Households without an essential appliance
If you’re without a washing machine, fridge, dishwasher or cooking appliance, compare how long a repair would take with how soon a replacement could be delivered and installed in your home.
Who is this decision for?
Consumers who care about lifespan
You’d like to keep your appliance if it can be repaired, or choose a replacement with information about parts, maintenance and reliability that supports long-term use.
Consumers open to refurbished appliances
You’re considering this option to keep costs under control. Before committing, check the condition described, the tests carried out, the accessories included, the seller’s identity and the delivery terms.
What to prioritise when deciding
After a breakdown, first check the warranty and whether the appliance can be repaired. Then compare replacement options and arrange collection if the old appliance needs to be taken away.
Have it repaired
Consider this: when a diagnosis and quote show that the appliance can be put back into service within a timeframe that works for your household.
Bear in mind: parts or labour may still be needed even if the Repair Bonus reduces the cost. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the bonus requires, among other things, that the appliance is out of warranty, the fault is eligible and the repairer is certified.
Buy new
Consider this: if repairing the appliance isn’t practical or your current one no longer suits your household’s needs.
Bear in mind: check the dimensions, installation and delivery arrangements before ordering. Durability ratings aren’t the same across all categories.
Buy refurbished
Consider this: if the description of the specific appliance, the tests carried out and the terms of sale meet your needs.
Bear in mind: check the condition and accessories of the appliance being sold, rather than relying solely on the model’s specifications.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping things running | Any applicable warranty, how long a diagnosis will take, and when the appliance could be repaired or delivered. | If I need to get the washing done again quickly or keep food fresh, I want to know the timeframe for each option. Keeping things running would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Total cost of the breakdown | An itemised quote, any Repair Bonus deduction, and the services needed for a replacement. | I want to compare what I’d actually have to pay to repair or replace the appliance, including any essential services. For around 31% of consumers, this net cost would come first. |
| How long it will last | The rating that applies to the category and information about the availability of parts for the model chosen. | If I replace my appliance, I want to be able to maintain and repair it in future. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise its service life. |
| Delivery and removal | Access dimensions, delivery terms and arrangements for collecting the old appliance. | If I have a bulky appliance to get rid of, I need to know who will take it away and how delivery will work. Logistics would be the top priority for around 15% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Replacing the appliance before checking the warranty
A breakdown may be covered by a warranty that applies to purchases from a trader. The Repair Bonus, on the other hand, applies to certain repairs on appliances that are no longer covered by a warranty, according to the French Ministry of the Economy.
Find your proof of purchase and the delivery date. Contact the seller if a warranty may apply, then ask for a diagnosis or quote if the appliance is out of warranty.
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Assuming the Repair Bonus covers the cost of the repair
The deduction depends on factors including the appliance, the fault and whether you use a certified repairer; it won’t necessarily cover the whole bill.
Ask for a quote that separates out labour, parts, any call-out charges and the bonus that actually applies.
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Assuming every appliance displays the same ratings
According to the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the durability index has been available for washing machines since April 2025. Information about parts also varies between categories and individual parts, as explained by the French competition, consumer affairs and fraud authority (DGCCRF).
Check which rating applies to the category, then look for information on the availability of parts for the model you’re considering.
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Ordering without arranging collection of your old appliance
Collection and delivery need to suit the access arrangements and the appliance in question. The French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) says that refrigeration appliances must go through an appropriate collection scheme.
Confirm the collection arrangements with the seller, including the floor, access routes and how the old appliance needs to be prepared.
If disconnection or handling isn’t included in the service, getting the appliance out on delivery day may be more complicated.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Joybuy products
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Repair Bonus if my appliance is still under warranty?
No. The Repair Bonus described by the French Ministry of the Economy applies to products that are no longer covered by a warranty. First check with the seller whether the breakdown is covered by an applicable warranty. To qualify for the bonus, the fault must also be eligible and the repair must be carried out by a certified repairer.
Do all large household appliances have a durability index?
No. According to the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the durability index is available for televisions and, since April 2025, washing machines. For other large household appliance categories, check which rating applies and look at the information available about parts for the model.
What warranty applies to a refurbished appliance bought from a trader?
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual in France. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, it can be relied on for two years from delivery; for second-hand goods, the presumption that the fault already existed at the time of delivery lasts for one year. Also check the description of the specific appliance and any commercial warranties, which are separate from this statutory right.
How can I arrange collection of my old appliance?
Ask the seller about the free take-back arrangements that apply to your purchase and delivery method. The order of 8 October 2014, published on Légifrance, notably provides for used equipment to be taken back at the point of sale when the purchased equipment is collected there. Confirm access, handling and disconnection arrangements separately.
Can I leave a broken fridge out with ordinary bulky waste?
Don’t leave it somewhere that doesn’t accept refrigeration appliances. ADEME says that fridges and freezers must be taken to an appropriate collection point, particularly to ensure their fluids and components are handled correctly. Check the take-back or collection options available for your appliance.