Households with an uncertain length of stay
If you might move before your planned stay comes to an end, check the minimum rental term and return conditions first. The length of the commitment matters just as much as the monthly payment.
Who is this choice for?
Households comparing the total cost
If you’re considering both buying and renting, compare all the costs over the same period, including any delivery and installation services you need.
Households looking to hand over the logistics
If you’d rather not arrange delivery, installation or breakdown support separately, check exactly which services are included in the offer and whether they’re available at your address.
What to compare
First, check that the expected period of use fits the commitment. Then compare the full costs and the services you actually need.
Buy the appliance
Worth considering: if you want to keep or resell the appliance and can pay the price upfront.
Check: delivery and installation charges, and get their cost in writing before you buy if they’re chargeable.
Rent with a fixed commitment
Worth considering: if the minimum term on offer reasonably covers your stay and spreading the payments suits you.
Check: the commitment period, the terms for ending the contract and what you’ll need to return. The Boulanger Location offer we reviewed for the Bosch WGG254FQFR does not include an option to buy at the end of the contract.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Length of use and commitment | Compare the minimum term with your likely accommodation dates; check the end-of-contract and return conditions. | If I might move out earlier than planned, I want to avoid being tied in beyond the period when I’ll need the appliance. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the length of the commitment. |
| Total cost over the same period | For renting, add together the upfront payment and monthly payments; for buying, include the appliance and any services you need. | If I’m keeping an eye on my budget, I compare all costs over the time I’ll use the appliance, rather than comparing a purchase price with a monthly payment. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the total cost. |
| Delivery, installation and breakdowns | Check delivery to the intended position, installation and how breakdowns are handled. | If I’d rather not arrange delivery and installation separately, I also want to know who to contact if the appliance breaks down. Around 20% of consumers prioritise logistics and support. |
| Appliance suitability for your home | Measure the space and access routes; check the connections and dimensions of the exact model. | If space or access is limited, I check that the appliance can be installed and suits my needs before choosing an arrangement. Around 20% of consumers prioritise suitability for their home. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Comparing the purchase price with just one monthly payment
The two amounts don’t cover the same period or necessarily include the same services. A rental offer may also include an upfront payment, and monthly payments can vary depending on the term you choose.
Work out the total costs over the same period and list the services included with each option separately.
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Confusing renting with rent-to-own
The Boulanger Location FAQ states that the offer we reviewed has no option to buy and that the product must be returned. The DGCCRF distinguishes this from rent-to-own, which gives you the option to decide whether to buy the item at the end of the term.
Read the end-of-contract terms to check what needs to be returned, whether you can extend the agreement and whether there’s an option to buy.
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Assuming a move will end your commitment
The DGCCRF states that cancelling online doesn’t change contractual terms such as the notice period, commitment period or any fees that may apply.
Before signing up, check the terms for ending the contract early and compare the minimum term with your accommodation dates.
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Choosing an arrangement before checking the space
An appliance may not fit the available space or access routes. The Boulanger Location listing for the LG F20F12BST washing machine notes that its dimensions are non-standard.
Measure the space and access routes, then check the dimensions and connections for the exact model.
Brands to know as a guide
Bosch
The WGG254FQFR washing machine is an example of the terms offered under a specific rental deal.
- The Boulanger Location listing we reviewed states that this model has a 10 kg capacity, includes home installation and is available with minimum terms of 12, 24 or 36 months.
- These features and services apply to this model and offer only; check the contract and the model you choose.
LG
The F20F12BST is an example of a high-capacity washing machine available to rent.
- Boulanger Location lists this model with a 20 kg capacity.
- The listing warns that its dimensions are non-standard; check the space and access routes before choosing this model.
Electrolux
The brand features in a washing machine buying option, but the models mentioned are not interchangeable.
- Que Choisir Ensemble lists the EW9FI71014FC among models tested recently.
- Being listed doesn’t, by itself, indicate a ranking or prove superior performance. The EW7FI259160V listed on Joybuy France is a different model.
Samsung
Different models feature in options to buy a washing machine and rent a tumble dryer.
- Que Choisir Ensemble lists the WW80CGC04DAH washing machine among models tested recently; Boulanger Location separately lists the DV90DG6845LK tumble dryer.
- These models are different appliances and are available through different routes; check the specifications, dimensions and contract for the exact model.
Appliances to buy on Joybuy
These appliances showcase the option of buying new to equip your home, covering laundry, drying, dishwashing, refrigeration and freezing.
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TCL CF126EWE0FR, 98 L chest freezer
Worth considering if you’re buying a freezer and want well-organised storage.
Stated capacity: 98 L. The listing mentions a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid and a compartment that can switch between fresh and frozen settings. Energy rating E.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A, freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings
Worth considering if you’re buying a freestanding dishwasher and can arrange the required connections.
Width: 60 cm; stated noise level: 41 dB; energy rating C; white finish. The listing says you’ll need to arrange water inlet and drainage connections.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you’re buying a freestanding tumble dryer and want a heat pump model.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; energy rating C; white finish. The listing mentions an Easy Cleaning 2-in-1 filter.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge freezer, silver
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer and need to factor in the available width.
Stated capacity: 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer; width: 54 cm; energy rating E. The listing mentions a reversible door and recommends leaving enough ventilation space around the appliance.
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Comfee' CF08EWP05W, front-loading washing machine, 8 kg
Worth considering if you’re buying a washing machine and want a model with a stated depth that may suit a compact laundry space.
Capacity: 8 kg; stated depth: 48 cm; 16 programmes; steam function; energy rating A. The listing requires a stable surface and suitable water, drainage and electrical connections.
Frequently asked questions
Does a low monthly payment mean renting is cheaper?
Not on its own. For the Boulanger Location offer we reviewed for the Bosch WGG254FQFR, monthly payments vary depending on the term, and there’s also an upfront payment. Compare the amounts due over the same period and the services included, without assuming that all offers work the same way.
Can moving home let me stop paying rent immediately?
Not necessarily: the terms for ending the agreement depend on the contract. The DGCCRF states that being able to cancel online doesn’t change the clauses on notice periods, commitment periods or fees. Check these before signing up, taking into account when you might leave your accommodation.
What should I check before delivery and installation?
Measure the space and access routes, then check the connections and services available for the specific model and address. For a delivered purchase, the French Ministry of the Economy states that the seller must provide written details of delivery costs and any charge for installation before the purchase.
Who should I contact if a new appliance I’ve bought isn’t as described?
In France, if you’re buying as an individual from a professional seller, you can make a claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity through the seller, subject to the conditions set out in law. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request that the guarantee be applied. Support services linked to a rental agreement are covered by the relevant contract.
Can I have an old appliance taken away when I buy a new one?
The DGCCRF reiterates the principle of free « one-for-one » take-back of an equivalent used appliance when you buy a new one. Ask the retailer how to arrange this. It doesn’t replace returning a rented appliance, which is subject to the end-of-contract terms.