If the fault can be repaired and the quote remains reasonable compared with the full cost of a suitable appliance, even after any eligible discount, repairing it could save you from an unnecessary replacement. In France, the Bonus Réparation for washing machines has been set at €50 since 1 January 2026, subject to conditions published by ecosystem. If parts or waiting times are an issue, or your space and needs have changed, it’s also worth comparing a new machine with one refurbished and sold by a professional retailer.
If the capacity and installation still suit you, compare the quote, parts availability and repair time before replacing the machine. The DGCCRF provides details of the information available on spare parts for washing machines.
Compare the full cost of a new washing machine and, if it suits you, a refurbished model. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the guarantees which apply depend, among other things, on whether the seller is a business or a private individual.
Before choosing a replacement, check that it will fit in the available space and that its capacity suits your usual laundry loads. ADEME and Que Choisir Ensemble recommend taking the machine’s dimensions and installation requirements into account.
Worth considering: if the fault can be fixed, the part is available, and you’re happy with the quote and waiting time.
Things to weigh up: the bonus isn’t automatic; check that the fault and repairer are eligible before including it in your calculations.
Worth considering: if a repair isn’t possible, would take too long or no longer meets your space and capacity needs.
Things to weigh up: the price of the machine alone isn’t enough to compare your options; factor in the services needed for your installation.
Worth considering: if you’d like to explore an alternative to buying new, after checking the condition, the functional tests stated and who the seller is.
Things to weigh up: a refurbished machine is second-hand, not new; guarantees depend, among other things, on the seller’s status.
In France, ecosystem has offered a €50 Bonus Réparation for washing machines since 1 January 2026; check the applicable conditions before deducting this amount from the quote.
| Criteria | What to check | Who should prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Repair cost and feasibility | Machine reference, part required, itemised quote, waiting time and eligibility for the bonus. | If your machine still suits you, you’ll want to know whether it can be repaired without too long a wait. Around 33% of consumers prioritise repair feasibility and cost. |
| Full replacement cost | Price including VAT and any services required; for a refurbished model, check its condition, tests and seller. | If you need to buy a replacement, you’ll want to compare the costs without assuming that refurbished or new will always work out cheaper. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the total cost of replacement. |
| Dimensions and capacity | Measure the space and clearance required, then compare the capacity with your usual laundry loads. | If access or space is limited, you’ll need a machine that fits and has a capacity suited to your laundry. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space and capacity. |
| Durability and energy use | Energy label, the model’s durability index and information about spare parts. | If you’re replacing your machine, you’ll want to compare its maintenance needs, repairability and energy use without judging its lifespan on a single feature. Around 20% of consumers prioritise durability and energy use. |
The amount listed for a washing machine doesn’t automatically mean your repair qualifies. The conditions published by ecosystem include an eligible fault and work carried out by a QualiRépar-accredited professional. The machine must also be out of warranty and not covered by insurance.
Ask the repairer to confirm that the work is eligible, and compare the actual total charged, including VAT.
Different options may include different services. Que Choisir Ensemble also recommends taking the machine’s dimensions and installation requirements into account when choosing a washing machine.
Compare the itemised quote with the total cost of the machine and any services needed in your situation.
A higher capacity may not suit your usual laundry loads, and a feature or brand alone won’t tell you how well a model performs. ADEME advises matching capacity to your needs; Que Choisir Ensemble assesses several aspects of performance in laboratory tests.
Check the dimensions, capacity, energy label and durability index of the specific model, then consult any independent test results available.
The French Ministry of the Economy describes a refurbished item as a second-hand product that has undergone functional testing and, where necessary, been restored. The guarantee rules depend, among other things, on the seller’s status.
Check who the seller is, ask what tests have been carried out and what condition the machine is in, and keep your purchase documents.
The WAN2827TFR is a front-loading Series 4 model with a maximum capacity of 8 kg. It’s worth considering if this format and capacity suit your installation.
The EW6T1265CA PerfectCare 600 is a 6.0 kg top-loading model to consider if it suits the available space.
The BM3WFU410411B is a 10 kg front-loading model to consider if your laundry needs call for a large capacity.
The French W1 range includes front-loading models, including 9 kg versions, which are worth comparing if that capacity suits your needs.
These front-loading models are worth comparing if you’re thinking about replacing your washing machine. Check their capacity and dimensions against your installation and laundry needs.
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Worth considering if the stated 14 kg capacity suits your usual laundry loads.
Front-loading, freestanding, with 16 programmes and a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm.
Listed dimensions: 67 × 85 × 60 cm.
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Worth comparing if the stated 7 kg capacity suits your usual laundry loads.
Listed maximum spin speed: 1,400 rpm. Listed dimensions: 59.8 × 84.8 × 59 cm.
The product information lists an A energy rating.
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Worth comparing if the stated 10 kg capacity suits your current laundry loads.
Freestanding front-loading model, with a stated spin speed of 1,400 rpm and a listed depth of 611 mm.
The product information lists AutoDose and a steam function.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for an 8 kg model and installation depth is a consideration.
Stated spin speed: 1,400 rpm. Listed depth: 470 mm.
The product information lists 33 kWh per 100 Eco 40-60 cycles and mentions specialist programmes.
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Worth comparing if the stated 8 kg capacity suits your usual laundry loads.
Stated spin speed: 1,400 rpm. Listed dimensions: 847 × 596 × 576 mm.
The product information says SensiCare adjusts the cycle length, water and energy use to the load.
Since 1 January 2026, ecosystem has listed a €50 amount for washing machines. This discount applies to the repair bill, not to the purchase of an appliance. Before counting on the bonus, check that the machine is no longer under warranty and isn’t covered by insurance, that the fault is eligible and that the repairer is a QualiRépar-accredited professional.
Not automatically. The conditions published by ecosystem exclude maintenance, as well as certain problems caused by installation or an external factor. Ask the repairer to confirm what work is covered before deducting a discount from the quote.
Ask for a quote that sets out the work, parts, labour, any additional charges, the waiting time and the total including VAT, after any applicable discount. Compare this amount with the full cost of an appliance that suits your space and capacity needs, and check whether the part for your washing machine’s exact reference is available.
Measure the available space and required clearances, then match the capacity to the loads you usually wash. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is sufficient in most cases; you should also consider your own usage and installation requirements.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy says it can be invoked within two years of the goods being delivered; it doesn’t apply in the same way to sales between private individuals. Check who the seller is and keep your purchase documents.