If a large appliance becomes unreliable, have the fault assessed before deciding whether to replace it. A repair quote will help you work out whether a repair still makes sense for your needs. If you do replace it, compare capacity, energy label information and the repairability details relevant to its category. If you’re buying second-hand, check the condition of the specific appliance on offer too. In France, ecosystem reminds customers that when they buy an equivalent new appliance, the retailer must offer to take the old one away free of charge, including for online sales.
A professional diagnosis can help you decide whether the appliance is still usable and whether a repair will meet your needs, rather than replacing it in a hurry. ADEME says that a Repair Bonus may be available for certain large appliances repaired by an approved repairer.
As well as capacity and the energy label, you can check the relevant rating for the category: the durability index for a washing machine and the repairability index for a dishwasher, according to the French government departments responsible for the environment. Also check the documentation and parts availability for the model you’re considering.
You should be able to assess the condition of the specific appliance, any work carried out, the accessories included and the seller’s identity. The DGCCRF explains that a product described as refurbished must have undergone functional tests before sale.
Consider this if: a professional can identify the fault and the appliance still meets your household’s needs.
Bear in mind: a repair does not guarantee that the appliance’s other parts will remain reliable.
Consider this if: a repair is no longer suitable, or you need a different capacity or installation.
Bear in mind: official ratings vary by category and are no substitute for checking the specific model.
Consider this if: you can check the appliance’s condition and functionality, and make sure it’s suitable for your installation.
Bear in mind: a second-hand appliance has not necessarily undergone the tests associated with refurbishment, as the DGCCRF points out.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Ask for details of the fault, the work required and parts availability. Check with the repairer whether the appliance and repair qualify for the Repair Bonus. | I’m still happy with my appliance; I want to know whether it can keep working after this breakdown. |
| Capacity and use | Compare the capacity with your usual loads and check the energy label information for appliances in the same category. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is usually sufficient. | I’d rather choose a capacity that suits the laundry I wash regularly than automatically opt for a large drum. |
| Repairability | According to the French government departments responsible for the environment, check the durability index for a washing machine or the repairability index for a dishwasher. Also look at the model’s documentation, how easily it can be dismantled and access to spare parts. | If another fault occurs, I’d like to be able to have the appliance assessed and find the information needed to repair it. |
| Condition of a second-hand appliance | Ask for a description of the specific appliance, any faults and the accessories included. If it’s advertised as refurbished, ask about the tests carried out and any repairs made; the DGCCRF distinguishes refurbished products from ordinary second-hand goods. | Before choosing an appliance that’s already been used, I want to know what’s been checked and exactly what will be delivered. |
| Old appliance | When buying an equivalent new appliance, check how to arrange the free take-back offered by the retailer, including for online sales, as ecosystem explains. If your old appliance still works, look into local donation or reuse options. | I want to plan what will happen to my old appliance before the new one arrives. |
A specific fault can sometimes be repaired without replacing the whole appliance. ADEME recommends looking into this option and highlights a Repair Bonus for certain repairs.
Ask a professional for a diagnosis and a quote, then weigh their advice against the appliance’s overall condition and your current needs.
The energy rating alone won’t tell you whether documentation or spare parts are available. The relevant index also depends on the appliance category, according to the French government departments responsible for the environment.
Compare appliances in the same category using their energy labels, then check the relevant index and repair information for the exact model.
According to the DGCCRF, the term ‘refurbished’ means that the appliance has undergone functional tests before sale. It doesn’t simply mean that it has been used before.
Before deciding, ask about the specific appliance’s condition, the tests carried out, any repairs made and the accessories included.
Take-back and reuse need to be arranged in advance. Ecosystem reminds customers that when they buy an equivalent new appliance, the retailer must offer a free ‘one-for-one’ take-back service, including for distance sales.
Check the take-back arrangements while placing your order. If the appliance can still be used, look into local donation or reuse options recommended by ADEME.
This 10 kg washing machine is one replacement option to consider if you usually wash large loads. Whether to repair, buy new or choose a second-hand appliance depends on your current machine and the features of the offer.
Image unavailable
Before replacing your appliance, compare the stated 10 kg capacity with the size of your usual laundry loads. Check the energy label, the model’s durability index, information about spare parts and whether it’s suitable for your installation.
No. Having the fault assessed first can help you decide what to do. Ask a professional what needs repairing and whether the appliance will still suit your needs. According to the French government departments responsible for the environment, the cost of an eligible repair by an approved repairer may be reduced by a Repair Bonus.
In France, look for the durability index for a washing machine and the repairability index for a dishwasher. The French government departments responsible for the environment state that the durability index has applied to washing machines since 8 April 2025. Also check the repair information for the model you’re considering.
Check the documentation, how easily the model can be dismantled and access to spare parts. ADEME lists these as factors to consider when assessing repairability. Also check which official index applies to its category.
When you buy an equivalent new appliance in France, the retailer must offer a free ‘one-for-one’ take-back service, including for distance sales, according to ecosystem. Ask about the practical arrangements when you place your order rather than waiting for the new appliance to arrive.
No. The French Ministry of the Economy describes a refurbished appliance as a second-hand product whose functions have been tested and which has been repaired if necessary. To assess an offer, ask for a description of the specific appliance being sold, the tests carried out and any faults.