If your appliance has broken down, get it assessed for repair before deciding to replace it: the diagnosis and access to spare parts could affect your decision. If you’re buying a new appliance in France, check the durability index for a front- or top-loading washing machine, or the repairability index for a dishwasher or vacuum cleaner, then read the detailed criteria. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, these indices provide regulated guidance; they don’t guarantee that a particular model will be easy to repair.
If your appliance has stopped working, find out whether it can be repaired before looking for a replacement. The Repair Bonus may be available for an appliance that’s out of warranty and has an eligible fault, provided the work is carried out by an approved repairer, according to the French ministry responsible for the ecological transition and ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a front- or top-loading model, the durability index lets you assess criteria relating to repairability and reliability. The French Ministry of the Economy states that this index has applied to these washing machines in France since 8 April 2025.
For these appliances, the repairability index is a useful starting point. The DGCCRF recommends checking the criteria behind the rating; it’s also worth checking the parts and support information for the exact model you’re considering.
If your appliance has broken down, first find out whether it can be repaired. If you’re replacing it in France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between the durability index for front- and top-loading washing machines, which has applied since 8 April 2025, and the repairability index for dishwashers and vacuum cleaners.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Repair before replacing | Get the fault assessed and check whether parts are accessible. If the appliance is out of warranty, check whether the fault is eligible for the Repair Bonus and whether you can use an approved repairer. | When my appliance breaks down, I want to know whether it can be repaired before choosing a new one; around 29% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Check the right index | Find the index that applies to the exact model, its rating out of 10 and the detailed criteria, rather than comparing ratings alone. | When choosing between new appliances, I want to understand what their index measures; around 36% of consumers put this first. |
| Find the right parts | Search for parts compatible with the full model reference, and check their stated availability and the support options. | If my appliance needs repairing in the future, I want to be able to identify the parts for my model; this is the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Choose an appliance that suits your needs | Check the dimensions and installation requirements. Depending on the appliance, also consider capacity, noise levels or the type of vacuum cleaner. | In an open-plan kitchen, I don’t want to choose a dishwasher that’s too noisy for everyday use; around 14% of consumers put finding an appliance that meets their needs first. |
For front- and top-loading washing machines sold in France, the durability index replaced the repairability index on 8 April 2025, according to the Ministry of the Economy. It also takes reliability criteria into account.
On the product page for the version you’ve chosen, look for the durability index and its detailed criteria.
A rating alone doesn’t tell you what’s involved in carrying out a repair. For dishwashers in particular, UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of diagnosis and access to components.
Read the index criteria and look for repair information that matches the full model reference.
A fault may be worth assessing before you replace the appliance, but that doesn’t mean repair is always the best option. The French ministry responsible for the ecological transition only offers the Repair Bonus for work that meets the scheme’s conditions.
Have the fault assessed and check whether parts are available before making your decision.
A manufacturer’s catalogue or stated parts availability period doesn’t confirm that every part will be available for every version when you need it.
Make a note of the full model reference, then check which parts are compatible, whether they’re listed as available and how to contact support for that model.
Worth checking if identifying original parts is important to your choice of appliance.
Worth checking for the parts availability commitments the manufacturer makes for different appliance categories.
Worth checking if you’re looking for original parts for a washing machine or dishwasher.
Worth checking to identify parts and support services for your type of appliance.
Check the durability index for a front- or top-loading washing machine. According to the Ministry of the Economy, it has replaced the repairability index for these appliances since 8 April 2025. Its rating out of 10 combines repairability and reliability criteria; check the detailed information on the model’s product page.
The repairability index applies in France, according to the DGCCRF. For vacuum cleaners, this covers domestic corded models, cordless battery-powered models and robot vacuums. Check the rating criteria and the information for the version you’re considering.
No. It doesn’t guarantee a particular diagnosis or that the necessary parts will be available. According to the French ministry responsible for the ecological transition and ecosystem, the scheme requires, among other things, an appliance that’s out of warranty, an eligible fault and work carried out by an approved repairer. Get your appliance assessed before deciding.
No. The index is a useful guide, but it doesn’t guarantee that a particular appliance will be easy to repair. In its work on dishwashers, UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the importance of diagnosis, instructions and access to components. Check these details for the model you’re interested in.