Households looking to avoid replacing an appliance too soon
You want to find out what has gone wrong and whether the parts needed are available before buying another appliance.
Who is this choice for?
People who need to get an essential appliance working again quickly
You need to know how long a repair will take and, if you replace the appliance, choose a model that suits your household and fits your installation.
People open to buying refurbished
You’re considering an appliance that has been used before, provided you can check its condition, features and the identity of the professional seller.
What should you look for?
The warranty and a fault diagnosis can help you decide whether repair is still an option. Only consider carrying out the work yourself if the manufacturer’s instructions and safety requirements allow it. If you replace the appliance, compare new and refurbished models based on the use you need to restore.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Check which warranty applies, have the fault identified and confirm that the parts needed are available. | I want to know whether my appliance can be put back into service before buying another one; around 29% of consumers would put repairability at the top of their list. |
| Getting back to normal use | Compare the estimated time for the repair and parts to arrive with the time it would take to get a replacement up and running. | When an essential appliance breaks down, I need to be able to use it again without waiting indefinitely; for around 29% of consumers, how long this takes would be their main concern. |
| Looking after a new appliance | Check which index applies to the model and what information is available about parts, then compare capacity and installation requirements. | If I replace my appliance, I want to consider how easy it is to maintain without overlooking my day-to-day needs; around 24% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Choosing refurbished | Check the professional seller’s identity, the appliance’s stated condition and the warranty terms. | I’m happy to choose a refurbished appliance if I know what condition it’s in and what options I have if there’s a problem with the seller; around 18% of consumers would make this their priority. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Replacing it without checking the warranty or finding out what’s wrong
You may be able to make a claim against the seller if the appliance is faulty. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory warranty of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods bought by an individual from a professional seller.
Keep your proof of purchase and the appliance’s exact model reference. If you think the fault is covered by this warranty, contact the seller before arranging a repair yourself.
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Assuming an index means the appliance won’t break down
According to ADEME, the repairability index takes factors such as documentation, dismantling and parts into account. A score won’t diagnose the fault with your current appliance, and it doesn’t remove the need to compare the features of any potential replacement.
Check which index applies to the product category, look at the details behind the score for the model you’re considering, and make sure it suits your needs and installation.
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Confusing professional refurbishment with a private sale
An appliance refurbished and sold by a professional is covered by the statutory warranty of conformity, unlike one sold privately. Before buying, you should still check the condition and features of the appliance on offer.
Check who the seller is, the appliance description, the accessories included and the terms that apply to the sale.
Brands to know
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Joybuy products related to this choice
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Frequently asked questions
Which appliances have a durability index in France?
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the durability index has applied to televisions since 8 January 2025 and to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. It replaces the repairability index for these categories and combines repairability and reliability criteria. Check the score for the specific model before choosing.
Can a dishwasher or vacuum cleaner have a repairability index?
Yes. ADEME lists dishwashers and vacuum cleaners among the product categories covered by the repairability index in France. Check the score and its breakdown for the model you’re considering. For a washing machine covered by the scheme, look for the durability index instead.
What should I do if my appliance is still covered by the statutory warranty of conformity?
If you think the fault is due to a lack of conformity that was present when the goods were delivered, contact the professional seller first and provide proof of purchase. The Ministry of the Economy says this warranty covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to an individual. The remedy available depends on the nature of the fault.
Is a refurbished appliance covered by the statutory warranty of conformity?
Yes. According to the Ministry of the Economy, when an individual buys a refurbished appliance from a professional seller, the statutory warranty of conformity applies. It does not apply to private sales, so check who is selling the appliance, as well as its stated condition and features.