If your appliance still meets your household’s needs, first look at how to maintain it and whether it can be repaired. If you need to replace it, start by considering how you’ll use it and the space available. For eligible new washing machines, the durability rating covers repairability and reliability criteria; for eligible dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, the repairability rating focuses on repair. In both cases, check the detailed criteria, compatible parts and warranties: a rating alone does not guarantee a particular lifespan.
First, check that the appliance will fit your available space and suit your household’s needs. Then compare the relevant rating and its detailed criteria. The French Ministry of the Economy explains which appliances are covered by the durability and repairability ratings.
Check the appliance’s exact reference and whether compatible parts are available. The DGCCRF distinguishes information about parts availability, while ADEME notes that their price, accessibility and compatibility can all affect a repair.
Compare maintaining or repairing your current appliance with buying new or refurbished. If you buy a refurbished appliance from a professional seller, check its condition and the warranties that apply. Whether a repair is possible depends in particular on the parts required and the terms of any applicable support scheme, as set out by ADEME.
Consider this: if you need to buy an eligible domestic front-loading or top-loading washing machine.
Keep in mind: the French Ministry of the Economy states that the rating has applied to these washing machines since 8 April 2025; it is not a promise of a particular lifespan.
Consider this: if you need an eligible domestic dishwasher or vacuum cleaner.
Keep in mind: the French Ministry of the Economy and the DGCCRF confirm that the eligible categories use the repairability rating, which does not predict future reliability.
Consider this: if a tested and restored appliance could meet your needs.
Keep in mind: check the condition of the specific item, the work carried out, the accessories included and the seller’s identity. Refurbished does not mean new.
Consider this: if the appliance still meets your needs and a repair could be an option.
Keep in mind: the availability of a compatible part, the work required and any current warranties may all influence your decision.
The priorities below are for consumers considering keeping, repairing or buying a household appliance. They can help you decide what to check first.
| What matters | What to check when buying | Who considers it most important |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability for your needs | Check the appliance type, capacity and installation method against the space available and how your household will use it. | I first check that the appliance will suit my home and how I’ll use it, before comparing ratings. Around 28% of consumers put this suitability first. |
| Understanding the rating | Identify which rating applies to the category, then check its detailed criteria. The French Ministry of the Economy and the DGCCRF describe the categories covered in France. | I want to know which rating actually applies and what its score covers. Around 22% of consumers prioritise understanding this. |
| Access to parts | Search for parts using the model’s exact reference; check their compatibility, stated availability and how to order them. | I want to be able to find a compatible part if a repair becomes necessary. Around 22% of consumers put access to parts first. |
| Maintenance or repair | Check the instruction manual, review any current warranties and ask for a quote before work is carried out. Check ADEME’s terms for the Repair Bonus. | If my appliance still meets my needs, I’d rather look into maintenance or repair before replacing it. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this option. |
| Refurbished appliance | Check the item’s condition, the tests and repairs carried out, the accessories supplied and the identity of the professional seller. | I want to know exactly what condition the item is in and which warranties apply. Around 11% of consumers prioritise the refurbished option. |
Ratings summarise criteria that vary by category; they do not predict when an appliance will break down.
First check that the appliance suits your needs, then look at the right type of rating and its detailed criteria.
Stated availability does not confirm that a part is compatible with your appliance or explain the terms for accessing it.
Note down the full reference, check which part is suitable and compare its cost with a repair quote.
A repair may include the part, labour and, where applicable, transport. Ask for a quote for the specific work required.
A refurbished appliance is a second-hand item; its condition and the period during which a fault is presumed to have existed at the time of sale differ from those of a new item.
Read the description of the specific item, identify the professional seller and distinguish the legal guarantee of conformity from any commercial warranty.
Worth considering for a washing machine if finding parts by reference is important to you.
Worth considering for some dishwashers, laundry care appliances and vacuum cleaners if being able to identify parts by model matters to you.
Worth considering for a vacuum cleaner if access to parts or a repair plan is one of your criteria.
This selection includes washing machines with different capacities and features listed in their product names. Check that a model suits your space and needs, then look at the applicable rating and the parts for its exact reference.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a washing machine with a stated capacity of 10 kg.
Capacity: 10 kg; stated spin speed: 1 400 rpm; stated energy rating: A; colour: white.
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Worth considering if the stated capacity of 12 kg suits your household’s needs.
Capacity: 12 kg; stated spin speed: 1 400 rpm; stated energy rating: A; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; steam function; colour: white.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding washing machine with a stated capacity of 8 kg.
Capacity: 8 kg; stated energy rating: A-10 %; steam function; BLDC motor; Woolmark wool programme; colour: white.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 10 kg and a pet hair programme.
Capacity: 10 kg; 16 programmes; stated energy rating: A-10 %; steam function; add-laundry function.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a front-loading washing machine with a stated capacity of 8 kg.
Capacity: 8 kg; 16 programmes; steam function; add-laundry function; pet hair programme; colour: white.
For eligible domestic front-loading or top-loading washing machines, the durability rating replaced the repairability rating on 8 April 2025. Eligible dishwashers and vacuum cleaners use the repairability rating. The French Ministry of the Economy and the DGCCRF specify which categories are covered. Check the detailed criteria rather than treating the score as a guarantee of a particular lifespan.
No. You’ll need to check that it is compatible with your appliance’s exact reference. The DGCCRF distinguishes the availability requirements that apply to certain categories and parts; also check the stated availability period and how to order. Brands’ commercial commitments have their own terms.
Follow the instruction manual for maintenance and ask for a quote if you’re considering a repair. First, check any current warranties. For the Repair Bonus, ADEME sets out conditions including the eligibility of the item and the repairer, as well as whether the item is covered by a warranty or insurance.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity also covers refurbished goods sold by a professional to an individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that it can be claimed within two years of delivery. For second-hand or refurbished goods, the DGCCRF says the presumption that a fault existed at the time of sale lasts for one year, compared with two years for new goods. Any commercial warranty is separate.