Before replacing an appliance, compare the cost of a worthwhile repair with the cost of buying new or refurbished, taking into account running costs and maintenance. When buying, consider the energy label where applicable, the index used for that product category, parts availability and warranties. None of these factors alone is enough to determine the future cost to your household.
You’re replacing an appliance you use regularly and want to compare its energy consumption with your habits, rather than deciding on the price tag alone. ADEME recommends checking the energy consumption information on the energy label where one applies.
You value maintenance, access to parts and repair options, but don’t take an index as a promise of how long an appliance will last. ADEME explains the factors that may be included when assessing repairability.
Your appliance has broken down and you want to explore a repair or a refurbished option, while clarifying the terms of the work and the warranties. ADEME points out that a breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean the whole appliance needs replacing.
Consider this if: the appliance still meets your needs and a professional thinks repairing it is worthwhile.
Weigh up: the quote, parts, timescale and the appliance’s overall condition.
Consider this if: you want to give an appliance a second life and the condition, tests, model reference and seller are clearly stated.
Check: the original model’s specifications, the services included and the warranties that come with the sale.
Consider this if: you need a replacement and can compare models suited to the same purpose.
Check: the energy label and the repairability or durability index used for that product category. Don’t assume they apply to every appliance.
Start by working out what you need the appliance to do and what capacity is right for you. Then compare running costs, maintenance and the amount you’ll need to spend for each option. The figures below reflect the priorities of consumers in France who are considering replacing an appliance.
| Concern | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy and water costs | Check the label and its units for the product category. For a dishwasher, compare the reference consumption figures with the cycles you usually run. | If the appliance runs often, I want to compare the figures shown with how I use it and the rates I pay. Around 28% of consumers prioritise running costs. |
| Maintenance and repair | Look for the index that applies to the product category, then check the information about parts and their availability. | If I plan to keep the appliance, I want to know which repairs may be possible and on what terms. Around 28% of consumers put lifespan and repair at the top of their list of concerns. |
| Capacity to suit your household | Compare the stated capacity with the amount of laundry you usually wash or the quantity of dishes you need to clean. | When household needs vary, I look for a suitable capacity rather than choosing a size just for extra room. Around 17% of consumers prioritise usable capacity. |
| Noise while in use | If the label includes noise information, check the figure and the operating mode it relates to. For a vacuum cleaner, look at its own noise information. | If I use an appliance near living areas or at times when noise matters, it may influence my choice. Around 11% of consumers say it’s their main concern. |
| Upfront cost and services | Compare the repair quote or purchase price, warranties, included services and any take-back terms. | If I need to have an appliance repaired or buy one, I want to know what the price covers and what protection applies. Around 16% of consumers prioritise upfront costs and related services. |
For dishwashers, ADEME says the energy label includes consumption figures based on reference conditions. These won’t automatically match every household’s bill. Compare them with how often you use your dishwasher and the rates you pay.
The indices vary by product category. In France, new washing machines covered by the rules carry a durability index; new dishwashers and vacuum cleaners covered by the rules carry a repairability index. ADEME explains that an index doesn’t replace checking parts, their availability and the terms of any repair work.
The repairability index gives information about repair-related criteria; the durability index also takes reliability into account. Neither guarantees how many years a particular appliance will last.
Check the individual criteria and the information about parts, then find out what repair work is available for the model you’re considering.
Parts and repair work may still cost extra, even if the appliance has a good index rating.
Dishwasher consumption figures are based on reference cycles. Your usage and energy rates affect the cost you actually pay.
Keep the units shown and make a comparison based on how many cycles you run and the rates you pay. Don’t assume the savings will be the same for everyone.
A refurbished appliance is a second-hand product that has been tested and repaired if necessary. Warranties vary depending on the seller and type of sale.
Before comparing offers, check who the seller is, the model reference, the tests carried out and the warranties. When buying from a professional seller, distinguish between the legal guarantee of conformity and a commercial warranty.
The European Commission says the former EU energy labelling rules for vacuum cleaners have been annulled. Electrical power consumption alone isn’t enough to determine how well a vacuum cleans.
Look at the cleaning information, attachments, maintenance and repairability that suit your needs. Don’t rely on an old energy rating as if it still applied.
These new appliances meet a range of laundry and food storage needs. Compare their features with the product category and your household’s habits.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fully integrated dishwasher and want to compare its Eco cycle consumption.
Energy rating C; 0,75 kWh and 10,5 L per Eco cycle; 14 place settings; 44 dB.
Make sure you have a suitable space for a fully integrated installation.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge freezer and want to compare its annual energy consumption with your usage.
Energy rating E; stated consumption of 271 kWh/year; total capacity of 360 L, including 235 L for the fridge and 125 L for the freezer; stated noise level of 35 dB(A).
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fully integrated dishwasher and want to compare its Eco cycle figures and parts information.
Energy rating A; 54 kWh per 100 Eco cycles; 9,4 L per Eco cycle; 14 place settings; 42 dB. Parts availability stated as 10 years.
Requires installation in a compatible unit.
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Worth considering if an 8 kg capacity suits the loads you usually wash and you want to compare the stated consumption figures.
Energy rating A; 47 kWh per 100 cycles; 43 L per cycle; stated spin noise level of 75 dB; maximum spin speed of 1 400 rpm.
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Worth considering if you need a 9 kg capacity and want to compare the stated consumption figures with how often you use the machine.
Energy rating A; 44 kWh per 100 cycles; 48 L per cycle; stated spin noise level of 72 dB; 9 kg capacity.
No. In France, new appliances covered by the rules don’t all use the same index: relevant washing machines display the durability index, while relevant dishwashers and vacuum cleaners display the repairability index. The energy label also depends on the product category. Check which information applies to the model you’re considering.
Not necessarily. According to the DGCCRF, an exemption may apply if the original product has already been placed on the European market and refurbishment does not change its performance, intended use or original type. It depends on these conditions, so ask for the specifications of the original model.
If you buy from a professional seller, you may be able to claim under the legal guarantee of conformity for two years from the date the goods are delivered, according to the Ministry of the Economy. This is separate from a commercial warranty and does not apply to an ordinary sale between private individuals.
No. According to a DGCCRF factsheet dated 16 October 2025, certain dishwasher parts must be available for seven or ten years, depending on the part, after the model was last placed on the market. For the washing machines covered by the rules, the stated period is ten years. For refrigeration appliances, it is seven years for certain parts and ten years for seals. These requirements don’t cover every part and don’t amount to a free warranty for the appliance.
Ask a certified repairer whether the appliance and repair work are eligible, then compare the amount you’ll actually be charged. According to the Ministry of the Economy, the scheme applies to products outside their warranty period and does not automatically cover issues caused by poor maintenance or improper use.