After a breakdown, first check whether your appliance is still covered by a warranty and ask for a repair quote. Compare this with the total cost of a suitable replacement. If you’re buying new, check which index applies to the category and what its criteria are, then check separately that parts are compatible with the model you’ve chosen. A refurbished appliance may also be a good option, provided you check its condition and the warranties on offer.
You’re looking for an appliance suited to your laundry needs and want to compare repairability and reliability using the durability index that applies to eligible new washing machines. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition treats these as two distinct sets of criteria within the index.
Your appliance has broken down and you want to compare new models using the repairability index that applies to these categories, without confusing it with the durability index. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition specifies which categories are covered.
You want to compare a repair quote with the cost of buying a new or refurbished appliance, taking spare parts and warranties into account. The Ministry of the Economy explains the warranties that apply to second-hand goods bought from a business.
In France, the durability index replaced the repairability index for eligible new domestic washing machines in 2025. Eligible new dishwashers and vacuum cleaners come under the repairability index. Check which index applies to the category and model you’re considering.
Consider this if : your appliance still meets your needs. Check its warranty and ask a professional for a quote.
Check : eligibility for any available support depends on the product and the repairer.
Consider this if : you’re looking at an eligible washing machine. Compare the index and its repairability and reliability components across models suited to the same use.
Bear in mind : the score doesn’t replace checking parts, dimensions, capacity or energy consumption information.
Consider this if : you’re looking at an eligible new dishwasher or vacuum cleaner. Check the index and its criteria before comparing models suited to your needs.
Bear in mind : this index doesn’t guarantee the cost of a future repair and is not a substitute for the durability index.
Consider this if : the stated condition, model, parts and seller’s terms meet your needs.
Check : an index required for certain new appliances doesn’t automatically apply to refurbished models. Check the warranties too.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who prioritises it |
|---|---|---|
| How repairable your next appliance is | Find out which index applies and check its criteria; check the availability and price of parts for the model you’re considering. | If I want to avoid having to replace my next appliance after a breakdown, I check which parts are available for the model; around 30 % of consumers would make future repairability their top priority. |
| Reliability and maintenance | For an eligible washing machine, check the components of the durability index and the model’s maintenance instructions. | If I want to be able to maintain the appliance and take its reliability into account, I check the relevant criteria; around 20 % of consumers would put this first. |
| Upfront cost and warranties | Compare the quote with the total cost of replacement; distinguish the legal guarantee from an optional commercial warranty. | If the amount I have to pay now guides my choice, I compare both options and the warranties that apply; around 20 % of consumers would prioritise this upfront cost. |
| Keeping a broken appliance | Check whether it’s covered by a warranty, whether the necessary part is available and whether it may qualify for repair support. | If I’d rather keep my appliance when repair is an option, I check whether the part and any support are available; around 20 % of consumers would make keeping their appliance their top priority. |
| Suitability and energy consumption | Check the dimensions, installation type and capacity; compare the energy label if one applies to the category. | If I need an appliance that fits my space and how I’ll use it, I check its dimensions and capacity; around 10 % of consumers would prioritise this fit and energy consumption. |
For eligible new domestic washing machines, the durability index replaced the repairability index in 2025. Using an old product sheet could therefore mean comparing the wrong indicator.
Check which index currently applies to the category and review the detailed criteria on the model’s product sheet.
A score takes several criteria into account, but it doesn’t set the cost of a particular repair or part.
Check the availability and price of parts for the exact model, then ask for a quote if the appliance breaks down.
A commercial warranty is separate from your legal rights and doesn’t replace them.
Read the terms of the legal guarantee separately from the duration and any exclusions of the commercial offer.
An extended commercial warranty may cost extra; check its terms before including it in your comparison.
Replacement costs can vary depending on the offer and your circumstances, so the comparison may not tell the whole story.
Compare what you’d actually pay for each option, and only factor in repair support once you’ve checked your eligibility.
Depending on the offer, replacement may also involve delivery, installation or removal of your old appliance.
Washing machines and other home appliances, with a repair service available in France.
W1 washing machines and a French parts catalogue to check against your model.
A French range of dishwasher parts and accessories to check by model.
A range of washing machines featured on the manufacturer’s French website.
This selection includes vacuum cleaners and a washing machine. To compare their repairability with other models, check which index applies to each category and which parts are available for the model you choose.
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A vacuum cleaner to consider if you’re replacing your current one and want to check the repairability index that applies to its category.
The product name states a suction power of 170 AW and a claimed runtime of 80 minutes.
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A washing machine to consider if you’re replacing your current one; check the applicable durability index and parts for this model.
The product name states a 7 kg capacity, a spin speed of 1 400 rpm and an A rating.
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A vacuum cleaner to consider if you’re replacing your current one and want to check the repairability index that applies to its category.
The product name states a suction power of 27 000 Pa and a claimed runtime of 70 minutes.
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A vacuum cleaner to consider if you’re replacing your current one and want to check the repairability index that applies to its category.
The product name states a suction power of 220 AW and a 590 W motor.
For an eligible new domestic washing machine, check the durability index, which replaced the repairability index in 2025. For an eligible new dishwasher, check the repairability index. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes the categories and criteria: compare the details rather than two scores based on different indicators.
Note down the full model number and check the availability, price and compatibility of the relevant parts. The DGCCRF points out that spare-parts obligations apply to certain categories and parts; this doesn’t mean that every part for every appliance is available for the same length of time.
It may reduce the bill for certain products repaired by an approved repairer, subject to the scheme’s conditions. The Ministry of the Economy recommends checking which categories are covered and whether you’re eligible before factoring this support into your comparison.
The legal guarantee of conformity can be invoked for two years from the date the goods are delivered. For second-hand goods, the period during which a fault is presumed to have existed at the time of delivery is 12 months, compared with two years for new goods; this does not reduce the guarantee itself to 12 months. The Ministry of the Economy provides this information.
No. The absence of an index intended for certain new appliances doesn’t prove that a refurbished appliance can’t be repaired. Check information about its model and condition, whether parts are available, and the terms of sale and warranty.