Start by identifying the appliance whose continuous operation or frequent use genuinely has the greatest impact on your household, rather than automatically replacing the oldest one. If buying new is necessary, compare the label data relevant to the category, but also consider repair, refurbished products and ways to reduce usage.
You want to prioritise a fridge, freezer, dishwasher or another appliance whose operating time and frequency of use may matter more than its age alone. ADEME, France’s environment agency, notes in particular that fridges and freezers run continuously.
You have a faulty or ageing appliance and want to know whether a documented repair, potentially supported by a repair bonus, should be considered before replacing it immediately.
You are considering a second-life appliance, provided its condition, testing, specific features and the warranties offered by the professional seller are clearly set out.
First compare how you actually use the appliance, then look at the data relevant to its category and the solutions that could extend its useful life.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Identify the priority appliance | Note operating time, frequency of use, standby modes and appliances that remain switched on. Also compare the size and features with your actual needs. | I want to focus on the appliance that runs for a long time, frequently or continuously, rather than replacing one simply because it is old. |
| Read the label on a like-for-like basis | Compare appliances with the same function and a similar capacity. Depending on the category, check kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity and noise; the Eco programme is often used as the reference. | I am looking for an appliance suited to my usual loads, without buying an unnecessarily large model or running partially filled cycles. Noise also matters if the appliance is near living areas or runs at night. |
| Protect its useful life | For the products concerned, check the durability or repairability index, availability of spare parts, dismantlability and documentation. Confirm eligibility with an approved repairer before considering the repair bonus. | I want to know whether a fault can be repaired and whether the appliance can still meet my household’s needs before buying a replacement. |
| Make a safer refurbished purchase | Ask about the tests carried out, the condition of the individual item, its technical and cosmetic specifications, accessories, installation and warranty terms. | I want to distinguish a refurbished appliance from a simple second-hand product and make sure the information relates specifically to the item being sold. |
Age alone is not enough to identify which appliance should take priority. Appliances used continuously, standby modes and frequent use may have a greater impact; a newer but oversized model can also increase consumption.
List the appliances concerned, how long they run and how often they are used before comparing repair, reduced usage or replacement.
The rating should be considered alongside stated consumption, capacity, water use and noise. For a dishwasher, kWh is shown for 100 reference cycles, often based on the Eco programme.
Compare models with the same intended use and a similar capacity, then relate the label units to the number of cycles you typically run.
The scheme depends on the product, the fault, the applicable terms and the work being carried out by an approved repairer.
Before giving up on the appliance, check whether the product and fault are eligible with an approved repairer or through official information from the relevant eco-organisations.
The technical and cosmetic information should relate to the refurbished item itself. Its condition, accessories, installation and the tests carried out may differ from those of the new model.
Ask for a description of the item being sold, the tests performed, its condition, the applicable warranty and the delivery or installation terms before comparing your options.
These Joybuy options are for replacing an appliance with a new model carrying an energy label, particularly to compare capacity, stated consumption, water use and noise according to the category.
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An option to compare if your usual loads suit a 7 kg capacity.
The stated figures are 40 kWh/100 cycles, 44 L/cycle, 7 kg and 72 dB during spinning; the stated repairability index is 8.6/10 and spare parts are available for 11 years.
Check the installation and connection terms, as well as the applicable index, before buying.
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This model is worth comparing for large laundry loads if 10 kg reflects your actual usage.
The specification lists 41 kWh/100 cycles, 48 L/cycle, 10 kg and 68 dB(A) during spinning, with load detection and AutoDose.
Check the available space, connections, Schuko plug compatibility, and the information provided on spare parts and durability.
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Worth comparing if you need chilled and frozen storage in an appliance that runs continuously.
The specification states 108 kWh/year, a total volume of 333 L, a noise level of 29 dB, No Frost fan-assisted cooling and a reversible door.
Check that the volume suits your household, along with the dimensions of 59.7 × 186 × 67.4 cm and the door-opening direction in your kitchen.
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An option for a household looking to compare a family-sized 9 kg washing machine using label figures.
The stated figures are 44 kWh/100 cycles, 50 L/cycle, 9 kg and 72 dB during spinning; the specification includes AI Wash and Auto Dispense.
The stated consumption applies to the Eco 40-60 programme; compare it with your usual programmes and cycles, then check the space and connections required.
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This integrated dishwasher is worth comparing if your kitchen and typical loads require 13 place settings.
The specification lists a capacity of 13 place settings, 44 dB(A), AI Wash, adjustable racks and automatic door opening at the end of the cycle.
Check the complete energy label, the niche dimensions of 820-900 × 600 × 555 mm and the requirements for integrated installation.
Start with appliances that run continuously or very frequently, and those that are particularly important in your household. ADEME specifically cites fridges and freezers running 24 hours a day; its guidance is based on averages and does not measure your home’s actual consumption.
Compare appliances in the same category and with a similar capacity. For a dishwasher, multiply the kWh shown for 100 reference cycles by your approximate annual number of cycles, then divide by 100 to compare models; the reference cycle is often the Eco programme.
Request a diagnosis or quote when the appliance has developed a fault but still suits your needs. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the repair bonus may be deducted from the bill by an approved repairer, subject to the product and fault meeting the applicable eligibility conditions.
When sold by a professional to a private individual, a refurbished product benefits from the legal guarantee of conformity, according to the DGCCRF. Also check that the listing describes the item being sold, its tests, condition and specifications, rather than only the original new model.
ADEME states that the durability index applies to televisions placed on the market since 8 January 2025 and washing machines since April 2025. Rated out of 10, it incorporates repairability and elements of reliability; for other applicable products, the repairability index can also provide useful guidance.