After a breakdown, ask for a diagnosis and a quote setting out the possible repair, the parts needed and the timescale before deciding whether to replace the appliance. If you choose a new appliance, check the rating applicable to its category, parts availability, energy consumption data and maintenance requirements. None of these factors alone is enough to establish that a model will last longer.
If you need to do the laundry or keep food fresh again without delay, compare the time a repair might take with the time needed to replace the appliance. For any new appliance you’re considering, also check parts availability and maintenance instructions.
If you use an appliance frequently, check the rating applicable to its category, its energy consumption data, parts availability and the maintenance it requires. Compare appliances with a capacity that suits your household.
If you’re replacing a vacuum cleaner, coffee machine or food processor, look for repair information for the exact model number. A commitment made by a brand doesn’t mean that every part of every model is covered.
Worth considering: if a professional identifies a repairable fault and can confirm that the parts needed are available.
Bear in mind: the time needed for the repair and the appliance’s overall condition may affect your decision, even if a part is available.
Worth considering: if a repair isn’t possible or won’t meet your needs within the time available.
Bear in mind: a rating on its own is no substitute for checking capacity, energy consumption and maintenance requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Ask for the fault, the parts needed and the repair timescale to be specified in the diagnosis or quote. | If my appliance can be back in use fairly quickly, I’d rather look into that option before replacing it. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this repair decision. |
| Repairability of the replacement | Look for the rating that applies to the category and confirm parts availability for the exact model number. | I want to know I’ll have a solution if my new appliance breaks down. Access to future repairs comes first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Energy consumption and maintenance | Compare the energy label data on the same basis of use and check the maintenance instructions. | If I use the appliance often, its stated energy consumption and maintenance requirements matter to me. These factors are the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Suitability for your household | Check the dimensions, usable capacity and noise level against where you plan to put it and how you’ll use it. | When space is limited, I’m mainly looking for an appliance that fits and suits my routine. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this practical fit. |
According to ADEME, the ratings displayed in France don’t cover every type of household appliance. So, the absence of a rating doesn’t tell you by itself whether parts for a model are available.
Check which category the appliance falls into, then look for parts and repair information for its exact model number.
A fixed rule doesn’t take account of the part involved, the appliance’s overall condition or how long it will take to get it working again.
Use a diagnosis and quote for your specific appliance, then compare the possible repair with the replacement you’re considering.
Energy consumption figures help you compare appliances using the basis set for their category, but they don’t tell you everything about parts, the capacity you need or maintenance.
Consider the energy label alongside the applicable rating, repair information and your household’s requirements.
The stated availability period may depend on the model and the parts covered. It doesn’t guarantee that your particular repair will be carried out quickly.
Before buying, check which parts are covered for the model you’ve chosen and how to obtain them or arrange a repair.
A brand to consider for large appliances if parts documentation matters to you.
A brand to consider if you want to search for parts using the appliance’s model number, for both large and small appliances.
A brand to consider for small appliances if access to technical parts and repair options is important to you.
It depends on the category. According to ADEME, the durability rating has applied to washing machines since April 2025; the repairability rating applies to products including dishwashers and vacuum cleaners. For other appliances, check the information for their specific category and whether parts are available. Don’t assume a rating has to be displayed.
No. A single threshold won’t help you decide what to do with every breakdown. Find out what the repair would involve, how long it would take and whether the appliance is in good enough condition to keep using.
Start with the full model number and look up the parts that may be needed for maintenance or repairs, how long they’re expected to remain available and how to order them. General information for a brand or appliance range isn’t enough to confirm that a specific part is available.
Check the condition described by the seller, which parts have been replaced, the full model number, the warranty terms provided and whether parts or repairs will be available. This appliance-specific information helps you assess it as a replacement option without making assumptions about how long it will last.