Households looking to keep their next appliance for longer
If you’re replacing an ageing appliance or one that no longer meets your needs, reliability and ease of maintenance matter just as much as how well it fits into your daily routine.
Who are these criteria useful for?
Consumers who care about spare parts and repairs
If you want to be able to get your appliance repaired if it breaks down, check the criteria that make up the index, including documentation, how easy it is to dismantle and spare-parts availability.
Households comparing capacity and everyday use
When replacing a washing machine or dishwasher, make sure its capacity suits your household. Then compare the water and energy use, programme duration and noise levels shown on the relevant labels.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by comparing appliances in the same category that meet your needs. The French ministries responsible for the ecological transition state that the durability index has applied to new washing machines placed on the market in France since 8 April 2025. Dishwashers and vacuum cleaners are covered by the repairability index.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Durability and reliability | For a qualifying new washing machine, check the durability index for the exact model and the details of its reliability criteria. | If I’m replacing an appliance that has worn out too quickly, I want to put its future reliability front and centre. Around 42% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Repairability and spare parts | Check the details of the index that applies to the model, including documentation, how easy it is to dismantle and spare-parts availability. | A breakdown shouldn’t mean I have to replace the whole appliance if it can be repaired; nearly 33% of consumers prioritise access to spare parts and repair information. |
| Capacity and everyday use | For a washing machine or dishwasher, compare models with capacities suited to your household, then check the water and energy use, programme duration and noise levels shown on the energy label. | If my new washing machine or dishwasher doesn’t suit my household’s needs and routines, I may find it impractical to use every day. Around 25% of consumers prioritise how well an appliance fits their needs. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Using the wrong index to compare new washing machines
In France, the durability index has replaced the repairability index as the guide for qualifying new washing machines since 8 April 2025, according to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition. It also includes reliability criteria.
Check the durability index for the model you’re considering and look at its criteria, rather than comparing scores based on different indices directly.
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Looking only at the overall score
The repairability index takes into account factors such as documentation, how easy the appliance is to dismantle and spare-parts availability. The score alone doesn’t tell you which criteria address your main concern.
If access to spare parts is important to you, check the details of the index for the exact model before choosing.
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Forgetting about practical requirements
A durability or repairability index doesn’t tell you everything about capacity, programme duration or noise levels. For washing machines and dishwashers, the energy label provides separate information on these points and on energy and water use.
Compare models in the same category and with a suitable capacity, checking both the relevant index and their energy labels.
Brands to consider as a guide
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Appliances on Joybuy
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Frequently asked questions
Which index should I check for a new washing machine sold in France?
Check the durability index for the model in question. According to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition, it has been gradually replacing the repairability index for washing machines since 8 April 2025 and combines repairability and reliability criteria.
Do dishwashers and vacuum cleaners have a repairability index?
Yes. Dishwashers and vacuum cleaners are among the categories covered in France, according to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition. To compare two models, check their scores and the details of the criteria behind them.
What should I look at beyond the repairability score?
Check the documentation, how easy the appliance is to dismantle and the availability of spare parts for the exact model. The French Ministry of the Economy lists these among the index criteria. Looking at the details can help you see what matters most if you need a repair.
What else should I compare for a washing machine or dishwasher?
Compare the capacity and energy-label information for models suited to the same needs. The European Commission’s label includes details such as consumption, programme duration and noise levels. Check which programme each figure refers to before comparing two appliances.