After a breakdown, first rule out any electrical or gas-related danger. Then check the warranty, diagnosis and availability of parts before deciding whether to replace the appliance. Whether a repair is possible depends on the fault and the parts available. With a refurbished appliance, check the specific item carefully, while buying new gives you the opportunity to compare the ratings that apply to the model you choose. If you can’t wait to use the appliance again, also look into the terms of any temporary solution.
If you can’t wait long, first make sure the situation is safe. Then check the warranty, how long a diagnosis will take and whether a repair or temporary replacement is possible.
Whether you’re considering a repair, a refurbished appliance or a new one, check whether the fault is covered, the condition of the appliance on offer and the applicable warranties. For refurbished products, the DGCCRF recommends paying close attention to the information provided about the specific item being sold.
If you’re thinking of replacing your appliance, compare the rating that applies to the specific model and check the information about spare parts. The Ministry of the Economy notes that ratings and spare-parts requirements vary by appliance category.
Safety comes before choosing an appliance. Once the situation is safe, a diagnosis can help you weigh up repair versus replacement. The time you’re prepared to wait, the warranties available and how easy the next model will be to repair can then help guide your decision.
Consider this: if the diagnosis confirms that the appliance can be repaired and the part you need is available.
Bear in mind: waiting for a diagnosis or a part could mean you’re without the appliance for longer.
Consider this: if the item on offer suits your needs and the professional seller clearly describes its condition.
Bear in mind: check its technical and cosmetic condition, as well as what’s included. The specifications of the original new model won’t necessarily describe the item being sold.
Consider this: if you need a replacement and can find a model that meets your usage and installation requirements.
Bear in mind: the durability or repairability rating depends on the appliance category. You should still check the spare-parts information for the specific model.
| Consideration | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping your appliance in use | Ask how long a diagnosis will take and whether the part is available. If waiting would be a problem, check the terms for a loan appliance or rental. | If I rely on this appliance every day, I want to know how long I’ll be without it before choosing between repair and replacement. Around 33% of consumers would put getting their appliance working again quickly first. |
| Warranties and cover | Check the warranty on the broken appliance. For a refurbished one, find out who the professional seller is and what condition the item being sold is in. | I want to understand what will be covered if the fault persists or the replacement appliance has a defect. For around 33% of consumers, these warranties would be the main deciding factor. |
| Future repairability | For the model you’re considering, check the applicable rating and find out whether parts are available and how to order them. | If I replace my appliance, I don’t want to be stuck next time it breaks because the part I need isn’t available. Around 25% of consumers would put being able to repair it first. |
| Safety | If you smell burning or gas, or see sparks, stop handling the appliance and follow the instructions from the relevant emergency service. | If there’s a sign of danger, I need to make the situation safe before thinking about a new appliance. Around 9% of consumers would make this precaution their priority. |
A breakdown alone doesn’t tell you whether a repair is possible. The DGCCRF explains that requirements to make spare parts available apply only to certain product categories.
Ask for a diagnosis and check whether the part for your model is available before deciding to replace the appliance.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, durability and repairability ratings apply to specific product categories. A rating alone doesn’t tell you whether an appliance will meet your installation and usage needs.
Check the details of the rating that applies to the model, then look separately at maintenance and access to spare parts.
The DGCCRF says that a refurbished product must have been tested to make sure it works and, if necessary, restored to working order. Its description must reflect the specific item on offer.
Find out who the seller is, read the technical and cosmetic description of the item and keep your sales documents.
A smell of burning or gas, or sparks, immediately change what you need to do first. Enedis and GRDF publish separate guidance for electrical emergencies and gas leaks.
Don’t try to work on a dangerous installation. Move away and follow the relevant emergency service’s instructions before deciding whether to repair or replace the appliance.
Deal with the danger first, without trying to repair the installation. Enedis advises you not to touch anything if there are signs of an electrical hazard. If you smell gas, GRDF advises you to avoid flames and sparks, leave the premises and contact Urgence Sécurité Gaz, following its instructions.
Yes. According to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a private individual buys a refurbished product from a professional seller. Check who the seller is and keep the product description and sales documents.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the durability rating has applied to televisions since 8 January 2025, and to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. For these categories, it replaces the repairability rating. Check the rating shown for the specific model you’re considering.
No. The DGCCRF says the requirements for making spare parts available vary between product categories. Before choosing a repair or a new model, check which parts are available, for how long and how to order them.
Check the technical and cosmetic condition of the item on offer, what’s included and who the seller is. The DGCCRF says that a refurbished product must have been tested and, if necessary, restored to working order. So a description of the new model alone isn’t enough to tell you about the appliance being sold.