Before replacing a broken large household appliance, ask a professional to assess whether it’s worth repairing. The Repair Bonus may apply to certain appliances and faults, subject to conditions. If repair isn’t the right option, choose a new or second-hand appliance based on your installation requirements, the features you need and the condition of the specific item. If you buy a new equivalent appliance for home delivery, arrange for your old one to be taken away too.
If you rely on a washing machine, dishwasher or oven, you need a solution that fits your lifestyle, without ruling out a worthwhile repair. For eligible appliances and faults, ecosystem presents the Repair Bonus as an option to look into.
You want to compare repairability, durability and energy information for the model you’re considering, while making sure it’s suitable for your home. ADEME presents this information as a useful guide when choosing an appliance.
You’re considering a used or refurbished appliance if its condition, performance, features and terms of sale work for you. The DGCCRF distinguishes refurbished products from ordinary second-hand items by the functional tests carried out before sale.
Consider this if: a professional thinks repairing this appliance will still meet your needs.
Things to bear in mind: whether the appliance can be repaired, and whether the Repair Bonus applies, depends on the appliance and the fault.
Consider this if: repair isn’t the right option and a new model meets your household’s current needs.
Things to bear in mind: a durability rating doesn’t guarantee that the dimensions, installation requirements and features will suit you.
Consider this if: the item on offer works and is suitable for your home.
Things to bear in mind: according to the DGCCRF, ordinary second-hand items don’t come with the functional tests associated with refurbished products.
| What matters | What to check | What consumers are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Whether repair is worthwhile | Ask a professional to assess the appliance; check separately with the repairer whether the Repair Bonus conditions apply. | I want to know whether my appliance can still do the job I need before ordering another one. Around 33% of consumers make this assessment their priority. |
| Keeping things running | Check the dimensions, installation method and features your household can’t do without. | When an essential appliance stops working, my first priority is finding a solution that fits my home and covers my everyday needs. Around 27% of consumers put continuity first. |
| How long the replacement will last | Check the durability rating for a washing machine or the repairability rating for a dishwasher; compare the energy label where applicable. | If I replace the appliance, I want to be able to check how repairable it is and find useful information about using it in the future. Around 20% of consumers put this ahead of other concerns. |
| Finding the right second-hand option | Distinguish between second-hand and refurbished; check the condition, features and included items for the specific appliance being sold. | I’m happy to choose an appliance that’s been used before, as long as I know what’s been checked and whether it’s right for my home. Reuse is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
A fault or the appliance’s age alone isn’t enough to tell you whether repair is still a sensible option.
Get the fault assessed before deciding, then check that the proposed solution meets your current needs.
According to ecosystem, the scheme covers eligible appliances and faults; some problems linked to how the appliance is used or its surroundings are excluded.
Ask a QualiRépar-certified repairer to confirm the conditions that apply to your appliance and the work required.
A broken large household appliance needs to be taken back or disposed of through an appropriate collection scheme. ecosystem says that when a new equivalent appliance is delivered to the place where it will be used, the old one must be taken back at the same time.
Arrange collection of your old appliance when you place your order, and check the delivery arrangements in advance.
According to the DGCCRF, a refurbished product has undergone functional tests; an ordinary second-hand item hasn’t necessarily had these checks.
Check the details of the specific item for sale, including its condition, any work carried out, what’s included and whether it’s compatible with your installation.
No. According to ecosystem, both the appliance and the fault must meet the scheme’s conditions. Before relying on the bonus, check whether the fault may be covered by a warranty or insurance, and ask a QualiRépar-certified repairer to confirm that the work is eligible.
Check the durability rating for a washing machine and the repairability rating for a dishwasher. ADEME says the durability rating has applied to washing machines since April 2025. Compare these ratings with the dimensions, installation requirements and features of the model you choose.
When you buy a new, equivalent electrical appliance, you must be offered free take-back of your old one. According to ecosystem, if the new appliance is delivered to the place where it will be used, the old one must be taken back at the same time. Confirm the arrangements when you place your order.
No. Refurbished appliances undergo functional tests before being resold, unlike ordinary second-hand items. As the DGCCRF reminds shoppers, check the features and condition of the specific item on offer rather than relying only on the description of the original model.