In France, get a broken major appliance assessed for repair before deciding to replace it: eligible work carried out by a QualiRépar-approved repairer may qualify for the Repair Bonus, subject to the conditions published by ecosystem. If you buy new, the rating to check depends on the appliance: washing machines have a durability index, while dishwashers have a repairability index, according to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition. Reuse is also worth considering if you can check the appliance’s condition, model reference and installation requirements.
If the appliance can still be repaired, a diagnosis and quote will help you decide before buying another one. For eligible work, check with your QualiRépar repairer whether the conditions for the Repair Bonus published by ecosystem are met.
If you need to buy new, compare the relevant index for that appliance category, then look for parts and documentation that match the model’s exact reference. The ministries responsible for the ecological transition distinguish between the durability index for washing machines and the repairability index for dishwashers.
Before choosing a reused or refurbished appliance, check that it works, confirm its model reference and make sure it is compatible with your planned installation. Also find out about the parts and service terms specific to that appliance.
When an appliance breaks down, your first decision is whether to repair or replace it. If you need another appliance, the checks to make will differ depending on whether you buy new or choose reuse.
Consider this: when the diagnosis confirms that repairing the appliance would still meet your needs.
Bear in mind: your decision depends on the quote, the part required and whether suitable repair work is available.
Consider this: when a repair is not worthwhile or the appliance no longer meets your essential needs.
Bear in mind: official indices do not cover every category of major appliance, so you’ll need to check the information available for the specific model.
Consider this: if you can check the appliance’s condition, operation and installation requirements before buying.
Bear in mind: an appliance’s age alone does not tell you how well it will perform in future; the model reference and access to parts still matter.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it can be repaired | Note down the model reference and ask for a diagnosis and quote. To qualify for the Repair Bonus, ecosystem requires, among other things, an eligible fault, a QualiRépar repairer and an appliance that is no longer covered by a warranty or insurance. | If my appliance breaks down, I want to know whether it can still be used after a repair. Around 36% of consumers put this assessment of repairability first. |
| Durability of a new appliance | According to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition, compare the durability index for washing machines or the repairability index for dishwashers. Also check the parts and documentation available for the exact model. | When replacing my washing machine or dishwasher, I look for guidance on future repairs rather than a general promise. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Suitability for your needs | Compare the capacity with your usual loads and check the energy label figures for the relevant reference cycles. For a dishwasher, look in particular at water use per cycle, the Eco programme duration and noise levels where these are shown on the label. | If I use the appliance often, I want its capacity and features to suit my habits. Around 21% of consumers say this is their main requirement. |
| Condition of a reused appliance | Ask for the model reference, proof that it works and details of any service terms; check that it is compatible with your planned installation. | Before choosing a second-hand appliance, I want to be able to assess its condition and know how to install it. For around 14% of consumers, reuse is the first option to consider. |
In France, the durability index for washing machines takes account of reliability and repairability, while dishwashers are covered by the repairability index, according to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition.
Compare ratings for appliances in the same category and check the index breakdown when available.
According to ecosystem, eligibility depends on factors including whether the appliance is covered by a warranty or insurance, the type of fault and whether you use a QualiRépar repairer.
Check your cover and, after the diagnosis, ask the repairer whether the Repair Bonus applies to the quote.
A larger capacity may not suit your usual loads. ADEME also recommends checking which cycles the stated energy consumption figures relate to.
Compare capacity, programme duration, noise levels and energy label figures in light of how you use the appliance.
Without an exact model reference or a check that the appliance works, it is difficult to assess its condition and find the right parts.
Ask for the model reference and proof that it works, then check the installation requirements and service terms before making a decision.
Remember to arrange transport and installation too.
The timeframes below are stated by the manufacturers. When choosing an appliance, always check which part you need and the exact model reference.
Worth considering for a washing machine or washer-dryer if you want to search for original parts using the E-Nr reference.
A brand to consider if the stated parts availability period matters when choosing a major appliance.
A brand to consider for a repairable major appliance if identifying the model and finding information on parts are priorities.
In France, check the durability index out of 10 for a washing machine and the repairability index out of 10 for a dishwasher. According to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition, the durability index has applied to washing machines since April 2025; the two indices do not measure exactly the same criteria. For an oven, fridge or cooker, check the information actually available for the model, particularly details of parts and documentation.
A repair may qualify if the appliance belongs to a household, is no longer covered by a warranty or insurance, has an eligible fault and is repaired by a QualiRépar-approved repairer. These conditions are published by ecosystem; ask the repairer to confirm they apply after carrying out a diagnosis.
No. Under the conditions published by ecosystem, problems caused by an external factor, including an installation fault, as well as maintenance work and consumables, are excluded. Purely cosmetic damage is also excluded, so make sure the fault is clearly identified during the diagnosis.
According to ADEME, you could donate or sell it if it is in suitable condition, or take it to an appropriate collection scheme. ADEME also says that when you replace an appliance, you may be able to hand the old one to the seller or delivery team. Check the take-back arrangements before delivery.