Households with an ageing or faulty appliance
Before choosing a replacement, note down the appliance’s model number and ask a professional whether it can be repaired. ADEME says professional repairers can help get an appliance back in working order.
Who is this choice for?
Buyers who care about maintaining a new appliance
When comparing models, check the indicator for their category. In France, the ministries responsible for ecology and the economy state that washing machines have a durability index, while dishwashers and vacuum cleaners have a repairability index.
Buyers considering a refurbished appliance
Check the condition and specifications of the appliance actually being sold, as well as the seller’s identity. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity also applies to refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual in France.
Which criteria should you compare?
First, decide whether your current appliance could still be useful after a professional repair. If you replace it, compare appliances in the same category that suit the way you use them.
Have it repaired
Worth considering: the appliance still suits your household, and a professional can assess whether it can be repaired.
Bear in mind: whether a repair is possible depends on the fault and the specific appliance; age alone won’t tell you.
Buy new
Worth considering: you need a replacement and can choose a model that suits your household’s installation and usage requirements.
Bear in mind: an index or label alone won’t tell you how easy it is to maintain every model.
Buy refurbished
Worth considering: the listing clearly describes an appliance that has been tested and, where necessary, repaired before being put up for sale again.
Bear in mind: condition and accessories can vary from one item to another, so check the specific product on offer.
| Priority | What to check | What matters to me |
|---|---|---|
| Whether a repair is possible | Identify the model and ask for a professional diagnosis. If you’re considering the Repair Bonus, check that the appliance, fault and repairer meet the scheme’s conditions set out by the ministries responsible for ecology. | My appliance still meets my needs: I want to know whether I can keep using it before replacing it. |
| Usage and installation | Compare usable capacity, dimensions, installation requirements and the access needed for delivery. | The capacity should match what my household actually uses, without overlooking the space available. |
| Applicable index | In France, the ministries responsible for ecology and the economy advise comparing the durability index for washing machines and televisions, or the repairability index for dishwashers and vacuum cleaners. Compare appliances in the same category. | I want to consider how easy the appliance is to repair, or the durability criteria set for the type of appliance I’m buying. |
| Spare parts and maintenance | Look for parts compatible with the exact model number, how long they are expected to remain available, and details of maintenance and after-sales service. | If a part needs replacing later, I want to be able to identify the right one for my model. |
| Consumption and usage | For categories with an energy label, compare the figures for similar models. ADEME says the labels for applicable appliances include energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. Also consider capacity, noise and programme duration. | I’m looking for figures that reflect how often I’ll use the appliance and the conditions in the room where it will be used. |
| Condition of a refurbished appliance | Check the model number, described condition, included accessories and seller’s identity. The DGCCRF states that a refurbished product must have undergone functional tests before being put up for sale. | For a refurbished appliance, I want to know about the specific item on offer, not just the specifications of the new model. |
Which shortcuts should you avoid?
-
Replacing an appliance without checking whether it can be repaired
An appliance that still suits your needs may sometimes be repairable. ADEME recommends contacting a professional to assess whether this is possible.
Note down the model number and ask for a diagnosis before deciding to replace it. Check the Repair Bonus conditions separately if you plan to use the scheme.
-
Relying on a single rating
The energy label and the repairability or durability indices cover different aspects of an appliance. A rating also won’t confirm whether a particular model will fit your installation.
Compare the indicators that apply to the category, then check that the capacity, dimensions, maintenance requirements and spare parts suit your needs.
-
Confusing second-hand with refurbished
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, a refurbished product is a second-hand item whose functions have been tested and which has been repaired if necessary before being resold.
Ask for a description of the specific item’s condition, any faults and the accessories included.
-
Assuming a brand-wide commitment applies to every product
Manufacturers’ statements about spare-part availability apply to specific categories, periods or products. They don’t, by themselves, confirm that a part is compatible with your appliance.
Use the exact model number to find the parts you need and the relevant repair options.
What to know about brands and spare parts
These commitments published by manufacturers can help you check availability by model number. They don’t, by themselves, tell you the condition of a specific part or the details of the appliances featured below.
Bosch
A brand to look at when searching for parts that match a specific Bosch appliance.
- Bosch says it makes original spare parts available for 15 years for large appliances and 10 years for small appliances.
- Check the exact model number and the part you need: this general commitment doesn’t confirm compatibility with every model.
Miele
A brand to consider if the stated availability period for spare parts matters to you.
- Miele France says its spare parts remain available for at least 15 years after mass production ends.
- This statement doesn’t determine what repairs are possible for a specific model.
SEB
A small-appliance brand whose commitments on spare parts are worth checking for each product.
- SEB says it keeps technical spare parts for almost all products covered by its programme for 15 years after purchase.
- Check whether the model you’re considering is covered and identify any parts you might need.
An appliance to consider on Joybuy
This new fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re replacing an existing fridge freezer and need plenty of storage space. It won’t, by itself, help you decide between repairing, buying new or choosing a refurbished model.
Image unavailable
Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 L No Frost fridge freezer
Worth considering if your household needs the stated 444 L of storage space and the appliance can be installed in your chosen location.
The product listing states that it has Total No Frost, an E energy rating, uses 289 kWh/year and produces 40 dB of noise. Compare these figures with the energy label for the exact model. Also check the dimensions, required clearances, spare parts and after-sales service terms before making your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Which appliances have a durability index in France?
According to the ministries responsible for ecology, the durability index applies to televisions from 8 January 2025 and washing machines from 8 April 2025. For these categories, it is gradually replacing the repairability index and also takes reliability and maintenance criteria into account.
Does the repairability index still apply to dishwashers and vacuum cleaners?
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy lists dishwashers and vacuum cleaners among the categories covered by the repairability index in France. When comparing two appliances, check that you’re looking at the index that applies to each category.
Should you factor in the Repair Bonus before replacing an appliance?
First, check whether your appliance and its fault are covered by the scheme, and whether you can use a certified repairer. The ministries responsible for ecology state that the repairer applies the Repair Bonus when the conditions are met; it doesn’t mean that every fault can be repaired.
Is a refurbished appliance bought from a business covered by the legal guarantee of conformity?
Yes, for a purchase made by a private individual from a professional seller in France. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Check that the listing clearly describes the condition of the appliance actually being sold.
How do you compare the energy consumption of two washing machines or dishwashers?
Compare models in the same category using their energy labels, then relate the figures to how you’ll use the appliance. ADEME says the reference values include energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per cycle. Also check the capacity and duration of the relevant programme.