Don’t automatically replace a large appliance after a persistent fault. First, check whether it’s covered and find out whether it can be repaired. If you need to buy a replacement, choose one that suits your space and household’s needs, then compare the energy information and any applicable repairability or durability rating. A second-hand or refurbished appliance may also be worth considering if its condition, features and the seller’s status are clearly stated.
Your washing machine, dishwasher, oven or other large appliance is missed in your day-to-day routine. You want to get it working again without ruling out a repair too soon, and to arrange delivery and collection if you buy a replacement.
You’re ready to compare appliances in the same category beyond their immediate features, including by checking the repairability or durability rating where applicable.
You’re considering a second-hand or refurbished appliance, provided you know the condition and features of the one being sold. If the legal guarantee of conformity matters to you, check that it’s being sold by a professional to a private individual, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy.
Repairing, buying new and choosing a second-life appliance each suit different situations. Start with the fault and what you need to get working again before comparing the appliances available.
Worth considering: when a professional can assess the fault and a repair could still meet your household’s needs. ADEME points out that a fault doesn’t necessarily mean the whole appliance needs replacing.
Bear in mind: diagnosis takes time, and whether a repair is possible depends on factors such as the model, the fault and parts availability.
Worth considering: if a repair won’t give you an appliance that meets your needs and a new model suits both the space and how you plan to use it.
Bear in mind: check the dimensions, connections and delivery arrangements before ordering, then arrange for your old appliance to be collected.
Worth considering: if a second-hand or refurbished appliance fits your requirements and its condition is clearly described.
Bear in mind: availability and features vary. Check the appliance’s status, the seller and what protections apply to the sale.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Getting it working again without rushing to replace it | Check whether the appliance is covered and whether a diagnosis is possible. For the Repair Bonus, check ADEME’s eligibility requirements. | When an appliance is essential to everyday life, I want to get it working again without ruling out a possible repair. Around 31% of consumers put this need first. |
| Fit and installation | Measure the space and the route to it; check the installation type and the connections required. | If my appliance needs to fit into a housing unit or use existing connections, an unsuitable order won’t solve the problem. Around 31% of consumers put compatibility first. |
| Energy use and lifespan | Compare energy labels for appliances in the same category and check the applicable repairability or durability rating. | To avoid having to replace an appliance again too soon, I also look at information about its energy use and repairability. Around 23% of consumers put this need first. |
| Second-life appliances and protections | Check the condition and features of the appliance being sold, as well as the seller’s status. For a refurbished appliance, look at the information provided about testing. | If I’m considering a used appliance, I need to know exactly what I’ll receive and who to contact if there’s a problem. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this combination. |
According to ADEME, the fault may be with a repairable part rather than the whole appliance. Replacing it straight away rules out that possibility without checking first.
First, check whether the appliance is already covered and ask whether a repairer can provide a diagnosis that meets your needs.
The energy rating alone won’t tell you whether an oven will fit into its housing unit or whether a washing machine is compatible with your existing connections. Nor does it replace any applicable repairability or durability rating.
Compare appliances in the same category, then check their dimensions, installation requirements and information about repairability or durability.
When you buy an equivalent new electrical appliance, free ‘one-for-one’ take-back must be offered, says ecosystem. How it works in practice depends in particular on whether you choose delivery or collection.
Before ordering, confirm where and when your old appliance can be collected, and whether you need to prepare it first.
If collection isn’t arranged from a location that suits you, you’ll need to plan another way to drop off or have the appliance removed.
The DGCCRF explains that a product sold as refurbished must have undergone functional testing before being offered for sale. This label doesn’t remove the need to check the condition and features of the specific appliance that will be delivered.
Read the offer description, identify the seller and check what protections apply to the sale.
These three washing machines are options if you’re replacing a washing machine, not an oven, cooker hood or dishwasher. Compare their capacities and loading types against your household’s needs and available space. Before choosing, also check the condition of the offer and the applicable durability rating.
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Worth considering if a top-loading design and 6 kg capacity suit your household and the space available.
Spin speed listed as 1,400 rpm; energy rating B, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes are stated in the product title.
Before ordering, check the dimensions, connections, condition of the appliance on offer and its applicable durability rating.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 7 kg capacity with a top-loading design, provided you’ve checked the space available.
Spin speed listed as 1,200 rpm; energy rating A, a steam function and Wi-Fi are stated in the product title.
Check the connections, condition of the offer and applicable durability rating before comparing this model with another washing machine.
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Worth considering if a 10 kg capacity suits the amount of laundry you do and a front-loading design fits the space.
‘Steam Anti-Allergy’, ‘TimeSave’ and ‘Inverter Motor’ appear in the product title. Check the specific programmes if any of these features are important to you.
Also check the dimensions, connections, condition of the offer and applicable durability rating.
No, not before checking whether it can be repaired. ADEME says a fault doesn’t necessarily mean the whole appliance needs replacing. Check whether it’s covered and ask whether a professional can provide a diagnosis.
It may apply to certain repairs carried out by a certified professional, subject to requirements relating to the appliance and its cover. ADEME points out in particular that an appliance already covered by a warranty or insurance isn’t eligible for the scheme. Check whether your appliance qualifies before the repair.
When you buy an equivalent new electrical appliance, the retailer must offer free ‘one-for-one’ take-back, according to ecosystem. Before ordering, check how this will work with your chosen delivery or collection option.
For front- or top-loading washing machines, check the durability rating; for dishwashers, check the repairability rating. The Ministry of the Economy says that, since 2025, the durability rating has replaced the repairability rating for certain categories. Also compare energy labels for appliances in the same category.
Yes. When a professional sells a refurbished appliance to a private individual, the legal guarantee of conformity applies, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy. Check the exact status of the offer and the seller’s identity. The rules on proving a fault aren’t the same for all new and second-hand goods.