If your vacuum cleaner has broken down, check your warranties first and ask for a repair quote before deciding to replace it. You may be able to claim the Repair Bonus, subject to certain conditions, through a QualiRépar repairer. If you do need a replacement, second-hand is best when you can test the appliance, while a refurbished model sold by a professional comes with specified checks and the rights associated with that seller. For a new appliance, compare the repairability rating and check whether parts are available for the model you’re considering.
You can identify your appliance and want to know whether a fault is worth getting a repair quote for, rather than replacing it. If you’re considering the Repair Bonus offered by ecosystem, also check the eligibility requirements with a QualiRépar repairer.
You’re weighing up second-hand and refurbished options and want to understand what has been checked, which accessories are included and what rights depend on the seller’s status. The DGCCRF draws a distinction between refurbishment and simply reselling a second-hand item.
Repair isn’t right for you, and you want to consider how repairable your next model is. The ADEME says that corded, cordless and robot vacuum cleaners are covered by the repairability rating; you’ll still need to check parts for the exact model.
If you can identify your vacuum cleaner and it has developed a fault, first find out whether it can be repaired. If you need to replace it, the choice between second-hand, refurbished and new mainly depends on what checks you can carry out and what rights you expect from the seller.
Consider this if: the appliance may be repairable. Ask for a diagnosis before arranging a replacement.
Limitations: according to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus is subject to conditions when you use a QualiRépar repairer. It does not cover consumables or cosmetic damage, among other things.
Consider this if: you can inspect and try out a used appliance before making up your mind.
Limitations: when buying from a private seller, don’t assume you’ll have the same protections as when buying from a professional.
Consider this if: you’re looking for a pre-owned appliance whose functions have been tested before resale, in line with the criteria described by the DGCCRF.
Limitations: refurbishment doesn’t guarantee a flawless appearance or the same lifespan as a new appliance.
Consider this if: you need a replacement and want to compare how repairable different models are before buying.
Limitations: the repairability rating described by the ADEME doesn’t, on its own, guarantee that a vacuum cleaner is reliable or that a particular part will be immediately available.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Keep using your appliance for longer | Check any current warranties, then ask whether the fault and appliance qualify for the Repair Bonus before accepting a quote. | I’d rather find out whether my vacuum cleaner can be put back into service before choosing another one; around 30 % of consumers prioritise the possibility of repair. |
| Choose a refurbished appliance with checks in place | For a refurbished model, check the model number, stated condition, included accessories and the seller’s status. | I want an appliance that’s already been used, but I also want to understand what checks have been carried out and what rights come with my purchase; around 30 % of consumers put this first. |
| Assess a second-hand appliance | Test the suction and, if necessary, the battery charge; also check the cable, filters and essential accessories. | If I can try the vacuum cleaner before committing, I’m happy to assess its condition for myself; around 20 % of consumers prefer this approach to buying second-hand. |
| Make future repairs easier | For a new model, compare the repairability ratings of similar appliances, then look up parts for the exact model number. | After a fault that means I have to replace my appliance, I want to be able to find parts for the next one; around 20 % of consumers put repairability first when buying new. |
According to ecosystem, the scheme covers eligible appliances and faults that are no longer under warranty. Accessories, consumables, removable batteries and cosmetic defects are among the exclusions.
Describe the fault and give the QualiRépar repairer your vacuum cleaner’s model number. Ask them to confirm that it’s eligible before comparing the quote with the cost of a replacement.
The DGCCRF says that a refurbished product must have its functions tested and be repaired or restored if necessary. However, the term doesn’t tell you what it looks like or which accessories are included.
Before choosing an offer, ask for the full model number, cosmetic condition, included items and details of the checks carried out.
The French Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between sales by professionals and sales between private individuals when it comes to the legal guarantee of conformity. You shouldn’t assume that the right to cancel certain purchases from a professional also applies to sales between private individuals.
Identify the seller before buying. If you’re buying from a private individual, try the appliance if possible and keep a record of its stated condition. If you’re buying from a professional, check the terms that apply to your chosen way of buying.
According to the ADEME, the rating tells you how repairable the vacuum cleaners covered by the scheme are, not how reliable they are or whether they suit your needs. It also doesn’t confirm that a particular part is immediately available.
Once you’ve found a model you like, look up the parts and consumables that match its exact model number.
Worth considering if future access to technical parts is important when choosing a new or refurbished vacuum cleaner.
Worth considering if you’d like to look at a refurbished product from the brand or search for parts by model.
An option if you want to look for a part for a Miele vacuum cleaner before deciding whether to repair or replace it.
A vacuum cleaner may qualify if the appliance, fault and repair meet the scheme’s requirements and the work is carried out by a QualiRépar repairer. ecosystem includes stick, robot and cylinder vacuum cleaners, but excludes appliances that are still under warranty and work involving only consumables or accessories, among other things. Check whether your situation qualifies before going ahead with the repair.
No, not if the work involves only a consumable or accessory excluded from the scheme described by ecosystem. If the fault affects a function built into the vacuum cleaner, ask a QualiRépar repairer to assess whether it qualifies under the other applicable conditions.
According to the DGCCRF, a refurbished product is a second-hand item whose functions have been tested and which has been repaired or restored if necessary before resale. You should still check the stated cosmetic condition, model number and accessories: the term alone doesn’t tell you these details about the specific appliance.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer, among other things, as explained by the French Ministry of the Economy. It doesn’t apply in the same way to sales between private individuals. Buying from a professional at a distance or away from their business premises may also give you a right to cancel within at least 14 days, subject to legal exceptions. Changing your mind and reporting a faulty product are two separate matters.
Use the score out of 10 to compare how repairable similar models are, but don’t treat it as a guarantee of reliability. The ADEME says that corded, cordless and robot vacuum cleaners are covered. Then check the information about parts and make sure they’re available for the model you’re considering.