Anyone who needs to equip their kitchen
You need to store food and cook from the day you move in. Check what’s already there, then choose the dimensions and capacity to suit the available space and your habits.
Who are these recommendations for?
Renters or housemates with limited connection options
Before planning to buy a washing machine or dishwasher, check the space, water supply and drainage, as well as the electrical supply. For a washing machine in a bathroom, Promotelec highlights additional safety requirements.
Households thinking about long-term use
You want to compare energy use and repair options without choosing a capacity that exceeds your needs. ADEME recommends checking the energy label information and the indices that apply to each category.
What should you check before buying?
First, take stock of the appliances already in place. Then check any installation constraints before comparing capacity and usage information.
| Concern | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Space and connections | Measure the space and delivery route. For an appliance that needs connecting, check the water supply, drainage and electrical supply. | If space or connections are limited, I want to know whether the appliance can be installed before I order it. Around 36% of consumers would put this compatibility check first. |
| Everyday needs | Check which appliances are already working, then choose a capacity that suits your usual shopping, meals or laundry loads. | When a home has few appliances, I need to be able to store food, cook and do my laundry without buying everything else straight away. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise these everyday needs. |
| Water and electricity | Compare the energy labels of appliances in the same category and, where shown, their energy and water use per cycle. | If I use these appliances regularly, I want to take their energy use into account throughout their working life. Around 21% of consumers would make this their main concern. |
| Durability and repair | Identify the index that applies to the model and check the information about parts, maintenance and documentation. | I want to understand how an appliance can be maintained and repaired so I can keep it rather than having to replace it prematurely. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Ordering a washing machine just because there’s a socket
In a bathroom, having a socket and a water supply doesn’t automatically mean the space is suitable. Promotelec sets out requirements including earthing, residual current protection and safety zones.
Have the space and connections checked before choosing an appliance if you can’t confirm that these requirements are met.
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Always choosing the largest capacity
A fridge or washing machine that’s too large for your usual needs takes up more space. ADEME recommends matching fridge volume and washing capacity to your household’s actual needs.
Estimate the volume of your usual shopping and laundry loads before comparing sizes.
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Looking only at the energy label rating
The energy rating alone won’t tell you whether the capacity, noise level or programme duration is right for your home and the people living in it.
Compare all the information shown for appliances in the same category and with similar uses.
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Applying the same index to every appliance
Durability and repairability information varies by category. ADEME says that a durability index has applied to the new washing machines covered by the scheme since April 2025.
Check the index shown for the specific model and the criteria it covers before comparing two appliances.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Appliances to equip your home
These appliances support different parts of moving in: storing food, cooking, washing up and cleaning floors. Where they fit into your shopping list depends on what’s already in the home and whether your property can accommodate them.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L fridge freezer
For storing food from the day you move in, if there isn’t already a suitable fridge or freezer.
A three-door model with Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check that its capacity and the space needed for installation are right for your kitchen.
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Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1, 60 cm integrated dishwasher, 13 place settings
For a kitchen where an integrated dishwasher suits your needs and can be connected.
B energy rating. Check the space, door front and connections before buying. Refer to the energy label’s usage figures when comparing models.
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CIARRA CABBIH4-A, 4-zone built-in induction hob
For cooking at home if the property doesn’t already have a suitable hob.
The hob has nine power levels. Before choosing it, check that your worktop, electrical installation and cookware are suitable for a built-in induction hob.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge freezer
A 54 cm-wide fridge freezer to consider when space is limited.
The stated capacity includes 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer. The model has a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Also check the height, depth and clearance required for installation.
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roborock H60 Hub Pro, cordless vacuum cleaner with automatic emptying station
For cleaning your floors if you’re looking for a cordless vacuum cleaner with an automatic emptying station.
The product description states a suction power of 170 AW, an anti-tangle brush and up to 80 minutes of run time. Check the run time for the mode you’ll use and the repairability index that applies to the model.
Frequently asked questions
In what order should you buy appliances when moving in?
Start with the appliances you need for everyday tasks that aren’t already covered: a fridge or freezer for storing food, followed by cooking equipment if you’ll be cooking at home. Bring forward the purchase of a washing machine if you need one quickly, but only after checking its location and connections.
Can you install a washing machine in a bathroom?
Yes, provided the location and electrical installation meet the applicable requirements. Promotelec specifies, in particular, that the washing machine must be earthed, protected by a 30 mA residual current device and installed beyond safety zone 2. Have the installation checked if you can’t confirm these requirements.
What should you compare on an appliance’s energy label?
Compare appliances in the same category, taking into account their capacity and the figures shown for the reference programme. According to ADEME, the label may show energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, noise and programme duration. These figures don’t cover every possible use.
Are repairability and durability indices the same?
No. They don’t necessarily cover the same criteria or appliance categories. ADEME says the durability index applies to the new washing machines covered by the scheme since April 2025. Check the index shown for each model you compare.
Can the repair bonus be used after a breakdown?
It may apply to repairs of eligible products carried out by an accredited repairer. According to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the bonus is deducted from the bill. Check that both the product and repairer are eligible when arranging the repair.