Small appliance broken? Repair it, buy second-hand or replace it?

Who is this guide for?

Keep costs down after a breakdown

You want to know how much you’ll have to pay before deciding, and check whether your appliance is eligible for the Repair Bonus. Price was one of the key factors in ADEME’s 2024 study of repair habits.

Find a reliable appliance

You’re considering a second-hand or refurbished appliance and want to know which functions have been tested and what options you have if something goes wrong. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that protections depend on the seller and type of purchase.

Keep or pass on an appliance for longer

You want to keep an appliance that suits your needs, find out whether spare parts are available or give a piece of equipment in good condition a second life. ADEME offers different routes depending on the appliance’s condition, while repairability indices cover only certain categories.

What to compare

Have it repaired by an accredited professional

Worth considering: if the appliance still meets your needs and a quote will help you assess the cost and timescale.

Bear in mind: any bonus is subject to conditions and doesn’t guarantee that parts will be available or that the repair will be cost-effective.

Buy second-hand or refurbished

Worth considering: if the appliance’s condition and functions are clearly described and suit the way you’ll use it.

Bear in mind: refurbished goods are still second-hand, and your options if something goes wrong vary, particularly depending on whether the seller is a business or a private individual.

Replace it with a new appliance

Worth considering: if a repair won’t meet your needs or your old appliance is no longer suitable for the way you want to use it.

Bear in mind: check that it has the functions you need. If you’re buying a vacuum cleaner, look up the repairability index for that specific model.

Give away or sell an appliance that still works

Worth considering: if the appliance works and you no longer need it.

Bear in mind: giving or selling it is an option while it’s still in good condition; equipment that no longer works needs to be dealt with another way.

What matters to you	What to check	Who is this for?
Cost to pay yourself	Ask for an itemised quote showing parts, labour and any Repair Bonus deduction.	If I want to manage my spending, I compare the quote with the cost of a suitable replacement. Around 31% of consumers prioritise how much they’ll have to pay.
Condition and options if something goes wrong	Check which functions have been tested, the stated condition and whether the seller is a business or a private individual.	If I’m considering a second-hand appliance, I want to understand its condition and what options I have if it’s faulty. Around 25% of consumers prioritise trust and protections linked to the purchase.
Access to repairs	Look for a professional who works on the appliance category in question and ask how long it will take before travelling or sending the appliance in.	If I rely on the appliance every day, I want an accessible solution and a timescale that works for me. Around 19% of consumers prioritise access to a local service and how long they’ll be without their appliance.
Future repairability	For a vacuum cleaner, check the repairability index and information about parts for the exact model.	If I want to keep my next appliance for longer, I check what information is available about its repairability. Around 19% of consumers put this at the top of their list.
Passing the appliance on	Make sure it works and check the acceptance requirements of your chosen reuse organisation.	If my appliance still works but I no longer need it, I look for a way to make sure it gets reused. Around 6% of consumers prioritise passing on an appliance that’s still usable.

Mistakes to avoid

Treating a general preference as a repair cost threshold

The average view of what counts as an acceptable cost won’t tell you whether a repair makes sense for your appliance, your quote and the way you use it.

Compare the quote with the replacement you’re considering, based on the functions you genuinely need. Don’t automatically apply a maximum percentage.
Assuming all small appliances have the same index

The categories covered by French indices are limited. The repairability index for a vacuum cleaner doesn’t apply to a food processor.

Check the exact category and the information available about parts for your model. Don’t compare appliances using an indicator that doesn’t apply to them.
Confusing refurbished, new and privately sold appliances

A refurbished product is still second-hand, and the protections that apply vary, particularly depending on the seller’s status.

Before buying, read the stated condition, check which functions have been tested and review the warranty terms. Make sure you know whether the seller is a business.
Forgetting how to return your old appliance

Take-back of old equipment linked to the purchase of a new item must be free of charge, and the arrangements must be explained before the sale.

Before placing your order, check how to hand over your old appliance, particularly if you’re buying online.

Brands to know

There are no relevant brands to show in this section.

Related products

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before applying for the Repair Bonus?

Check that your appliance and the fault are covered by the scheme, and contact a QualiRépar-accredited repairer. The bonus applies to certain appliances owned by a household, bought in France and no longer covered by a warranty or insurance; the exact conditions also depend on the appliance category and the work required.

Is a worn battery or accessory automatically eligible for the bonus?

No. Under ecosystem’s terms, replacing consumables, accessories and removable batteries is excluded. Replacing a built-in battery may be eligible, subject to the scheme’s other conditions.

What should I check before buying a refurbished appliance?

Check which functions have been tested, the stated condition and who the seller is. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to purchases made by a private individual from a business for two years from delivery; it doesn’t apply to sales between private individuals.

Do kettles and food processors need to display a French repairability index?

The lists consulted don’t include kettles or food processors among the categories covered by France’s repairability index. Corded and cordless vacuum cleaners, as well as robot vacuums, are covered. Always check that the indicator applies to the category and model you’re considering.

How can I find a repairer and check how long a repair will take?

Use ADEME’s map to find a professional near you who works on your type of appliance; the dedicated symbol identifies repairers offering the Repair Bonus. Then contact the professional to ask for a quote, find out how to drop off or send your appliance, and check the expected timescale.

What should I do with an appliance that can’t be passed on?

Take an appliance that no longer works to a dedicated collection point rather than putting it in your household rubbish. When you buy a replacement, the retailer must take back your old appliance free of charge under the arrangements they’ve explained. Collection or drop-off options may also be available if you’re not buying a replacement.