Before replacing a broken washing machine, check whether you can seek a remedy from the seller, then ask them to confirm the cause of the fault and the work they propose. If you decide to buy a new machine, first make sure it will fit the space and suit your usual laundry loads. Then compare its energy label and, in France, its durability rating.
You need a machine that suits the amount of laundry you wash, the space available and the type of loading your home allows. If you’re replacing the machine, measure the space before choosing between a front-loading and a top-loading model.
You want to find out what caused the fault and check whether you can seek a remedy from the seller before authorising any work. For out-of-warranty repairs, eligibility for the Repair Bonus depends on factors including the fault and the professional you choose.
If you’re replacing your machine, you’ll want to compare how repairable and reliable it is with other models suited to your home. In France, the durability rating has been displayed for eligible washing machines since 8 April 2025, according to the ministry responsible for ecology.
After a breakdown, first check whether the seller can help and ask them to explain the work they propose. If you need to replace the washing machine, start with the space available and your usual laundry loads before comparing other features.
| What matters | What to check | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the laundry going and fitting the machine | Measure the space and clearance needed to open the door; check the loading type and connections. | If you need to get the laundry done quickly, a machine that won’t fit won’t solve the problem. Around 28% of consumers would put keeping the laundry going and installation compatibility first. |
| Contacting the seller or arranging a repair | Check your proof of purchase, then ask what caused the fault, what work is planned and whether the machine may be eligible for the Repair Bonus. | Before authorising any work, you’ll want to know whether you should contact the seller and what the repairer is actually proposing. Around 28% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Durability of a replacement | For models that suit your needs, compare the durability rating out of 10 and the details of the criteria it covers. | If you’re buying a new machine, you’ll want to be able to maintain and repair it in the future. Around 22% of consumers would make durability and repairability their main priority. |
| Capacity and ease of use | Match the capacity in kg to your usual laundry loads; the energy label also gives information about energy and water use, noise and spin performance. | A drum that’s too large for your usual loads, or having to run extra cycles, can disrupt your laundry routine. Around 22% of consumers would put capacity and day-to-day use first. |
For a replacement, ADEME says that a 7 kg capacity is enough for most households, though you should choose according to the laundry you actually wash. The durability rating helps you compare machines, but it doesn’t guarantee that a machine won’t break down.
The scheme described by ecosystem covers eligible repairs to out-of-warranty appliances carried out by a QualiRépar-approved professional. Some causes of faults and types of damage are excluded.
Before authorising the work, check the repairer’s status and whether your specific fault is eligible.
For goods sold by a professional, the legal guarantee of conformity may apply if the relevant conditions are met, including in cases involving certain faults with the goods or their installation. The ministry responsible for the economy says it also applies to some second-hand and refurbished goods.
Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller if the machine may have a conformity fault, before arranging an independent repair or replacement.
A larger capacity won’t necessarily suit your usual laundry loads. ADEME recommends matching the capacity to the laundry you wash, rather than regularly running a drum that’s only partly full.
Estimate the size of your usual loads, then compare the capacity and energy label information for suitable models.
This rating out of 10 covers repairability and reliability criteria; on its own, it can’t predict how long a particular washing machine will last.
Compare ratings for machines of a suitable size and capacity, while also considering installation, the energy label and the terms of sale.
The brand ratings below come from UFC-Que Choisir’s reader survey on washing machines. They’re no substitute for checking the details of a specific model.
A brand featured in UFC-Que Choisir’s washing machine reviews and reader survey.
A brand included in UFC-Que Choisir’s washing machine tests and mentioned in its reader survey.
A brand featured in UFC-Que Choisir’s reader satisfaction ranking.
These machines are options to consider if you’re replacing a broken appliance: front-loading and top-loading washing machines, as well as a washer-dryer. Match their capacities to your usual laundry loads, and check the dimensions, connections and durability rating of the model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if your usual laundry loads suit a 7 kg capacity and a front-loading machine will fit your space.
Spin speed listed as 1 400 tr/min; energy rating A. Check the full dimensions and the model’s durability rating.
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A top-loading machine is worth considering if a front-loading model won’t suit your installation. Also check that 6 kg is enough for your usual laundry loads.
Spin speed listed as 1 400 tr/min; energy rating B, Inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes stated in the product title.
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A 7 kg capacity may suit the usual laundry loads of many households, but measure the space before choosing this model.
Energy rating A, spin speed listed as 1 200 tr/min, 530 mm drum, 16 programmes and steam function.
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Match the 9 kg capacity to your usual laundry loads; it may not be necessary if you mostly wash smaller loads.
Front-loading, spin speed listed as 1 600 tr/min, with steam and connected features. Check the space needed for installation.
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Consider this if you’d like to combine washing and drying in one appliance, bearing in mind that the two functions have different capacities.
Listed capacities of 10 kg for washing and 7 kg for drying; listed width of 60 cm. Check the other dimensions and the specifications for each cycle.
Yes. If the machine may have a conformity fault, start by checking your proof of purchase and contacting the professional seller. The legal guarantee of conformity applies, subject to certain conditions, to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The ministry responsible for the economy says it can also cover certain installation faults.
Ask them to explain the cause of the fault, the work they recommend and which parts need replacing, preferably in writing. This information will help you decide whether the proposed repair meets your needs. The DGCCRF sets out, among other things, the information that must be provided for a fixed-price after-sales repair.
No. According to ecosystem, an out-of-warranty washing machine must be repaired by a QualiRépar-approved professional, and the fault must meet the scheme’s conditions. Cosmetic damage and certain issues linked to installation, the operating environment or improper use are excluded.
No. The rating out of 10 gives information about repairability and reliability, but it doesn’t guarantee that a machine won’t break down. When comparing washing machines for which the rating is displayed in France, also check the size, capacity and energy label of each model.
Measure the space, the clearance needed to open the door and access to the connections before choosing. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes top-loading models, which are generally narrower, from front-loading machines that can, for example, be installed under a worktop. If you plan to stack a tumble dryer on top, check that the stacking kit and both appliances are compatible.