Tenants moving into a first home with few appliances
Make a list of the appliances provided and check that they work before placing an order. The CAF also recommends checking the available spaces, sockets and connections.
Who are these recommendations for?
People living in a studio flat or with a small kitchen
The space available can affect your choice of appliance, particularly when it comes to a washing machine. Remember to measure the space needed to open the door or lid, too.
Buyers considering second-hand appliances
Check whether the seller is a business or a private individual, and keep any documents describing the appliance. In France, the Ministry for the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand or refurbished appliances sold by a business to a consumer, but not to sales between private individuals.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the functions your home is missing, then check that a suitable appliance can actually be installed and used there.
| Priority | What to check | Needs to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Essential functions | Make a note of the appliances provided and test them. If something is missing, consider separately how you’ll keep food fresh, cook and do your laundry. | I need to be able to keep food fresh and cook as soon as I move in. How urgently I need a washing machine depends on whether I can use another one. |
| Space and connections | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the appliance. Compare the sockets and connections available with the requirements for the exact model. | In a small kitchen, an appliance needs to fit the space and still be easy to use once it’s installed. |
| Use and lifespan | Compare the energy label information for models that meet the same need. For a new washing machine, check its durability rating too: ADEME says this has been a mandatory label since April 2025. | I’d rather choose a capacity that suits my laundry loads than buy a larger machine I don’t need. |
| Second-hand appliances | Check whether the seller is a business or a private individual, the condition described and the transaction documents. The DGCCRF notes that a product sold as refurbished must have been tested to make sure it works. | If I buy second-hand, I want to know who to contact if there’s a problem and be able to refer back to the description of the appliance I bought. |
| Delivery and installation | Before ordering, confirm the delivery arrangements, access to your home and any work needed to install the appliance. | I want to be able to receive and install the appliance without finding out too late that a connection is missing or the space is inaccessible. |
Installation mistakes to avoid
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Ordering before measuring
A washing machine may fit in its space but leave too little room to open the door. The CAF also stresses the importance of checking sockets and connections.
Measure the space, the room needed to open the appliance and the connections, then check these against the specifications for the exact model.
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Buying every appliance as soon as you move in
An appliance that’s already provided and working may meet your immediate needs. You can wait to make other purchases until you have a better idea of how you’ll use your new home.
Sort appliances into those you need from day one, those you’ll need to reassess after moving in and optional extras.
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Assuming every second-hand sale is a business sale
In France, according to the Ministry for the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers a second-hand or refurbished appliance sold by a business to a consumer. It doesn’t apply to sales between private individuals.
Check the seller’s status and keep the listing, the appliance description and any transaction documents.
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Overlooking the installation requirements
An appliance may fit the available space but still need professional work or a suitable connection before you can use it for the first time.
Check what’s included in the delivery and who will carry out the installation. Then compare the energy labels and, for new washing machines, the durability ratings of models that fit your space.
A guide to brands
There are no brand guides to display.
A hob option on Joybuy
This built-in hob is an option for a first home without a working way to cook. Check the space and electrical installation before choosing it.
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CIARRA CABBIH4-A, 4-zone built-in induction hob
A handy option for a kitchen without a working hob. This model has 4 zones and 9 power levels. Before ordering, check that it’s compatible with the available space and electrical connection. A qualified electrician is needed to install it as a built-in hob.
Frequently asked questions
Which appliances should I buy first for my first home?
First, check what’s already provided and working. If your home has no way to keep food fresh or cook, start with a fridge and a cooking appliance. Whether you need to buy a washing machine depends on your needs and the other laundry options available.
Why should I measure before choosing a washing machine?
The space available and the room needed to open the machine can determine whether a top-loading or front-loading model is right for you. The CAF also recommends checking sockets and connections before buying.
Does a second-hand appliance come with the statutory guarantee of conformity?
In France, yes, if it’s sold by a business to a consumer, explains the Ministry for the Economy. The guarantee also applies to refurbished goods. It doesn’t cover sales between private individuals, so check the seller’s status and keep the documents describing the transaction.
What should I check when an appliance is described as refurbished?
Check that the description matches the condition and specifications of the appliance actually being sold. The DGCCRF says that a refurbished product must have been tested to ensure it works properly before being put up for sale.
How should I compare two new washing machines that fit my space?
Compare their capacity against the amount of laundry you do, then check their energy label information and durability ratings. According to ADEME, washing machines have had to display this rating since April 2025. It doesn’t replace checking the dimensions and connections.