You’re replacing a washing machine or dishwasher
You want to compare maintenance requirements, parts and the relevant index for the appliance before choosing a model. The DGCCRF explains which indices apply to each appliance category.
Who is this guide for?
You’re considering a refurbished appliance
You want to know the condition of the item being sold, which accessories are included and what guarantees apply. The DGCCRF recommends checking that the information describes the refurbished product itself, not just the new model.
You’re unsure whether to replace your current appliance
You want to compare whether a repair is feasible and its quoted cost with the terms of a replacement, without assuming one option will be better value. ADEME recommends taking the appliance’s maintenance needs into account.
Which criteria should you compare?
Repair your existing appliance
Consider this if: the appliance is still in your home. Ask for a quote and check that the part matches its model number before deciding to replace it.
Compare: whether the repair is feasible and the terms of the work. The repair bonus depends on the appliance and repair in question.
Buy new
Consider this if: you need to replace an appliance or equip a home. Compare models that suit your available space and usual wash cycles.
Check: the relevant index, the manual and parts for the exact model. An index score does not predict how many years an appliance will be used for.
Choose a refurbished appliance
Consider this if: a pre-owned model meets your needs and suits your installation. Ask for information about the specific item being sold.
Check: its condition, testing, accessories, model number and the guarantees offered by the professional seller.
In France, the DGCCRF distinguishes between the durability index for washing machines and the repairability index for dishwashers. For all appliances, also consult the manual and check parts using the exact model number.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is it particularly relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Repairability and parts | Identify the relevant index and its criteria; search for parts using the appliance’s full model number. | If I want to identify a compatible part before choosing, I check the information for the specific model. Around 33% of consumers prioritise access to repairs. |
| Maintenance and installation | Consult the manual; check access to filters and seals, dimensions and the connections required. | If I need to install the appliance in a particular home, I check that the maintenance tasks and installation requirements are practical. Around 27% of consumers prioritise maintenance that suits their home. |
| Condition of refurbished appliances | Ask about the item’s condition, testing, model number, included accessories and the professional seller’s terms of sale. | If I’m considering a pre-owned appliance, I want to know exactly what’s being sold and who to contact if there’s a problem. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking refurbished appliances. |
| Repair or replace | Compare a repair quote and compatible parts with the installation requirements and energy information for a replacement. | If my current appliance has a problem, I compare a possible repair with a replacement suited to my needs. Around 20% of consumers prioritise weighing up these options. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an index promises a particular lifespan
Indices assess defined criteria; they don’t predict how long the specific item you buy will be used for, and they don’t apply in the same way to all large appliances.
Check which index applies to the appliance category and review its details. Then look up parts and the manual for the exact model.
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Assuming every part will be available
Availability information relates to certain categories and parts; it doesn’t confirm that every part will be available for every model.
Before buying, identify the part you need and ask how to check its compatibility and ordering terms.
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Assessing a refurbished appliance using the new model’s product listing
The condition and features listed for a refurbished product should describe the specific item being offered.
Ask for information about its condition, testing, accessories and the identity of the professional seller.
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Comparing repair and replacement without considering how you use the appliance
Reference energy figures alone aren’t enough to determine a household’s energy use. Whether a repair is worthwhile also depends on the part and the quote for your appliance.
Compare a quote for your model with the installation requirements and features of a replacement, taking your usual wash cycles into account.
Brands to consider when comparing models
Bosch
Washing machines, dishwashers and fridges to compare by model, particularly if you want to consult manuals and look up parts.
- Bosch says original parts for its washing machines are generally available for 15 years, and offers a search by E-Nr number.
- This information from the manufacturer doesn’t confirm that a specific part will be available for every model.
Miele
Kitchen and laundry care appliances to consider if you want to find a manual or identify a part by model or serial number.
- Miele offers a parts catalogue and tools to identify appliances using their details.
- Check that the part is available for the model in question before making it a deciding factor.
Electrolux
Dishwashers and other appliances to compare when identifying parts and maintenance items is important to your choice.
- The French online shop lists different categories of parts and accessories, including filters and seals, and asks for the product number (PNC).
- A category being listed in the catalogue doesn’t confirm that a part is available for every model.
Haier
The X Series 11 HW100-BD14397PGU1 is one example of a washing machine listing its capacity and dimensions.
- For this model, Haier lists a capacity of 10 kg and dimensions of 595 × 611 × 850 mm.
- These specifications don’t establish how long the appliance will be used for or whether parts will be available.
Related Joybuy products
The options below include washing machines and dishwashers, two of which are built-in models. To check whether they suit your home and maintenance habits, review the manual, installation requirements and compatible parts for each model.
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Electrolux EW6F4109RA, front-loading washing machine, 9 kg, 1400 tr/min, class A
Worth considering if you want to include regular cleaning of certain parts in your routine maintenance.
The listing recommends regularly cleaning the detergent drawer, door seal and filter.
Installation requires a stable, level surface, a cold water supply and a drain. The listing also specifies the requirements for the electrical socket and ambient temperature.
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Bosch SMV25AX06E, built-in dishwasher, 60 cm, 12 place settings, class E
Worth considering if your kitchen has a space designed for a 60 cm built-in dishwasher.
The description specifies installation by a qualified professional, with earthing and connections that comply with applicable regulations.
Check the manual and parts compatible with the exact model before making your decision.
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Bosch SMV4HVX03E, built-in dishwasher, 60 cm, 14 place settings, class D
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in model with a dedicated maintenance programme listed in the product details.
The description mentions a Machine Care programme and installation by a qualified professional.
Check the dimensions of the space and which parts are compatible with this model.
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Candy ProWash 700 BS 410B10-S, washing machine, 10 kg, 1400 tr/min, class A
Worth considering if you want to be able to remove the detergent drawer for cleaning.
The listing says the detergent drawer is removable and gives the dimensions of the front-loading washing machine.
Consult the manual and check which parts are compatible with the exact model.
Frequently asked questions
Which index should I look for when buying a washing machine, dishwasher or fridge in France?
For the categories covered, washing machines come under the durability index and dishwashers under the repairability index. The categories listed by the DGCCRF don’t include fridges among the appliances covered by these index requirements. So, a fridge without a score shouldn’t be taken as a sign of poor performance.
Do manufacturers have to supply all parts for ten years?
No. According to the DGCCRF, time periods vary depending on the appliance category and part. These include 7 or 10 years, depending on the part, for dishwashers; 10 years for domestic washing machines; and 7 or 10 years for seals in domestic refrigeration appliances. These periods depend on regulatory conditions, including when the last unit of the model was placed on the market. Check the part and model in question.
Does a refurbished appliance bought from a professional seller come with the statutory guarantee of conformity?
Yes. In France, it applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. You have two years from delivery to exercise your rights under it. For second-hand goods, the period during which it’s presumed that a fault existed before purchase is one year, compared with two years for new goods. This guarantee doesn’t promise that the appliance will work without breaking down for two years.
How can I check before buying whether the filter will be easy to maintain?
Consult the manual for the exact model and check the maintenance instructions and how to access the filter. Then check compatible parts using the manufacturer’s model number. A “filters” category in a shop doesn’t, by itself, confirm compatibility with your appliance.
Does the repair bonus automatically apply to large household appliances?
No. The scheme applies to eligible appliances and repairs carried out by an accredited repairer. The discount is deducted from the bill when the conditions are met. Check whether your appliance and repair are eligible before comparing a quote with the cost of a replacement.