Households without an essential appliance
If you can no longer do your laundry, keep food fresh or cook, find out how soon a professional can visit. Before ordering another appliance, also check whether you’re eligible for any support.
Who is this for?
Shoppers thinking carefully about their next appliance
If a replacement is needed, repairability information, parts availability for the exact model and the energy label can help you compare appliances in the same category. ADEME recommends checking this information when choosing an appliance.
Households open to buying second-hand
A pre-owned or reused appliance could meet your needs, provided you check its condition, dimensions, installation requirements and the service terms offered for that model.
What should you check before deciding?
First, find out whether the broken appliance can be repaired and put back into service. If you’re considering a replacement, compare each model with your household’s needs and the practicalities of your home.
Repair
Consider it: if the diagnosis suggests the appliance can be repaired and will still meet your needs.
Check: how soon a professional can visit, which parts are needed and whether any support may be available.
New appliance
Consider it: if a repair won’t restore the appliance to a level that suits your needs, or if your household’s needs have changed.
Check: the dimensions, capacity, energy label and category-specific repairability information.
Reuse or second-hand
Consider it: if an appliance in good condition meets your needs and can be installed in your home.
Check: wear and tear, included accessories and the seller’s service terms for the specific appliance.
| Concern | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Getting the appliance working again | How soon you can get a diagnosis and whether a home visit is possible; how soon installation can be arranged if you replace the appliance. | When my washing machine or fridge stops working, I want to know which option will get it back in use quickly. Around 31% of consumers prioritise a quick solution. |
| Checking what support is available | Any applicable warranty or insurance, the repairer’s quote and the terms of the Repair Bonus. | Before deciding against a repair, I want to know what support is available for my appliance. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Planning how long to use the replacement | The index applicable to the category, documentation and parts availability for the exact model. | If I have to buy another appliance, I want to be able to check its repairability and the parts available. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Choosing an appliance to suit the household | Dimensions, the capacity you need and the consumption figures shown on the energy label. | In a home where space is limited or an appliance is used frequently, I want to choose the right capacity and understand the consumption figures shown. Around 19% of consumers put this suitability first. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Ordering a replacement without looking into a repair
A warranty or other support may affect your decision. According to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus depends, among other things, on the appliance concerned and whether you use an approved repairer; it doesn’t replace a professional diagnosis.
Find your proof of purchase, check what cover applies and ask for a quote before comparing your options.
-
Comparing indices as if they applied to every appliance
Indices don’t apply in the same way to every category. ADEME says the durability index has applied to new washing machines since April 2025, while the repairability index applies to dishwashers, among other appliances.
Check which index applies to the model you’re considering, then look at the parts and documentation for its exact model reference too.
-
Choosing a capacity without considering how you’ll use it
A larger capacity won’t necessarily suit your laundry needs or the space available. Energy label consumption figures are based on standard conditions, which may not reflect every household’s actual use.
Compare appliances in the same category, then check that the capacity, dimensions and consumption figures suit the way you use yours.
-
Disposing of an old fridge or freezer through the wrong route
According to ADEME, fridges and freezers may contain fluids that require specialist collection.
If you replace your appliance, find out about take-back or an appropriate collection point rather than leaving it out with bulky waste.
Brands to consider
A brand’s claims are a useful starting point, but always check that they apply to the specific appliance model you’re interested in.
Bosch
Worth considering if being able to identify parts for a major appliance is important to you.
- Bosch Home Appliances says it provides original parts for its major appliances for 15 years and offers a parts search by E-Nr reference.
- Check which part you need and how long it will be available for your exact model before assuming a repair will be possible.
Miele
Worth considering if the stated parts availability period is one of your criteria.
- Miele France says spare parts will be available for at least 15 years after series production ends.
- You’ll still need to confirm that the part you need is available and that a repair can be carried out on the model you’ve chosen.
Electrolux
Worth considering if easy access to support, repairs and a search for suitable parts is a priority.
- Electrolux France provides support services and a parts search for products identified by their PNC number.
- Confirm which parts are available for your exact model and the terms of their availability.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
These washing machines and refrigeration appliances are options to consider if you’ve decided to replace your broken appliance. Their capacities and features alone aren’t enough to determine whether replacing it is better than repairing it.
Image unavailable
Electrolux EWF1410N2, 10 kg front-loading washing machine
Worth considering as a replacement washing machine if a 10 kg capacity suits your household’s laundry needs. The model name mentions steam, TimeSave and an Inverter motor. Check the dimensions, installation requirements and durability information that applies to this model.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you need both fridge and freezer functions in a three-door appliance. The model name lists a 360 L capacity, energy rating E, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the dimensions and clearance needed for installation.
Image unavailable
Sonlu CD‑400RW, 355 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if the balance between fridge and freezer space matters as much as the total capacity. The model name lists 252 L for the fridge, 103 L for the freezer, a width of 60 cm and reversible doors. Check the other dimensions and the space needed to open the doors.
Image unavailable
Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 L refrigeration appliance
Worth considering if your household is looking for a stated capacity of 444 L. The model name mentions frost-free technology, energy rating E and a noise level of 40 dB. Check how the capacity is divided, the dimensions and the measurement conditions before comparing it with another model.
Image unavailable
COMFEE' RCF470LS2EU(E), 474 L refrigerator
Worth considering if a four-door appliance with a stated capacity of 474 L suits the way you use it. The model name mentions energy rating E, Vario Box and a three-temperature vegetable drawer. Check how the capacity is divided, the dimensions and the space needed to open the doors.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before applying for the Repair Bonus?
First, check what cover applies to your appliance and ask an approved repairer for a diagnosis. According to ecosystem, eligibility depends, among other things, on the appliance category, whether it is owned by a household, whether it was bought in France and its warranty status. Ask the professional to confirm the terms that apply to your repair.
Is an appliance’s age enough to decide whether to replace it?
No. Age alone doesn’t tell you what’s wrong with it or whether it can be repaired. Get a diagnosis, check whether any cover applies and whether the part you need is available, then consider whether the proposed repair suits your current needs.
What should I compare when choosing a new washing machine or dishwasher?
Start by comparing models in the same category with a capacity that suits your household. According to ADEME, the durability index has applied to new washing machines since April 2025. For a dishwasher, check the applicable repairability index, as well as the consumption figures and features shown on the energy label.
What should I do with my old appliance after replacing it?
If it’s still in working order, consider donating it, selling it or giving it to a reuse organisation. Otherwise, find out about take-back or a dedicated collection service. ADEME recommends using the appropriate disposal route for refrigeration appliances because of the fluids they may contain.