After moving into a new home, start by buying appliances that meet everyday needs you can’t currently address, such as keeping food fresh or washing clothes. Before each purchase, check the available space and connections, then compare energy use on a like-for-like basis and check any durability or repairability ratings relevant to that product category. Features you’ll rarely use can wait.
You want to cover food storage and laundry needs without buying every type of appliance as soon as you move in. Start by making a list of what’s already available; ADEME recommends buying only appliances you genuinely need.
You need to make sure each appliance fits its space and works with the connections available. A combination appliance is worth considering if you’ll use both functions; the European Commission says washer-dryer labels show separate information for each function.
You compare energy use, maintenance and repair options, even if you already own an appliance that still works. ADEME recommends considering repair before replacing a broken appliance.
ADEME recommends starting with your household’s actual needs rather than following a standard list of appliances.
| Priority | What to check | Who is this important for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Storing food and cooking | Make a list of the appliances already in the home. For refrigeration, compare capacity and annual energy use in kWh. Also check which cooking method you want and what connection it requires. | I want to keep food fresh and prepare the meals I actually cook first; around 33 % of consumers prioritise food-related functions. |
| Washing clothes | Choose a capacity that suits your usual laundry loads. ADEME lists washing-machine energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per cycle. | When the laundry piles up, I’m looking for a solution that suits how often I wash and how much laundry I have; around 27 % of consumers put laundry first. |
| Choosing appliances that fit your home | Measure the space and access route, then check the appliance’s dimensions and connections. Enedis says washing machines and dishwashers need a dedicated electrical circuit and protective device. | If space or connections are limited, I want to check the installation requirements before choosing; nearly 20 % of consumers prioritise whether an appliance is suitable for their home. |
| Managing use over time | Compare energy use on a like-for-like basis and check the rating that applies to the product category. For a refurbished appliance, check the details of the specific item being sold. | I’d rather consider energy use, maintenance and repair options before replacing an appliance; around 20 % of consumers prioritise long-term use. |
Features you rarely use can take up space without meeting a regular need. ADEME recommends buying only what you genuinely need.
Take stock of the appliances already available, then separate the purchases you need to make now from those you can reconsider once you’ve settled into your home.
Appliances that are rarely used take up space and resources without providing a regular benefit.
Energy labels don’t all cover the same period: refrigeration energy use is shown per year, while some laundry appliances show it per 100 cycles. ADEME explains these reference bases.
Compare appliances in the same category and consider how often you expect to use them. Don’t assume the label figures are a measure of your actual energy use.
A washer-dryer combines two functions, but that alone doesn’t mean it will use less energy. The European Commission provides separate figures for each cycle used.
Check the washing and wash-and-dry information separately, along with capacity, dimensions and the space available.
The technical and cosmetic details must describe the appliance actually being sold, says the DGCCRF. A product listing for the new version doesn’t tell you enough about the refurbished item.
Check the stated condition, the appliance’s specifications and the seller’s details before comparing offers.
Compare the figures on a like-for-like basis: a fridge’s energy label shows annual use in kWh, while labels for relevant laundry appliances show figures such as kWh per 100 cycles. ADEME points out that these figures are based on standard references. Estimate your own use from how often you expect to run the appliance, but don’t mistake the label figures for a measurement taken in your home.
Not necessarily. Enedis says washing machines and dishwashers need a dedicated electrical circuit and protective device. Check the installation requirements for your chosen appliance and ask a qualified person to look into any concerns. This information can’t be used to assess a specific home remotely.
Follow the recommended dosage and the instructions for your model. ADEME says using too much detergent won’t get your clothes any cleaner and also recommends avoiding half-loads.
When an individual buys from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity also applies to refurbished and second-hand goods for two years from delivery. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the presumption that a defect existed at the time of delivery lasts for a shorter period for second-hand goods than for new ones. Check who the seller is and keep the description of the specific item and your proof of purchase.
No. The indices depend on the product category. The French Ministry of the Economy says the repairability index applies to products including dishwashers and vacuum cleaners. For some front-loading and top-loading washing machines, the durability index replaced the repairability index in January 2025.