Before replacing a large appliance that has broken down, check whether a repair could get it working again within an acceptable timeframe. If you buy another appliance, first check its dimensions, connections, delivery and collection arrangements. Then compare the features that matter to your household. A refurbished appliance is also worth considering if the condition and specifications of the item for sale are clearly stated.
If you can’t wash clothes or cook, compare how long it would take to get a repair quote with the delivery timeframe. A quick replacement won’t solve anything if the appliance won’t fit in your home or work with your connections.
When comparing appliances in the same category, check the energy label for energy use and noise levels. Also look at the repairability or durability index, where one applies to the type of appliance you’re considering.
Check the condition and model reference of the item on offer, the tests carried out and the information provided by the professional seller. As the Ministry for the Economy and the DGCCRF point out, a refurbished product must have undergone functional testing: the term doesn’t simply mean a second-hand appliance described as being in good condition.
First compare how long it will take to get your appliance working again. Then check that a potential replacement will fit your home before weighing up the different models.
Consider this: if a professional can provide a quote and carry out the repair within a timeframe that works for your household.
Bear in mind: compare the quote and repair date with the cost and delivery date of a replacement. Check separately whether you qualify for the Repair Bonus through a QualiRépar repairer.
Consider this: if a repair won’t get your appliance back in service when you need it and a suitable model will work with your existing installation.
Bear in mind: an energy rating and capacity won’t tell you whether the connections are compatible or what delivery services are included.
Consider this: if the professional seller gives a clear description of the appliance on offer, its condition and the tests carried out.
Bear in mind: check the specifications of the actual item for sale rather than relying on those of its new equivalent.
| Priority | What to check | For my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Getting it working again | Ask how long a quote and repair will take. If you’re buying, confirm the delivery date and what services are included. | If the washing or cooking can’t wait, I’ll compare actual dates rather than assume that buying will be quicker. |
| Repair | Check which guarantees and insurance policies apply, then describe the fault to the repairer. According to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus is available for eligible repairs subject to certain conditions; replacing a purely cosmetic part is excluded. | I want to know the quote and repair terms before I count on a deduction through the Repair Bonus. |
| Installation and collection | Measure the appliance and access routes, and check any cut-out dimensions and connections. Confirm installation and collection of the old appliance with the seller: ADEME says it can be handed to the seller or delivery driver when you replace it. | If I’m replacing a built-in or bulky appliance, I need to know whether it can be delivered and installed, and whether the old one will be taken away. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the labels of appliances in the same category. ADEME notes, for example, that energy use is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles; also check any other figures shown that are relevant to how you’ll use the appliance. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters to me just as much as the relevant energy-use figures. |
| Long-term use | If there’s a repairability or durability index for the category, check it for the model you’re considering. Also make sure the capacity suits your household’s needs. | I’d rather choose a suitable capacity and have information on whether the appliance can be repaired in future. |
| Refurbished | Ask for the model reference and condition of the item for sale, details of the tests carried out and information about the professional seller’s guarantee. | I’m interested in a second-life appliance if I can assess the actual item that will be delivered, not just the model it came from. |
Not every repair is covered by the scheme: ecosystem excludes, among other things, the replacement of a purely cosmetic part.
Before booking a repair, check your guarantees and insurance policies, then give the QualiRépar repairer the appliance’s model reference and a clear description of the fault.
An energy rating on its own doesn’t tell you about capacity, noise or the energy-use figures that matter for your needs.
Compare the information on the labels of appliances in the same category, and choose a capacity that suits your household.
The DGCCRF states that a refurbished product must undergo functional testing. The specifications of a new model won’t necessarily reflect the condition of the item being resold.
Ask the professional seller for the exact model reference, its assessed condition, any defects, and details of the tests and guarantee.
Arranging delivery of a new appliance doesn’t automatically mean the old one will be taken away, or tell you how it needs to be prepared.
Before ordering, confirm the collection arrangements, access requirements and whether you need to disconnect the old appliance yourself.
These models are options to consider if you’re replacing a dishwasher or hob after a breakdown. Before choosing, compare their specifications with your existing installation.
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A countertop model to consider if you’re replacing a dishwasher in a limited space.
The listing states that it has 6 place settings, 7 programmes, a D energy rating and a noise level of 47 dB.
Before ordering, check the external dimensions, available space, connections, and delivery and collection arrangements.
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If you’re replacing a built-in hob, first compare the existing cut-out and electrical supply.
The stated cut-out size is 560 × 490 mm. A qualified electrician is required for a hard-wired connection; also check the installation and collection arrangements.
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Compare this 4-zone hob with the cut-out and connections in your current installation.
The stated cut-out size is 56 × 49 cm and the connection is listed as having no plug. The documentation gives two different total power ratings, 6600 W and 6000 W. Ask the seller to confirm which figure applies to the exact model before having it installed by a qualified electrician.
Also confirm the installation and collection services before ordering.
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If you’re replacing a built-in hob with an induction model, check that your pans are compatible too.
The model is listed with 9 power levels and a cut-out size of 560 × 490 mm. Have the power supply, cabinet ventilation and cut-out checked before professional installation, and confirm the delivery and collection arrangements.
Ask for a quote and an estimated repair date, then compare these with a delivery date and the checks needed to install another appliance. If you’re considering the Repair Bonus, ask a QualiRépar repairer to confirm whether the work is eligible.
Compare appliances in the same category using the figures that matter for your needs, rather than looking at the rating alone. ADEME notes, for example, that energy use is expressed in kWh per 100 reference cycles. Check the other information shown too, such as the noise level if it appears on the label.
ADEME says that a large appliance being replaced can be handed to the seller or delivery driver. Before ordering, confirm how collection will work with your chosen delivery service and how to prepare the old appliance. ADEME also mentions collection points and household waste recycling centres.
Confirm the delivery date or timeframe, access dimensions, the level of service included and whether the old appliance will be collected. For a built-in model, check the cut-out, connections and installation arrangements separately: delivery doesn’t necessarily include installation.
Check the model reference, condition and specifications of the item for sale, along with the tests carried out and guarantee information provided by the professional seller. According to the DGCCRF, a product described as refurbished must have undergone functional testing, so a description of its new equivalent isn’t enough to assess the appliance on offer.