If you’re not sure what has caused the fault, have the washing machine diagnosed and check whether the necessary part is available before deciding to replace it. A refurbished appliance may be a good option if its condition and the tests carried out are clearly described. If you’re considering a new model, check that its capacity and installation requirements suit your household, then compare its durability rating without treating it as a promise of a long lifespan.
You may need to get the washing done again quickly, but it’s worth having the fault diagnosed before ruling out a repair. ADEME and the Ministry of the Economy recommend considering this option before replacing the machine.
You may be open to a different appliance if a professional seller describes the tests carried out and the condition of the specific item on offer. The DGCCRF stresses that this information must relate to the refurbished product itself.
A breakdown can also be a good time to rethink capacity, style and installation space. When comparing replacement models in France, the durability rating gives you another point of reference, but it doesn’t replace these practical checks.
After a breakdown, first consider whether the machine can be repaired, the condition of any refurbished appliance you’re considering, and what you’ll need from a replacement.
Consider this: when the cause of the fault and availability of the part still need to be confirmed.
Bear in mind: a diagnosis may leave the appliance out of action without leading to a suitable repair. Ask how long it will take before you commit.
Consider this: if a professional seller describes the tests, condition and work carried out on the specific item for sale.
Bear in mind: the condition of a second-hand appliance should be judged from its own description, not the specifications of the original new model.
Consider this: if your old machine’s capacity or set-up no longer meets your household’s needs.
Bear in mind: even a favourable durability rating can’t predict how long the specific appliance you buy will last.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Get the laundry done again without rushing into a replacement | Cause of the fault, required part and estimated time after diagnosis. | When the washing is piling up, I want to know whether my machine can be put back into service without replacing it straight away. Around 31 % of consumers put keeping their laundry routine going first. |
| Choose a refurbished appliance with a clear description | Tests carried out, and the functional and cosmetic condition of the specific item for sale. | If I choose a refurbished appliance, I want to know the condition of the machine I’ll receive, not just the original model’s specifications. This is the top priority for around 23 % of consumers. |
| Compare the durability of new models | Durability rating for the exact model and details of its reliability and repairability criteria. | When replacing my machine, I look for a model whose features and durability suit my household’s needs. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise this when choosing a replacement. |
| Make sure it fits the space | Available space and the clearance needed to open the machine. | In a tight space, I need to be able to install and open the washing machine without difficulty. Size is the main consideration for around 15 % of consumers. |
For washing machines sold in France, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition states that the durability rating replaced the repairability rating on 8 April 2025. UFC-Que Choisir gives the usual width of top-loading models as 40 to 46 cm, compared with around 60 cm for front-loading models. However, be sure to measure the space for the exact model you’re considering.
The machine’s age won’t tell you which part is faulty, whether it’s available or how long the appliance will be out of action.
Before deciding between repair and replacement, ask for a diagnosis, details of the faulty part, the estimated timeframe and the terms of the repair.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, a product sold as refurbished has undergone full functional testing and, if necessary, been repaired or restored.
Ask the professional seller for details of the tests, condition and work carried out on the specific item on offer.
The rating lets you compare durability criteria across eligible models; it doesn’t predict how long an appliance will last in your home.
Check the rating details, then also consider the model’s capacity, dimensions and warranty terms.
A top-loading model needs clearance for its lid, while a front-loader needs space in front of the door and access to the connections.
Measure the space, access route and openings before choosing a style.
If you plan to install a tumble dryer above a front-loading machine, you may need a compatible stacking kit.
Worth comparing model by model if endurance testing is important to your decision.
Worth considering if cover for certain components is part of your comparison between specific models.
Worth considering if access to genuine parts is one of your priorities.
Consider these front-loading models if you’re thinking of replacing your machine after a breakdown. Make sure the capacity suits your laundry needs, and check that the appliance can be installed in your space before deciding.
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Worth considering if an 8 kg capacity suits your household’s laundry needs. The title lists this as a freestanding model with a 1 400 tr/min spin speed. Check the dimensions and durability rating for the exact model.
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Worth considering if your laundry needs call for an 11 kg capacity. This model is listed as an A-rated front-loading washing machine. Check the space required and the durability rating for the exact model reference.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 10 kg front-loader with a steam programme. The title lists 16 programmes and a 1 400 tr/min spin speed, but these specifications don’t tell you how it will perform in everyday use. Check the space required and the durability rating.
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Worth considering if 8 kg is enough and you’d like to compare models with a steam programme. The title lists 16 programmes and a 1 400 tr/min spin speed. Check the installation dimensions and durability rating before you choose.
No. It depends on factors including whether the appliance and repairer are eligible. The Ministry of the Economy recommends checking the scheme’s terms before arranging a professional repair.
No. According to the Ministry of the Economy, a refurbished product is a second-hand item whose functions have been fully tested and which has been repaired or restored if necessary. Ask for a description of the specific item for sale.
In France, you can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity from the professional seller if a refurbished washing machine doesn’t conform to its description. The Ministry of the Economy distinguishes this guarantee from any commercial warranties. Keep the appliance description and your proof of purchase.
No. For eligible washing machines in France, the rating compares factors including reliability and repairability; it doesn’t predict the lifespan of an individual appliance. Check the rating for the exact model alongside its capacity and installation requirements.
A top-loader is worth considering if width is limited, while a front-loader may suit you if there’s enough space for the machine and to open the door. UFC-Que Choisir states that top-loading models are generally 40 to 46 cm wide, compared with around 60 cm for front-loaders. Also check the capacity you need and the dimensions of the model you choose.