A breakdown doesn’t automatically mean you need a replacement. Ask for a diagnosis, then compare the repair quote and timescale with the overall cost and suitability of a new appliance. If a repair still works for your day-to-day needs, weigh it against buying a replacement. Otherwise, choose an appliance that suits your home and plan how to give the old one a second life or have it collected.
When your fridge or washing machine breaks down, you want to get it working again quickly without buying a replacement before exploring the repair options. ADEME points out that a breakdown doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace the appliance.
You want to compare the actual cost of the repair, how long it will take and the cost of a replacement appliance. According to ADEME, whether replacement makes financial sense depends in particular on the repair cost, when the breakdown occurs and the price of the new appliance.
If you’re considering a replacement, you want a model that suits your household, as well as useful information about its energy use and durability. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition explains the criteria used in the durability index for the categories it covers.
Worth considering: if the diagnosis confirms the appliance can be repaired, with a part and timescale that work for your needs.
Weigh up: the quote, the timescale and any Repair Bonus, which depends on whether the appliance and repair are eligible.
Worth considering: if the diagnosis, quote or timescale means a repair won’t suit your day-to-day needs.
Weigh up: the purchase price, dimensions, capacity and stated energy use for the exact model.
Worth considering: donating or selling it if it still works; otherwise, look into a suitable take-back or collection option.
Plan ahead: the options available depend in particular on the appliance’s condition and the take-back service on offer.
For a breakdown in France, ADEME notes that whether replacement makes financial sense depends in particular on the cost of the repair, when the breakdown occurs and the price of the new appliance. There’s no universal age at which you should replace an appliance.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who is most concerned? |
|---|---|---|
| How soon you can get back to essential everyday tasks | Ask how long the diagnosis and repair will take. If you’re replacing the appliance, check its dimensions, installation type and capacity. | When my fridge or washing machine stops working, I want to know how long I’ll be without it before I choose what to do. Around 36% of consumers affected would put getting an essential appliance back in use quickly first. |
| The actual cost of repair compared with replacement | Compare an itemised quote and timescale with the cost of a replacement. Only factor in financial support if the repair is eligible. | When something breaks down, I want to know exactly how much I’ll have to pay for the repair and compare it with the cost of a new appliance. Around 29% of consumers affected would make this financial decision their priority. |
| Whether a replacement suits your needs and how long you can use it | Check the dimensions and capacity of the exact model. Compare energy information on a like-for-like basis and check the durability index where applicable. | If I replace the appliance, I want it to suit my home and needs, with useful information to help me compare how it will perform over time. Around 21% of consumers affected would prioritise the suitability and durability of their next appliance. |
| What happens to the old appliance | Check the take-back arrangements before buying. If the appliance still works, consider donating or selling it. | If I’m not keeping the appliance, I want to know whether someone else could use it or how to send it to an appropriate collection point. Around 14% of consumers affected would prioritise giving it a second life or having it collected. |
ADEME recommends identifying the cause of the problem before deciding to replace the appliance. Whether a repair makes financial sense depends on the fault and the cost of the work.
Ask for a diagnosis and quote if the timescale works for your day-to-day needs.
According to ecosystem, support depends on the appliance category and the conditions that apply to the fault and repair. For a repair to qualify, it must in particular be carried out by a professional certified under the QualiRépar scheme.
Confirm whether the repair is eligible and how much will actually be deducted before comparing your options.
ADEME points out that whether replacement makes financial sense depends on the repair cost, when the breakdown occurs and the price of the new appliance. The dimensions, capacity and stated energy use should also suit the way you plan to use it.
Compare the specifications of the exact model and the overall cost that matters to your household.
You could donate or sell the appliance if it still works. If you’re not keeping it, you’ll need to arrange take-back or collection.
Check the take-back option before completing your purchase. In France, Service-Public stated in its guidance, updated on 24 October 2025, that when you buy an equivalent appliance, the retailer must take back the corresponding old appliance free of charge, including for distance sales.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a washing machine after a breakdown, particularly by capacity and the service information available for the relevant French model.
Worth looking at if you’re replacing a freestanding dishwasher and the available space or place settings are important to your choice.
Worth considering if you’re looking at a freestanding fridge freezer to replace a broken fridge.
A useful place to look for spare parts for an air fryer using the exact model number, particularly in the Easy Fry range.
Worth checking if you’re looking for washing machine parts by model and model number.
These Joybuy products cover a range of household appliance replacements: a handheld vacuum cleaner, air fryer, dishwasher, washing machine and fridge freezer. Compare their dimensions, capacity and features with the appliance you’re replacing and the space available.
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Worth considering as a replacement for a compact vacuum for tasks such as cleaning the car or sofa.
The product title lists 24 kPa suction, two power levels, a 500 ml dust container, a HEPA filter, a charging dock and 2-in-1 attachments. It’s designed for dry use only: don’t vacuum liquids, hot ash or sharp objects.
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Worth considering as a replacement cooking appliance if a 4 L capacity suits the portions you usually prepare.
The product description lists 1500 W, eight pre-set modes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a timer from 1 to 60 minutes. Check that the capacity suits the way you plan to use it.
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Worth considering as a replacement for a freestanding dishwasher, provided its dimensions and capacity suit your kitchen.
The product title lists 14 place settings, a width of 60 cm, a noise level of 41 dB and energy rating C. The product description warns of a risk of steam burns when the door opens automatically after a hot cycle; keep children at a safe distance.
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Worth considering as a replacement washing machine if the stated capacity suits your laundry loads and it can be installed in your home.
The product title lists a 10 kg capacity, a spin speed of up to 1400 rpm, 16 programmes, a steam function and energy rating A-30 %. The stated installation requirements include a level surface and connections to the water supply and drainage.
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Worth considering as a replacement fridge freezer if the stated width of 54 cm is an important factor for your available space.
The product title lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a reversible door, adjustable feet and energy rating E. The product description recommends placing the appliance on a stable surface and leaving it upright for a few hours before plugging it in.
The ecosystem rates in effect since 1 January 2026 include the following amounts for large household appliances: €50 for a washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer; and €25 for a fridge, fridge freezer, freezer, cooker, cooker hood, wine cooler, hob or built-in oven, excluding microwaves. For home-care appliances, the rates are €40 for a stick, robot or cylinder vacuum cleaner; €20 for a steam generator iron or steam cleaner; €25 for a portable air conditioner or sewing machine; and €15 for an iron, handheld garment steamer, humidifier, air purifier or fan. For kitchen appliances, the rates listed are €30 for a heated food processor or cooking food processor; €25 for a stand mixer or fully automatic coffee machine; €20 for a microwave; and €15 for a kettle, centrifugal or slow juicer, toaster, freestanding oven, deep-fat or air fryer, filter or pod coffee machine, multifunction food processor or citrus juicer. These amounts by category don’t guarantee support for a particular fault: the appliance and repair must be eligible, and the repair must be carried out by a professional certified under the QualiRépar scheme.
No. ADEME’s economic analysis doesn’t set a universal age at which an appliance should be replaced. Whether it makes sense to repair or replace an appliance depends in particular on the cost of the repair, when the breakdown occurs and the price of a new appliance. Ask for a diagnosis and compare these factors with your day-to-day needs.
Compare the available space and dimensions with the product details for the exact model, then check the installation type and usable capacity. Specifications vary between models, so you can’t assume that the width or capacity listed for one model will apply to another.
For appliances covered by energy labelling, compare the details for each model in EPREL on a like-for-like basis. In France, the durability index replaced the repairability index for washing machines on 8 April 2025, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition. It provides information on criteria including repairability and reliability, but doesn’t guarantee the lifespan of any individual appliance.
In France, Service-Public stated in its guidance, updated on 24 October 2025, that the retailer must offer free take-back of the corresponding old appliance when you buy an equivalent one, including for distance sales. Check the take-back arrangements before completing your purchase.