If your appliance is still working, check its maintenance requirements before deciding to replace it. If you’re buying a new appliance in France, ADEME and the Ministry for Ecological Transition state that domestic washing machines are covered by the durability index, while dishwashers and vacuum cleaners are covered by the repairability index. These ratings don’t guarantee a product’s lifespan, so consider them alongside how you’ll use the appliance, its maintenance instructions and the information available about parts and documentation for the exact model.
If you run frequent wash cycles, compare the durability index for new domestic washing machines covered in France, then check that the capacity and features suit your household. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that matches the amount of laundry you actually have.
For a new dishwasher or vacuum cleaner, the repairability index can help you assess how repairable the model is. Also check the documentation, access to parts and their availability for the specific version you’re planning to buy.
If an appliance isn’t working properly and the cause isn’t clear, check its maintenance instructions first. If the problem persists or could pose a risk, arrange a diagnosis rather than assuming the appliance needs replacing.
If you use a household appliance frequently, first decide whether your current appliance needs replacing. If you’re buying a new one, check which index applies to its category, then make sure the model suits your everyday needs.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Durability in use | For a new domestic washing machine in France, compare the durability index of similar models, then check the capacity and features against your habits. | If I do several loads of laundry in a row, I want a suitable capacity without treating the rating as a promise of longevity; around 42% of consumers prioritise this suitability for frequent use. |
| Repairability | For a new dishwasher or vacuum cleaner in France, check the repairability index and its details, then confirm the documentation and parts information for the exact version. | If I choose an appliance that I want to be able to get repaired, I need information specific to the model; around 33% of consumers put verifiable repairability first. |
| Maintenance before replacement | Check the instructions for your current appliance and arrange a diagnosis if a fault persists or could pose a risk before deciding to replace it. | If my appliance isn’t working properly, I’d rather find out why before buying another one; avoiding an unnecessary replacement is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
The repairability index assesses whether an appliance can be repaired. According to ADEME, the durability index also includes reliability criteria in the categories where it applies. Neither index predicts how long your appliance will last.
Check which index applies to the category and read its criteria before comparing models.
In France, the indices apply to specific categories. If an appliance belongs to a category that isn’t covered, the absence of an index doesn’t tell you whether the model is good quality.
In that case, look for the maintenance instructions and information about the documentation and parts for the exact model.
A maintenance issue can make it seem as though an appliance needs replacing. That doesn’t mean every fault can be fixed through routine maintenance.
Only carry out the steps set out in the instructions, and seek an appropriate diagnosis if the problem persists or there’s a safety concern.
A commercial warranty is separate from the statutory guarantee of conformity. France’s Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) notes that information about commercial warranties and their exclusions can be unclear in the household appliance sector.
Before taking out a commercial warranty, check what it offers beyond your applicable statutory rights, as well as its exclusions and claims process.
According to ADEME and the Ministry for Ecological Transition, new domestic washing machines are covered by the durability index, while new dishwashers and vacuum cleaners are covered by the repairability index. These indices don’t apply to every category of household appliance.
No. For domestic washing machines covered in France, the durability index combines reliability and repairability criteria, but it doesn’t guarantee the lifespan of any particular appliance. Also compare the capacity and features with your needs, and follow the maintenance instructions.
For a dishwasher or vacuum cleaner covered by the index, check the documentation, how easy it is to dismantle, and information about parts availability. These are among the criteria outlined by the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Make sure the information you consult relates to the exact model and version.
Not necessarily: as ADEME points out, a fault may be related to maintenance. Check the instructions for the checks recommended by the manufacturer, and contact a professional if the problem persists or could pose a risk. Don’t continue using an appliance if you’re unsure it’s safe.
No. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a consumer, as explained by the Ministry for the Economy. A commercial warranty is separate: check what it covers, its exclusions and its terms without confusing it with your statutory rights.