Who is this decision for?

Households dealing with a breakdown

If the appliance was still meeting your needs, a diagnosis can identify the fault before you weigh up a repair against buying a replacement. ADEME notes that parts availability, compatibility and access can all affect whether a repair is possible.

People replacing a washing machine or television

When comparing new models sold in France, you can look at their durability index as well as the features that matter in your home. According to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the index has applied to televisions since January 2025 and washing machines since April 2025.

People replacing a dishwasher or vacuum cleaner

The repairability index lets you compare models in the relevant category. For a dishwasher, also look at capacity, energy label information and installation requirements. For a vacuum cleaner, start with the conditions in which you’ll use it at home.

What should you check before deciding?

First, consider what a repair would allow you to keep, then decide which features you need if you have to replace the appliance. The French indices help you compare models in the categories they cover, but they shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision.

Get a diagnosis or arrange a repair

Worth considering: if the appliance would still meet your needs once repaired and a diagnosis can establish what work is required.

Bear in mind: parts availability and compatibility can limit what’s possible. A quote will help you assess the options for this particular fault.

Replace the appliance

Worth considering: if a repair wouldn’t meet your household’s needs or, after a diagnosis, you decide to buy a model suited to the way you use it now.

Bear in mind: greater capacity or a high index score doesn’t remove the need to check energy use, installation requirements and the exact model’s features.

PriorityWhat to checkYour needs
Whether a repair is possible Ask for a diagnosis or a quote for the fault in question. Check which parts are needed and whether the Repair Bonus may apply. My appliance would still suit my household if repaired; I want to know what work is needed before choosing a replacement.
Spare parts Check availability and compatibility with the exact model number. ADEME also notes that access to parts can be an obstacle to repair. If I’m considering a repair, it must be possible to carry it out using parts that are genuinely compatible with my appliance.
Durability and repairability Compare scores and their breakdown for models in the same category. According to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the durability index covers washing machines and televisions, among other products; the repairability index covers dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, among others. If I replace my appliance, I want to consider how easy it is to repair and, where the durability index applies, the reliability criteria included in the score.
Capacity and usage Work out your usual load or volume, then compare capacities close to what you need. ADEME says that 7 kg is enough for a washing machine most of the time. I often wash small loads: a larger capacity is only useful if it also suits the way I regularly do my laundry.
Energy use and installation Compare the relevant energy label figures for similar appliances. Check the dimensions and connections, and the noise level of the chosen model if needed. The appliance must fit the space available and suit how often I use it. I shouldn’t rely on its energy rating alone.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Replacing the appliance without looking into the fault

    Without a diagnosis, it’s hard to know what work would be needed or whether the appliance could meet your needs again.

    Where appropriate, ask for a diagnosis or a quote. For the Repair Bonus, ecosystem specifies that the appliance must be out of warranty and the fault must be eligible. Check the other applicable conditions before relying on this support.

  • Taking the index as a promise of how long it will last

    French indices cover defined criteria and certain product categories. According to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the durability index combines repairability and reliability, among other factors; it can’t predict the lifespan of an individual appliance on its own.

    Compare the score and its breakdown for similar models, then consider what your household needs and the repair conditions for the model you’re considering.

  • Choosing a capacity without considering your usual loads

    A larger drum won’t necessarily suit the amount of laundry your household produces. ADEME says that a 7 kg washing machine is enough most of the time and advises against running lots of cycles with underfilled drums.

    Estimate the size of your usual loads before comparing capacities, then check the energy-use information for models that suit the way you do your laundry.

  • Putting your old appliance out with household rubbish

    Electrical and electronic appliances have a dedicated collection scheme in France, as set out by the ministry responsible for the ecological transition.

    Look into repair, reuse or collection options. If you’re buying an appliance of the same type, ask the retailer how and under what conditions they’ll take your old one away.

A guide to brands

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Appliances to replace yours

These Joybuy options are for replacing a washing machine or dishwasher. First compare their capacity and listed features, then check the applicable French index for the exact model before deciding. These appliances are not repair options.

LG F4WX851Y washing machine, 11 kg

LG F4WX851Y washing machine, 11 kg, A-rated

Compare its stated capacity of 11 kg with your usual laundry loads: it’s only useful if it suits the way you do your washing.

Check the dimensions and required connections, as well as the durability index shown for this exact model.

View on Joybuy
Electrolux EWF1410N2 washing machine, 10 kg

Electrolux EWF1410N2 washing machine, 10 kg

Compare its stated capacity of 10 kg with the amount of laundry you wash regularly, rather than an unusually large load.

Check the space and connections required, then look up the durability index for this model.

View on Joybuy
Electrolux EW6FI4805AW washing machine, 8 kg

Electrolux EW6FI4805AW washing machine, 8 kg, 1400 tr/min

With a stated capacity of 8 kg, this model may suit your usual loads better than a larger drum.

Compare relevant usage information for models with similar capacities and check the durability index for this exact model.

View on Joybuy
Electrolux EW7FI259160V washing machine, 9 kg

Electrolux EW7FI259160V washing machine, 9 kg, 1600 tr/min

This washing machine has a stated capacity of 9 kg. Check that this suits your usual loads and that the appliance fits the space available.

Connectivity is listed in the product title: check that it’s compatible with your devices if you plan to use it. Also check the durability index for the exact model.

View on Joybuy
Hotpoint H4FD641A dishwasher, 14 place settings

Hotpoint H4FD641A dishwasher, 14 place settings, 60 cm

Compare its stated capacity of 14 place settings with your household’s usual meals and how often you run the dishwasher.

The product title lists a width of 60 cm, a noise level of 41 dB and a C rating. Check the space and connections required, as well as the repairability index for this model.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which appliances have a durability index in France?

According to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the durability index has applied to televisions since 8 January 2025 and washing machines since 8 April 2025. This score out of 10 includes repairability and reliability criteria for the models concerned; it doesn’t guarantee how long a particular appliance will last.

Which appliances still have a repairability index?

The ministry responsible for the ecological transition lists laptops, lawnmowers, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and pressure washers. If you’re replacing an appliance, check the score for the exact model and compare it with those of appliances in the same category.

How should you use a repairability or durability score?

Use it to compare models in the category it covers, while also considering their features and how you’ll use them. According to guidance from the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the repairability index looks at factors such as documentation, disassembly and parts; the durability index also includes reliability criteria. Then check the capacity, energy-use information and installation requirements for the model you’re considering.

Could the Repair Bonus affect your decision?

It may be a factor if the appliance is no longer covered by a warranty and the fault is eligible, as ecosystem explains. Ask for a diagnosis and check the conditions that apply to your appliance and repair professional before weighing up a repair against a replacement.

What should you do with your old appliance if you replace it?

Take your old appliance to a reuse scheme or a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. The ministry responsible for the ecological transition distinguishes between take-back when you buy an appliance of the same type and take-back without a purchase, which has its own conditions. Check with the shop or collection service for details.