Before replacing an ageing household appliance, check which warranties apply and ask for a diagnosis and a quote for getting it working again. Repairing it may be a good option if it restores the appliance to working order within an acceptable timeframe. If replacement better suits your needs, compare the features of a new model or check the actual condition of a refurbished appliance.
You want to know what caused the breakdown, and how long and how much it will take to get the appliance working again before buying another one. Check your warranties too. If the appliance is out of warranty, check the terms of the Repair Bonus offered by ecosystem.
Your appliance no longer meets your needs. Compare the capacity and energy-use figures of suitable models, then check information about spare parts and their repairability or durability rating, where these apply to the category. This is recommended by guidance from ADEME and the ministries responsible for the ecological transition.
You’re considering a refurbished appliance and want to know what has been tested or restored. The DGCCRF recommends checking the details of the specific item being sold. You should also identify the seller and check which warranties apply.
If your household appliance is ageing or has broken down, start by finding out whether it can be restored to working order. If you need to replace it, first decide which features are essential for your household, then compare suitable models.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown and getting it working again | Check which warranties apply, then ask for a diagnosis that sets out the work required, the total cost and the timescale. If the appliance is out of warranty, check the terms of the Repair Bonus with ecosystem. | If my appliance has just broken down, I want to know whether it can do its job again before I buy another one; around 33% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Repairability of a replacement | Compare information about spare parts and, for categories covered, the rating that applies to the exact model. According to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition, the durability rating replaced the repairability rating for televisions and washing machines in 2025. | When I replace an appliance, I want to be able to assess how easy it will be to maintain and repair in future; around 25% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Energy use and how you use it | For comparable models, check the units and reference programme on the energy label, as well as the usable capacity. ADEME gives figures such as kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle for dishwashers. | My current appliance is inconvenient to use every day, and I want to compare the energy use of my next one without overlooking its capacity; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Condition of a refurbished appliance | Check that the description, tests and accessories relate to the appliance being sold. Identify the professional seller and check which warranties apply, following the points highlighted by the DGCCRF. | If I’m considering a refurbished appliance to keep the upfront cost down, I want to know its exact condition before I commit; around 17% of consumers would put this need first. |
A breakdown alone doesn’t mean the appliance needs replacing. The Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity also covers second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual.
Keep your proof of purchase and the appliance’s model details, check which warranties apply, then ask for a diagnosis and details of any potential repair.
Repairability and durability ratings apply to specific categories. A rating doesn’t guarantee how long your appliance will last or determine the outcome of a particular breakdown.
Compare models in the same covered category and check the criteria behind their ratings, including information about spare parts.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you everything about how an appliance performs in use. For dishwashers, ADEME also recommends checking reference consumption figures, capacity, programme duration and noise levels.
Check the units shown and choose a capacity that suits your needs before comparing energy use.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, a refurbished product is a second-hand item whose functions have been tested and which has been restored if necessary before being sold.
Check that the condition, tests, specifications and accessories match the item on offer, rather than just the original new model.
Yes. According to the Ministry of the Economy, it covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. Before paying for a repair or replacement, check your proof of purchase and contact the seller to find out what options are available in your situation.
According to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus applies to certain appliances that are out of warranty and certain eligible faults, when the repair is carried out by a QualiRépar-approved professional. Check whether your appliance and its fault are eligible before comparing your options.
No. The rating helps you compare models in a covered category, but it doesn’t predict how long a specific appliance will last. The ministries responsible for the ecological transition distinguish between the repairability rating and the durability rating. Check which rating applies and what its criteria are before choosing.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, a refurbished appliance is a second-hand item whose functions have been tested and which has been restored if necessary before being sold. Check the description, condition and accessories of the specific appliance on offer.