A household without an essential appliance
You need to get your washing machine, fridge or dishwasher working again quickly. The repair timescale matters just as much as the quote and guarantee.
Who is this guide for?
Owners willing to get an appliance repaired
You’d like to keep your appliance if the fault and part can be identified and the final cost is reasonable. Check the model number and whether you may be eligible for the repair bonus.
Buyers thinking about how long an appliance will last
If you need a replacement, you’re comparing useful features, the relevant rating and the guarantees available on a new or second-hand appliance sold by a professional retailer.
What to check
After a breakdown, first work out what matters most to your household: getting the appliance working again quickly, keeping costs under control, finding a compatible part or choosing a suitable replacement.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Getting the appliance working again | The checks allowed by the manual and the actual time it will take to get help if you need a professional. | If an essential appliance breaks down, I want to know quickly whether maintenance might be enough or when my household will be able to use it again. Around 31% of consumers prioritise getting an appliance back in use quickly. |
| Keeping the total cost under control | A detailed quote, diagnosis or transport charges, the guarantee and eligibility for the repair bonus. | When the household budget is a key consideration, I compare the full repair bill with the total cost of a replacement. Around 31% of consumers put total cost first. |
| Finding a compatible part | The appliance’s full model number, whether the part is compatible and how soon it will be available. | If I want to keep my appliance, finding a part from the same brand isn’t enough. I need a compatible part and a repair that can be carried out. Around 19% of consumers prioritise finding a compatible part. |
| Choosing a suitable replacement | The rating for that category, dimensions, usable capacity, seller and guarantee. | If repairing the appliance isn’t the right option, I want the next one to meet my household’s needs and fit the available space. Around 19% of consumers prioritise how long their replacement will last. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a breakdown is reason enough to replace an appliance
A maintenance issue and a fault that needs professional attention don’t call for the same decision. ADEME recommends exploring maintenance and repair options before replacing an appliance.
Check the manual and only carry out checks it allows. If the problem persists, ask for a diagnosis rather than guessing what caused it.
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Comparing the price of the part alone with the price of a new appliance
The price of the part isn’t the full cost of the repair. Depending on the service, diagnosis, labour or transport may also be charged.
Compare a full quote with the total cost of replacing the appliance. Before deciding, check the guarantee and whether you may be eligible for the repair bonus.
Depending on the repairer and the service offered, diagnosis or transport charges may apply.
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Applying the same rating and guarantees to every appliance
Durability and repairability ratings apply to different categories. The guarantees available also depend on the seller and type of sale.
Check the rating for the relevant category, and distinguish between buying from a professional and buying from a private seller.
Brands to use as a guide
Bosch
A useful reference when looking for parts for large or small appliances using the appliance’s exact model number.
- Bosch generally states that parts are available for 15 years for large appliances and 10 years for small appliances.
- These availability periods stated by Bosch don’t confirm that a specific part is available for every model.
SEB
A useful reference when comparing professional repair services for some small kitchen appliances.
- SEB offers fixed-price packages that include diagnosis, parts and labour.
- Consumables, accessories and batteries are excluded. Check the transport arrangements and applicable package for the product concerned.
Miele
A useful reference when looking for tumble dryer parts and comparing the cost of getting an appliance back in working order.
- Miele France lists tumble dryer parts, including filters and a heat exchanger.
- A part being listed in a product range doesn’t confirm that it’s compatible with your machine or that repairing it makes financial sense.
LG
A useful reference when comparing washing machine features if you’re considering a replacement.
- The LG F14R50WHS model specifications list an 11 kg capacity.
- The specifications describe this model as discontinued. This information doesn’t apply to other models and isn’t a current offer.
Appliances to consider if you need a replacement
These appliances can give you a few points of comparison if repairing your fridge-freezer or washing machine isn’t the right option for you. Before choosing, check the dimensions, usable capacity and features that suit your household.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 L fridge-freezer, E energy rating
Worth comparing if you’re replacing a fridge-freezer and want to see how its stated capacity matches your household’s storage needs.
Stated total capacity: 344 L. Energy rating shown: E.
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Hisense WF5I8043BWF, 8 kg washing machine, white
Worth comparing if you’re replacing a washing machine and need to take capacity and available space into account.
Capacity shown: 8 kg. The product title specifies a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min.
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Hisense RB440N4CCB, 336 L fridge-freezer, B energy rating
Worth comparing if you’re replacing a fridge-freezer and want to check its stated storage capacity and features.
Capacity shown: 336 L. The title mentions Total No Frost technology and a B energy rating.
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Hisense RQ5P470SETE, 4-door fridge-freezer, 483 L
Worth comparing if you’re replacing a fridge-freezer and want a stated capacity of 483 L with several storage zones.
The title lists four doors, three zones and an E energy rating.
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Candy ProWash 700 BS 410B10-S, 10 kg washing machine, A energy rating
Worth comparing if you’re replacing a washing machine and want to see how its stated capacity matches your household’s laundry needs.
Capacity shown: 10 kg. The title specifies a spin speed of 1 400 tr/min and an A energy rating.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before paying for a repair?
First check the guarantee, then ask for a diagnosis and a quote that sets out the fault, part, total cost and timescale. Compare the full repair cost with the total cost of a replacement, rather than looking at the price of the part alone.
How can I check whether a part will fit my appliance?
Find the appliance’s full model number and check it against the manufacturer’s or supplier’s compatibility list. Bosch, for example, offers a search by E-Nr number. The brand name alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility.
What repair bonus may be available from January 2026?
The ecosystem rates in force from 1 January 2026 include €50 for a washing machine or dishwasher, €40 for a vacuum cleaner, €25 for a fridge and €15 for a toaster. Among other conditions, the appliance must no longer be covered by a guarantee, the fault must be eligible and the repair must be carried out by a QualiRépar professional. Check the amount that applies to your case before comparing quotes.
Which rating should I compare if I’m replacing my appliance?
In France, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition states that the durability index has applied to the relevant washing machines since 8 April 2025; the relevant vacuum cleaners and dishwashers are covered by the repairability index. Check which index applies to the category, as the two indices don’t cover exactly the same criteria.
Does a second-hand appliance bought from a professional seller come with the legal guarantee of conformity?
Yes, subject to the conditions of this guarantee. Service Public states that it may cover a second-hand or refurbished item sold by a professional to a consumer if the fault appears within two years of delivery. It doesn’t apply in the same way to a sale between private individuals.