A household with an appliance that still meets its needs
You want to keep your appliance, but a fault means you need to compare the warranty, quote, required part and repair timescale before deciding whether to replace it.
Who is this relevant to?
A household that needs to replace an appliance
Your appliance no longer meets your needs. You’re weighing up a second-hand option whose condition can be checked against a new appliance chosen for its features and the guarantees that apply to the sale.
A short-term need
You need a temporary solution while you decide whether to buy or repair, provided a suitable loan or rental option is available.
What should you compare before deciding?
If the appliance still suits your needs, start by checking the warranty, repair cost and timescale. If you need to replace it, look at the condition and seller for a second-hand option, or whether a new model will suit your home and how you use it.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Repair cost and timescale | Warranty on the original purchase, diagnosis, a quote covering parts and labour, the exact part number and the timescale. Ask whether the Repair Bonus applies to your situation. | If the appliance still meets my needs, I want to know the quote, part and timescale before deciding. Around 33% of consumers prioritise repair cost and timescale. |
| Condition and guarantees for a second-hand appliance | Model and condition of the specific appliance, useful accessories, dimensions, cost of getting it ready to use and the seller’s identity. | When buying second-hand, I want to be able to check the appliance’s condition and know who I’m buying it from. Around 25% of consumers prioritise second-hand appliances whose condition can be checked. |
| Whether a new appliance is suitable | Capacity, dimensions and connections; also check the energy label and the relevant rating for its category, where applicable. | If I replace the appliance, I want its features to suit my household and the space it will go in. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a new appliance that suits their needs. |
| Temporary use | How long you need it for, whether a suitable appliance is available locally, and any terms and costs for borrowing or renting. | For a short-term need, I’d rather check that a temporary solution is genuinely available before committing to a permanent purchase. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this kind of temporary continuity of use. |
In France, the statutory conformity guarantee applies to sales between a consumer and a professional seller, whether the goods are new or second-hand. Service Public explains that it does not apply to sales between private individuals, so identify the seller before comparing offers.
The rating depends on the category. According to France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, the durability rating has been gradually replacing the repairability rating for washing machines since 8 April 2025. Dishwashers and vacuum cleaners are among the categories covered by the repairability rating. A score does not guarantee the lifespan of an individual appliance.
Mistakes to avoid
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Using a universal threshold to decide whether to repair
The same ratio between a repair quote and the price of a new appliance doesn’t account for the appliance’s condition, the timescale or how well each option will meet your needs.
Compare like for like: diagnosis, labour, parts, timescale and how well the appliance will work for you afterwards.
Depending on the options, also factor in the inconvenience of travelling, being without the appliance or having a replacement installed.
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Confusing a second-hand appliance sold by a private individual with one sold by a professional
In France, the statutory conformity guarantee applies to sales between a consumer and a professional seller, including second-hand goods, but not to sales between private individuals.
Identify the seller and check the condition, accessories and stated terms before comparing offers.
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Treating a rating as a promise of longevity
The categories covered by the durability rating and repairability rating differ, and a score does not guarantee the lifespan of the appliance you buy.
Check the category and model, then look up the relevant rating and the practical repair options.
Brands to consider by appliance type
Bosch
Worth considering when comparing repair and replacement for a large appliance, particularly a washing machine.
- Bosch says that original parts for its washing machines are generally available for 15 years.
- This manufacturer statement does not confirm that the part you need is immediately available for every model. Note down the E-Nr and check the part number.
Beko
A brand to consider for a large appliance when spare parts and model features are part of your decision.
- Beko says it keeps spare parts for 15 years for its large domestic appliances and 4 years for its small appliances.
- These stated periods do not confirm the cost of a specific repair or whether the part you need is immediately available locally.
Rowenta
For a vacuum cleaner, the Silence Force RO7740EA is a model to look at for product-specific information.
- Rowenta gives the RO7740EA a repairability rating of 9.4/10.
- This rating and the services listed by Rowenta apply to this model; they do not describe every vacuum cleaner from the brand or guarantee this model’s lifespan.
Miele
An option to consider when comparing a professional repair with replacing an appliance.
- Miele offers repair appointments and says the Repair Bonus is available for eligible cases outside the warranty period.
- Check the diagnosis, eligibility and quote for your appliance before comparing your options.
Replacement appliances on Joybuy
These domestic appliances can help you compare replacement features, particularly for refrigeration and laundry. Before choosing, check that they suit your available space, connections and needs.
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Hisense RQ5P470SETE, 483 L fridge freezer
Compare this 483 L fridge freezer if you’re looking for a replacement.
Four doors, Total No Frost, inverter compressor and E energy rating.
The door is not reversible, so check that its opening direction suits the space.
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Hisense RQ758N4SWSE, 606 L fridge freezer
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a high-capacity fridge freezer.
606 L, Total No Frost, inverter compressor, Wi-Fi and E energy rating.
The door is not reversible, so check that its opening direction suits the space.
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Candy ProWash 700 BS 410B10-S, 10 kg washing machine
Compare this model as a washing machine replacement and check whether its capacity suits your needs.
10 kg capacity, 1,400 rpm and A energy rating.
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Candy ProWash 700 BS 412B8-S, 12 kg washing machine
Compare this model as a washing machine replacement, particularly if a 12 kg capacity would suit your needs.
12 kg capacity, 1,400 rpm, A energy rating, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, steam function.
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Sonlu CD-350RW, 310 L fridge freezer
Compare this fridge freezer as a replacement, taking the available space into account.
310 L total: 211 L fridge and 99 L freezer; 60 cm wide and E energy rating.
Reversible door, inverter compressor and electronic temperature control.
Frequently asked questions
Does a fault mean you need to replace the appliance straight away?
No, not necessarily. If the appliance still meets your needs, first check the warranty that came with your purchase, then ask for a diagnosis and compare the quote, required part and timescale. The Repair Bonus can reduce the bill in eligible cases when you use an approved repairer, but it does not automatically apply to every fault.
Does a second-hand appliance bought from a private individual come with the statutory conformity guarantee?
No. In France, this guarantee applies to contracts between a consumer and a professional seller for new or second-hand goods; it does not apply to sales between private individuals. Service Public says that, when the relevant conditions are met, the fault must appear within two years of the goods being delivered.
Which rating should you check before buying a new appliance?
It depends on the category. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition says the durability rating has been gradually replacing the repairability rating for washing machines since 8 April 2025. Dishwashers and vacuum cleaners are among the appliances covered by the repairability rating. Check which rating applies to the category and model you’re considering.
Do the new European rules already require out-of-warranty repairs in France?
Don’t assume so. In its update of 10 September 2026, Service Public said that national implementation was under way and the provisions were not yet fully applicable in France. Check the rules in force when you make your request, and distinguish them from the rights attached to an existing warranty.
What should you do with your old appliance if you replace it?
Electrical and electronic equipment must be disposed of through a dedicated collection service. When buying an equivalent replacement, ask the retailer about taking back your old appliance and how the process works.