If your large appliance still meets your household’s needs, consider having it professionally repaired before replacing it. If you do need a replacement, choose between a reconditioned and a new appliance based on the condition of the appliance on offer, its service terms and whether it will fit your home. You should also plan what to do with the old one.
Your appliance has broken down, but its capacity and installation still suit your needs. It’s worth considering a professional repair before replacing it; ADEME highlights this option for several types of large household appliance.
You need to replace your appliance and want to be able to assess its condition, the functions tested, delivery and the warranty on offer before making a decision.
The old appliance’s size, capacity or built-in fit no longer works for you. You’ll need to choose a new appliance that suits your home, taking into account its energy use, repair options and how to dispose of the old one.
A breakdown calls for a different decision from an appliance that has become too small or won’t fit in a new home. Work out the main reason for changing it before comparing your options.
Consider this if: the appliance still meets your needs and a professional can deal with the fault.
Bear in mind: the Repair Bonus is subject to conditions, including those relating to the warranty, the fault and using an accredited repairer, according to ADEME and the Ministry of the Economy.
Consider this if: you need a replacement with a clearly specified model, condition and functions.
Bear in mind: delivery, commercial warranty and service terms depend on the seller and the appliance on offer.
Consider this if: the old appliance’s size, built-in fit, capacity or features no longer meet your needs.
Bear in mind: official ratings don’t cover every category of large household appliance. They don’t replace checking the dimensions and spare parts available for the model you’re considering.
| What matters | What to check | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Check whether the appliance is still under warranty, then ask an accredited repairer whether the appliance and fault qualify for the Repair Bonus. | If my appliance still suits me, I want to know whether it can be repaired before considering a replacement. Around 30% of consumers put this first. |
| Condition of a reconditioned appliance | Confirm the model, stated condition, functions tested, and warranty and delivery terms. | If I’m replacing my appliance with a reconditioned one, I need to understand exactly what the seller is offering. Around 30% of consumers say this is their priority. |
| Suitability of a new appliance | Check the dimensions, connections and capacity; consult the relevant official rating and check spare parts availability. | My old appliance no longer suits the space or my household’s needs, so the new one must be a good fit. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Collection and installation | Ask the seller about collection arrangements and check what’s included in delivery, disconnection and installation. | If access to my home makes swapping appliances tricky, I need to arrange for the old one to be removed before delivery. Around 10% of consumers put logistics first. |
A fault doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace the whole appliance. An existing warranty or a professional repair could change your decision.
Check your warranties first, then ask an accredited professional to assess the fault and whether it qualifies for the Repair Bonus before comparing replacement options.
The term alone doesn’t tell you what condition the appliance is in or what delivery and after-sales service the seller provides.
Before choosing, ask for the exact model, details of any faults, the functions tested, any accessories you’ll need and the warranty terms.
If after-sales service is limited to certain areas, arranging a visit to your home later could be difficult.
According to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the durability index applies to washing machines, among other appliances, while the repairability index applies to dishwashers, among others. These ratings aren’t interchangeable with those for an oven or hob.
Use the relevant rating for the appliance category, where available, then check the dimensions, spare parts and service terms for the model you’re considering.
Taking away an old appliance and disconnecting, moving or installing it aren’t necessarily part of the same service.
Before placing your order, confirm which appliance will be collected, where from and what access arrangements apply at your home.
If collection isn’t coordinated, you may have to keep the old appliance temporarily or arrange to have it removed separately.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a reconditioned large household appliance from a shop.
Worth looking into if you’re considering either a repair or replacing your appliance with a reconditioned one.
Worth considering if future access to spare parts matters when choosing a new large household appliance.
Worth considering for certain domestic washing or drying appliances if motor cover is a factor in your decision.
It may cover the repair of an eligible appliance that is no longer under warranty or covered by insurance, when carried out by an accredited professional. ADEME includes washing machines and dishwashers among the eligible appliances. The type of fault matters too: cosmetic damage and some maintenance work are excluded. Check that both your appliance and its fault are eligible before the repair.
According to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the durability index applies to washing machines, while the repairability index applies to dishwashers, among other appliances. Compare appliances in the same category, and look beyond the rating to check the dimensions, connections and spare parts information.
In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity also applies to reconditioned goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. This is separate from any commercial warranty offered by the seller, so check what it covers and the terms that apply to your appliance.
Ask the retailer about collection arrangements before ordering your new appliance. Collection when buying electrical or electronic equipment depends, among other things, on the type and quantity of equipment sold. Check separately whether access to your home, disconnection and installation are included, as these may be separate services.