documentation criteria, then look for parts that match the exact model reference. | I want the option of calling out a repairer if another fault occurs; around 25% of consumers put future access to repairs first. |
| Repair or replace | If your current appliance has broken down, ask whether a diagnosis and repair are worthwhile before deciding to replace it. | Before replacing my appliance, I want to know whether the one I own can still be repaired; around 19% of consumers prioritise this decision. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Comparing washing machines using the wrong rating
According to the ministries responsible for the environment, the durability index has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. It includes reliability criteria as well as repairability criteria.
Identify the model’s category, then compare appliances covered by the same rating and check the breakdown of their scores.
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Reading the score as a guaranteed lifespan
A rating assesses criteria defined for the product; it doesn’t predict when a fault will occur or how many years an appliance will work in every household.
Use it to compare models suited to your needs, and also check the information available about parts and services.
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Relying on a brand’s general promise
A commitment covering a product range doesn’t tell you by itself which parts and documents are available for the specific model you want to buy.
Keep the full model reference and check the information available for that exact model.
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Replacing an appliance without checking whether it can be repaired
A fault doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance needs replacing; whether a repair is worthwhile depends on the fault and the condition of the product.
Where possible and safe, ask for a diagnosis before deciding whether to repair or replace it.
Brands to consider for these categories
Bosch
Worth considering for a dishwasher or washing machine if you want to look up parts using the model reference.
- Bosch lets you search by E-Nr model number and says dishwasher parts are generally available for 15 years.
- Check which parts are available and which regulatory rating applies to the exact model you’re considering.
Miele
Worth considering for a washing machine or dishwasher if access to parts and servicing is important to you.
- Miele France lists dishwasher parts and says it makes service documentation available to professional repairers for certain categories, including washing machines and dishwashers.
- Check the information and rating that apply to the specific model.
Rowenta
Worth considering for a corded, cordless or robot vacuum cleaner if you want to look up documents and parts by model reference.
- Rowenta offers a document search tool and says it keeps technical parts available for 15 years after purchase for almost all the products covered.
- This brand commitment doesn’t prove that every vacuum cleaner is repairable: check the rating and information for the specific model.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Which rating should I look for on a washing machine, dishwasher or vacuum cleaner?
In France, look for the durability index for a front-loading or top-loading washing machine, and the repairability index for a dishwasher or a corded, cordless or robot vacuum cleaner. The ministries responsible for the environment state that washing machines switched to the durability index on 8 April 2025; check which rating is shown for the model you’re interested in.
Does a high durability index guarantee that my washing machine will last longer?
No. The durability index is a regulatory score out of 10 that brings together repairability and reliability criteria; it doesn’t guarantee how long a washing machine will work in your home. Check the detailed criteria when comparing models that suit your needs.
Where can I check the score breakdown before buying online?
Check the rating shown for the exact model, then open the breakdown of its criteria from the product page. For the durability index, the Ministry of the Economy specifies that the breakdown must be accessible from the same page as the score, in no more than one action; the DGCCRF also states that the parameters used to calculate the repairability index must be made available.
Is a promise that parts will be available enough to help me choose?
No. A commitment from Bosch, Miele or Rowenta can help guide your checks, but it doesn’t replace information about the specific model. Confirm which parts are covered, which documents are available and which regulatory rating applies to the model.