Households whose daily routine has been disrupted
If the breakdown means you can’t do your laundry, cook or keep food fresh, compare the actual time needed for a repair with the time it would take to have a replacement delivered and installed.
Who is this choice for?
People keen to avoid replacing an appliance too soon
A diagnosis and quote can help you assess the cost of a repair before ordering a new appliance. The Repair Bonus may also be worth considering if you meet the eligibility requirements.
People open to buying refurbished
If this option suits your budget, check that the right type of appliance is available near you, and look into its guarantee, delivery and installation options.
How do the options compare?
Have it repaired
Worth considering: a professional confirms the fault can be repaired and can carry out the work within a timeframe that suits your needs.
Bear in mind: the timescale depends on the diagnosis and whether the part is available. The Repair Bonus is also subject to eligibility requirements.
Buy new
Worth considering: a repair won’t get the appliance working again within a reasonable timeframe, or a necessary part is unavailable.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to choose a model that fits the available space and existing connections. Durability information varies by appliance category.
Choose a refurbished appliance
Worth considering: the right type of appliance is available locally, with a guarantee and services that suit your home.
Bear in mind: the choice of models and available services depends on stock and the retailer.
When a large appliance breaks down, work out what matters most to you before comparing repair times, quotes and the features of a replacement.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this may suit |
|---|---|---|
| Getting back up and running quickly | Compare the available diagnosis and repair appointments with the delivery and installation date for a replacement. | When an appliance is essential to everyday life, I want to know when I’ll be able to use it again. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise getting back to normal. |
| Keeping costs under control | Ask for an itemised quote and check with the repairer whether the Repair Bonus applies to your appliance and its fault. | If a repair is still possible, I want to compare the total cost with that of a suitable replacement. For around 29% of consumers, cost would be the main concern. |
| Choosing a durable appliance | For eligible washing machines, check the durability index and its breakdown. Also look for information specific to the model. | Once I’ve decided to replace my appliance, I want to consider how easy it may be to repair in future, not just what it can do now. Around 21% of consumers would put durability at the top of their list. |
| Considering refurbished and collection options | Check the dimensions, connections, guarantee and arrangements for collecting your old appliance. | If a refurbished appliance suits my home, I want to be able to get it with suitable services and know what will happen to my old one. This option and collection would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Replacing the appliance before finding out what’s wrong
According to ADEME, the fault may be with a repairable part rather than the whole appliance.
Before comparing it with a suitable replacement, ask for a diagnosis, an itemised quote, an estimated repair date and confirmation that the part is available.
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Assuming the Repair Bonus will apply without checking
The French Ministry of the Economy says the bonus is deducted from the bill by an approved repairer, provided the appliance and fault are eligible and the appliance isn’t covered by a valid guarantee, among other conditions.
Before accepting the quote, ask the repairer to confirm that your repair meets the requirements.
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Assuming all refurbished appliances are the same
Available models, guarantees, delivery and installation services can vary depending on the retailer and its stock.
Check the stated condition of the appliance, its dimensions and connections, and the services available at your address.
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Looking for a durability index on every appliance
The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition says the durability index applies to certain products, including washing machines. Its absence from another appliance category doesn’t tell you how durable a particular model is.
For eligible washing machines, check the score and its criteria. For other appliances, look at the information available for the specific model, including the energy label where applicable.
A retailer to know for refurbished appliances
Envie
A refurbished appliance retailer worth considering if you’re looking for a replacement that suits your appliance category and area.
- According to the Envie network, appliances are collected, repaired, cleaned and tested before sale, and come with a guarantee of at least one year.
- Available models and delivery and installation options vary by store and depend on stock.
Washing machines to consider after a breakdown
These models are intended as replacements for a broken washing machine. Before ordering, check their capacities and loading styles against your available space, then confirm delivery, installation and collection arrangements.
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Haier T Series 7 THASN276TM6-S, 7 kg, top-loading
Worth considering if you’re replacing a top-loading washing machine and need a 7 kg capacity.
Spin speed stated as 1 200 rpm; energy rating A stated in the product name.
Check the dimensions, the space needed to open the lid and the durability information for this specific model.
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Electrolux EWF1410N2, 10 kg, front-loading
Worth considering if you’re replacing a front-loading washing machine and want a stated capacity of 10 kg.
Before choosing this model, check its dimensions, access to the space, connections and the durability information specific to it.
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Candy TCA464TM4-S ProWash 500, 6 kg, top-loading
Worth considering if a top-loading washing machine with a stated capacity of 6 kg suits the amount of laundry you need to wash.
Spin speed stated as 1 400 rpm, energy rating B and 17 programmes mentioned in the product name.
Check the space needed to open the lid, the dimensions and the durability information specific to this model.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Repair Bonus cover washing machines, dishwashers and built-in ovens?
Yes, these categories are among the appliances covered according to Ecosystem, but the bonus depends on the conditions that apply to the repair. In particular, check that the fault is eligible, the appliance is no longer covered by a guarantee and the work is carried out by an approved repairer.
Does the durability index help you choose any large appliance?
No. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition says the index applies to certain products, including washing machines, but not every large appliance category. For eligible washing machines, check the score out of 10 and the criteria behind it. For other appliances, use the information available for the specific model.
How can you arrange collection of your old appliance when a new one is delivered?
For a sale with delivery, Article R541-161 of the French Environmental Code provides for the old appliance to be collected at the delivery point or through an organised local collection option, depending on the applicable conditions. Before placing your order, check with the retailer which option is available and what type of appliance they’ll accept.
Can you buy refurbished large appliances?
Yes. The Envie network says it collects, refurbishes and sells household appliances, but local availability depends on stock. Check the category, model, dimensions, guarantee and services available for the appliance you’re interested in.