Households looking to keep their appliance
If the appliance was still doing the job you needed, a professional diagnosis can help you decide whether it can be repaired. Check the Repair Bonus terms before factoring it into your decision.
Who is this choice for?
Households needing to get an essential appliance working again quickly
For washing or cooking, compare the repair time with the delivery time for a replacement. Before ordering, also check the dimensions, installation requirements and arrangements for taking away your old appliance.
Owners of a faulty fridge or freezer
ADEME has a separate process for refrigerating appliances. Consult its guidance to help you choose between repair, replacement and deciding what to do with the old appliance.
What should you consider after a breakdown?
Have it repaired
Consider this if: a professional can diagnose a repairable fault and the repair time works for you.
Check: according to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus requires, among other things, an eligible repair carried out by a QualiRépar repairer. It isn’t automatic.
Choose a refurbished appliance
Consider this if: you need to replace the appliance and the seller can explain its condition, along with the delivery and warranty terms.
Check: according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition, regulatory ratings displayed for some categories of new appliances aren’t mandatory for refurbished appliances.
Buy new
Consider this if: the appliance can’t be repaired, or you’re looking for a different size or different features.
Check: the new model must fit its intended space. Arrange for your old appliance to be taken away when you place your order.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Repair and Bonus | Ask what caused the fault and request an itemised quote. Confirm that the appliance, repair and QualiRépar repairer are eligible. | I’d like to keep an appliance that still meets my needs, provided a professional can repair it. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
| Getting back to normal | Compare repair and delivery times. Check that a replacement will fit the space and connections. | If I can’t wash or cook at home, I need to know how long the appliance will be out of action. For around 29% of consumers, getting that use back quickly would be the priority. |
| Choosing a replacement | For an eligible new model, check the relevant rating. For a refurbished appliance, ask about its condition and warranty terms. | If I replace my appliance, I want to be able to assess the specific model rather than assume that choosing new or refurbished is enough to decide. Around 21% of consumers would put making an informed choice first. |
| What happens to the old appliance? | Find out whether it can still be reused. Confirm the arrangements for take-back or collection, particularly for a refrigerating appliance. | I don’t want a usable appliance treated as if it were broken, or to be left with one that no longer works. Around 14% of consumers would put this question first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the Repair Bonus before checking the terms
According to ecosystem, the scheme doesn’t apply to every fault. The appliance, repair and repairer must all meet the scheme’s requirements.
Before comparing repair with replacement, ask for confirmation on the quote that the Repair Bonus applies.
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Using the same rating for every appliance
The ministry responsible for ecological transition distinguishes between the durability rating for new washing machines and the repairability rating for new dishwashers. Displaying these ratings isn’t mandatory for second-hand or refurbished appliances.
Check the rating that applies to the new model you’re considering. For a refurbished appliance, ask instead how it has been restored and what warranty is provided.
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Ordering without arranging collection of your old appliance
A retailer’s obligation to take back old equipment depends on the type and quantity of equipment sold. ADEME has specific guidance for refrigerating appliances.
Before ordering, confirm where and how your old appliance will be taken back. If it still works, also explore options for reusing it.
If collection hasn’t been arranged with delivery, you may need to make a separate trip or find another collection option.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
New built-in ovens to consider
These built-in ovens are options to consider if your broken oven can’t be repaired in a way that meets your needs and you’re looking to buy new. First, check the dimensions of the oven housing and the connections. This selection doesn’t determine whether repair, a refurbished model or a new appliance is right for you.
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Candy CA6 NP5B3HTX built-in oven, 78 L, black
Worth considering if you need to replace a built-in oven and are looking for a 78 L capacity. The model name indicates a power rating of 2100 W. Check the oven housing dimensions and connections before ordering.
Also confirm the delivery, installation, warranty and old oven take-back terms.
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Hotpoint FI4485PIX built-in oven, 71 L, pyrolytic cleaning
Worth considering if you’re replacing a built-in oven and are looking for a 71 L model with pyrolytic cleaning. The model name indicates an A+ rating. Check the required oven housing dimensions and connections.
Check the delivery, installation, warranty and old oven take-back terms.
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Samsung NV7B41403BS/U5 built-in oven, 76 L
Worth considering if you need to replace a built-in oven and are looking for a 76 L capacity. The model name indicates an A+ rating. Measure the oven housing and confirm the required connections before buying.
Check the delivery, installation, warranty and old oven take-back terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Repair Bonus paid after the repair?
No. When it applies, the discount is taken directly off your bill by a QualiRépar repairer, according to ecosystem. Before factoring this discount into your decision, confirm that the appliance and fault are eligible, as well as any conditions relating to its warranty.
Will the seller take back my old appliance if I buy a new one?
For the sale of household electrical or electronic equipment, the French Environmental Code provides for free take-back of used equipment, up to the quantity and type of equipment sold. This also applies to distance sales. Confirm the take-back arrangements with the seller before ordering, particularly if your new appliance is being delivered to your home.
Which rating should I check for a new washing machine or dishwasher?
For a new washing machine, check the durability rating; for a new dishwasher, check the repairability rating. The ministry responsible for ecological transition states that the durability rating replaced the repairability rating for washing machines on 8 April 2025. Displaying these ratings isn’t mandatory for second-hand, reused or refurbished appliances.
Why should a broken fridge be dealt with separately?
ADEME treats refrigerating appliances separately from other large household appliances and provides specific guidance for them. Consult this guidance before deciding whether to repair, replace, reuse or dispose of your appliance.