Before replacing a broken small appliance, find out whether a professional can repair it and whether the Repair Bonus applies to your situation. If you do need a replacement, compare repairability information for new models where available. For a second-hand or refurbished appliance, pay particular attention to its condition, description and the seller’s status.
You use your appliance every day, but it’s broken. Before considering a replacement, you want to find out whether a suitable repair could get it working again. ADEME provides guidance on repair options for small household appliances.
A repair isn’t right for your situation, and you want to look into the repairability of a replacement model. In France, the repairability index applies to vacuum cleaners, among other products, according to the ministry responsible for the environment. It doesn’t cover every category of small household appliance.
You could choose a second-hand or refurbished appliance if its description gives you a clear idea of its condition and accessories. The seller’s status also matters when it comes to the protections that apply, as the French Ministry of the Economy points out.
Start with the fault and the function you need to restore. If you do need a replacement, look into the exact model. For microwaves, ecosystem strongly advises against internal repairs by anyone who isn’t qualified, due to the risk of electric shock.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers who may relate |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping your appliance | Ask for a diagnosis. If you’re considering the Repair Bonus, ask a QualiRépar-approved repairer to confirm that your appliance, fault and repair are eligible. | If my appliance can be put back into use, I’d rather explore that option before replacing it; around 31% of consumers prioritise keeping their appliance. |
| Getting back to using it safely | Consider whether you can access a professional and wait for their diagnosis. For a microwave, rule out unqualified internal repairs. | When a fault stops me from doing an everyday task, I want to get back to it without taking risks; around 25% of consumers put safe continued use first. |
| Considering a new model | For a new vacuum cleaner covered by the scheme, check its repairability index. For other categories, find out about spare parts and servicing for the exact model. | If I have to buy new, I want to be able to assess how repairable my chosen appliance is; around 25% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Choosing second-hand | Check the stated condition, essential accessories and the seller’s status. Tell the difference between a second-hand appliance and one described as refurbished. | I’m happy to choose a pre-owned appliance if I can assess the one that will be delivered; second-hand is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
The Repair Bonus doesn’t automatically apply to every appliance or fault. According to ecosystem, the appliance must, among other things, be owned by a household, have been bought in France and no longer be covered by a warranty or insurance. The repairer must also be QualiRépar-certified.
Ask for a diagnosis and confirm that the repair is eligible before deciding to replace the appliance.
According to the ministry responsible for the environment, the index applies to vacuum cleaners sold new in France, among other products. If another category doesn’t have an index, that doesn’t mean the appliance can’t be repaired.
Use the index where it applies. Otherwise, find out about spare parts and servicing for the specific model.
The DGCCRF states that a product described as refurbished must have undergone functional testing and, where necessary, repair. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to sales by professional sellers, but not to sales between private individuals.
Before committing, check the description of the actual appliance for sale, its accessories and the seller’s identity.
ecosystem strongly advises against attempting to repair a microwave yourself because of the risk of electric shock.
Leave its diagnosis and any internal repairs to a qualified professional.
These kettles and vacuum cleaners are worth considering if you decide to replace an appliance in the same category. Before choosing, check the information for the specific model, including its sale condition, warranty, spare parts and servicing. Then weigh up your choice against the possibility of repairing your broken appliance.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a vacuum cleaner used on carpets and hard floors. This cordless model is listed with an automatic suction station, an anti-tangle brush, 170 AW of suction power and a claimed 80-minute runtime. Check the spare parts, servicing and warranty terms for this specific model.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a kettle and would like to set the temperature for different drinks. This 2,200 W model lists settings of 40, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 °C, as well as a keep-warm function. Find out about spare parts and servicing before choosing a replacement over a repair.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a kettle and would also like to use a tea infuser. This 800 W model is listed with 14 preset programmes, six keep-warm temperature settings and a keep-warm function. Check the care requirements, spare parts and servicing for this particular version.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a vacuum cleaner and would like a station that collects dust. This cordless model is listed with 27,000 Pa of suction power, a claimed 70-minute runtime and a design that lets it lie flat. Check the station’s maintenance requirements, spare parts and servicing.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a vacuum cleaner for floors and carpets and would like an emptying station. This cordless model is listed with a multi-surface brush, several accessories, 220 AW of suction power and a charging station. Check the maintenance requirements for the station and filter, as well as the spare parts available for this model.
Check the conditions that apply to your appliance, then ask a QualiRépar repairer to confirm the fault and repair. According to ecosystem, the scheme covers, among other things, appliances owned by households, bought in France and no longer covered by a warranty or insurance. The appliance category alone isn’t enough to confirm eligibility.
No. ecosystem lists these categories, but eligibility for the Bonus also depends on the appliance, the fault and the repairer. Ask for confirmation for your situation before deciding whether to repair or replace it.
No. In France, the index applies to new vacuum cleaners, among other products, according to the ministry responsible for the environment, but it doesn’t cover every category mentioned here. For other types of appliance, check the information about spare parts and servicing for the specific model. Don’t assume an appliance can’t be repaired just because it has no index.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods bought from a professional seller. It doesn’t apply to sales between private individuals, so check who the seller is and keep a copy of the appliance description.
Don’t attempt an internal repair unless you’re qualified. ecosystem strongly advises against DIY microwave repairs because of the risk of electric shock. Ask a qualified professional to diagnose the fault before deciding what to do next.