Homeowners considering a replacement
You want to know whether maintenance or a repair could extend the life of your appliance before you buy another one. ADEME recommends checking whether this is possible before deciding to replace it.
Who is this guide for?
Washing machine buyers
You’re looking for a washing machine with the right capacity and dimensions for your household and the space available, while also checking the relevant durability information.
Dishwasher or vacuum cleaner buyers
You want to compare the repairability index details, parts and practical considerations, while keeping installation requirements and the type of cleaning you need in mind.
What to check
Repair it or wait
Worth considering: if maintenance, a valid warranty or a repair quote could help you keep the appliance.
Weigh up: the cost and timescale of a repair against those of a replacement, as appropriate.
Replacing a washing machine
Check: the durability index for front-loading or top-loading washing machines, then its reliability and repairability criteria.
Weigh up: the score does not predict how many years the appliance will last; the capacity and dimensions also need to suit your needs.
Replacing a dishwasher
Check: the repairability index and its criteria, then the width, installation type and capacity to suit your kitchen.
Weigh up: repairability alone doesn’t tell you how noisy the appliance is or how much energy it uses; check the energy label too.
Replacing a vacuum cleaner
Check: the repairability index for the specific model and the parts relevant to the type you choose, especially the battery on a cordless model.
Weigh up: the quoted maximum run time may not reflect every operating mode.
In France, the Ministry for the Economy says the durability index has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. Dishwashers and vacuum cleaners in the relevant categories are covered by the repairability index. When shopping online, check that the score and detailed information are available on the product page, near the price.
| Concern | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding an early replacement | Condition of the appliance, possible maintenance, applicable warranty and repair quote. | I want to know whether the appliance can be put back into service before paying for a replacement. Consumers who prioritise this check account for around 31%. |
| Choosing the right washing machine | Durability index and detailed criteria, capacity, dimensions and energy label. | I’m looking for a washing machine that suits my laundry and the space available, without relying on the score alone. Consumers who prioritise replacing a washing machine account for around 25%. |
| Matching repairability with installation | Index details, width, installation type, capacity and relevant information from the energy label. | I need to replace a dishwasher and want to check that it fits my kitchen, as well as find out about its parts and how it can be dismantled. Consumers focused on replacing a dishwasher account for around 25%. |
| Checking vacuum cleaner parts | Index criteria and parts relevant to the type; for a cordless model, the conditions behind the stated run time. | I want a vacuum cleaner that suits my floors and how I use it, and to know which parts will matter for its maintenance. Consumers who prioritise replacing a vacuum cleaner account for around 19%. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a breakdown means you have to buy a new appliance
ADEME points out that an appliance can sometimes be put back into service without replacing a part. Buying before you’ve looked at your options could mean replacing something you could have kept.
First check what maintenance is possible and whether the warranty applies. If necessary, ask for a repair quote and compare it with the cost of replacement.
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Looking for the old index on a washing machine
In France, the durability index has applied since 8 April 2025 to front-loading and top-loading washing machines sold there. An older repairability sheet does not meet the same information requirement.
Check the durability index and its criteria on the product page for the exact model.
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Comparing only the overall scores
A score on its own doesn’t show the criteria behind it or guarantee a particular lifespan. The DGCCRF has found cases where information was missing or difficult to access for some products it inspected.
Open the detailed index and compare the criteria across models in the same category.
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Letting the index take the place of practical considerations
The repairability index won’t tell you whether the dimensions, capacity or installation type will suit your home. For a dishwasher, it also doesn’t replace the energy consumption information on the energy label.
Once you’ve checked the index, make sure the appliance will fit, check the installation requirements and review the practical information relevant to your chosen appliance.
Brands to know
Beko
The published information lets you compare two dishwasher formats: a 45 cm integrated model and a 60 cm freestanding model.
- Beko’s published calculation reports give the BDIS16030 a repairability index of 7.9/10 and the BDFN26440XP a score of 8.8/10.
- These are the supplier’s calculations for those specific models; they are not independent tests or scores that apply to every dishwasher from the brand.
Rowenta
The X-Force Flex 9.60 Allergie RH2036WO is an example of a cordless stick vacuum cleaner for which the manufacturer publishes a repairability index.
- Rowenta gives this model a repairability index of 9/10 and quotes a run time of up to 45 minutes.
- The quoted maximum run time depends on the conditions and may not apply to every mode. This manufacturer information is not based on independent measurements and does not apply to other models.
Bosch
Published information for the French market illustrates the difference between the durability index for washing machines and the repairability index for certain other appliances.
- Bosch’s French pages display the relevant index for each product category and provide information about the models concerned.
- The manufacturer’s commitment to parts availability has exclusions and starts from the date of manufacture; it does not guarantee that every part for every model will be available immediately.
Miele
The G 5812 SC Front Active Plus dishwasher is an example of a freestanding model whose French product page lists practical specifications.
- The French product page quotes a noise level of 42 dB(A).
- The manufacturer’s statement that it has been ‘tested for a lifespan of 20 years’ is not a guarantee of how long it will work for you; check the detailed repairability index for the specific model.
Appliances available on Joybuy
This selection includes integrated dishwashers and a front-loading washing machine. Compare each model with the dimensions and capacity you need, then check the relevant index for its category and the detailed information for that specific model.
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Hotpoint H3BFD536W, integrated dishwasher
Worth considering if you’re looking for an integrated dishwasher and its capacity suits your needs.
60 cm; 14 place settings; D energy rating.
Check the repairability index and its criteria for this model, as well as the dimensions of the space available.
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Electrolux EW6F4109RA, front-loading washing machine
Compare this model if you’re looking for a front-loading washing machine with a capacity to suit your laundry needs.
9 kg; 1400 rpm; A energy rating; white.
For a front-loading washing machine, check the durability index and detailed information for this model before you buy.
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Samsung DW70H72WCB0U1, integrated dishwasher
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a 60 cm integrated dishwasher and 13 place settings suit your needs.
60 cm; 13 place settings; C energy rating.
Check the repairability index and its details for this model, as well as whether it’s compatible with your kitchen installation.
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Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1, integrated dishwasher
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a 60 cm integrated dishwasher with a stated capacity of 13 place settings.
60 cm; 13 place settings; B energy rating.
Check the repairability index and its details for this model, then make sure the dimensions fit the space available.
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Bosch SMV4HVX03E, integrated dishwasher
Worth comparing if you need a 60 cm integrated dishwasher and its capacity suits the way you use it.
60 cm; 14 place settings; D energy rating.
Check the repairability index and its criteria for the exact model, as well as whether it will fit your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Which French index should I look for in each category?
For a household front-loading or top-loading washing machine, look for the durability index, which has applied since 8 April 2025. Dishwashers and vacuum cleaners in the relevant categories are covered by the repairability index. These indices are information to consider, not minimum scores that guarantee a particular outcome.
Should the index details be available on an online product page?
Yes. For the relevant categories, detailed information must be available on the product page near the price. For the durability index, the Ministry for the Economy states that the details must be accessible from the same page in no more than one action. Check the exact model before ordering.
What maintenance should I check before replacing an appliance?
Before replacing an appliance, check whether suitable maintenance could solve the problem. ADEME gives descaling a washing machine and cleaning a vacuum cleaner’s filters as examples. You should also check the documentation for the model you’re considering to find out what maintenance it needs.
Does a repair automatically qualify for the Repair Bonus?
No. According to the conditions set out by the Ministry for the Economy, the product must be eligible, not covered by a warranty and repaired by a certified professional, among other requirements. Check that your appliance and repair are eligible before comparing the quote with the cost of replacement.
Who should I contact if an appliance I’ve bought has a lack of conformity?
In France, if a private individual buys goods from a business, they should make a claim under the legal guarantee of conformity to the seller. It covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business, and is separate from any commercial warranty offered by a brand.