When replacing a vacuum cleaner, first choose a type that suits the way you clean, then compare the repairability ratings of models that meet your needs. In France, the rating applies to domestic corded vacuum cleaners, cordless models and robot vacuum cleaners, according to the DGCCRF. However, it doesn’t tell you how well a model cleans, how long its battery lasts or whether it’s right for your home.
If you’re replacing a worn or broken appliance, compare the rating and its individual criteria across models suited to your needs. Also check that parts are available for the exact model number: a rating alone won’t help you plan for a future repair.
If you clean several types of surface and are happy to use a corded appliance, a cylinder vacuum is worth comparing with other styles. UFC-Que Choisir describes it as a good option for deep cleaning. Then check the cleaning results and repairability of the models you’re considering.
A cordless stick vacuum is a good choice if manoeuvrability matters to you; a robot vacuum if you want automated cleaning. For a stick model, pay particular attention to battery life. For a robot, check cleaning performance, including along walls and in corners, as well as its repairability rating.
Consider this if: a thorough clean across several types of surface is your priority, and plugging into the mains suits your home.
Bear in mind: the cord and the size of a cylinder vacuum can make quick clean-ups less convenient.
Consider this if: you value manoeuvrability for frequent, shorter cleans.
Check: battery life, charging time and battery replacement terms are just as important as the repairability rating when choosing a model.
Consider this if: you want your floors cleaned regularly with minimal effort.
Check: the care required for the robot and any docking station, as well as how it cleans along edges and in corners, varies from model to model.
Once you’ve chosen a type, use the repairability rating to compare models, not their suction performance. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the score out of 10 is based in part on documentation, ease of dismantling and spare parts. The criteria specific to each category mean it’s worth looking at the details before comparing different types on the basis of a small difference in score.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Repairability and parts | The score out of 10, its individual criteria and the parts available for the exact model number. | I want to look into repair options before replacing my appliance. Around 42% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Cleaning your home | Performance on the surfaces you need to clean and the accessories included with the model. | If my new vacuum cleaner is to handle the main cleaning across several types of surface, it needs to do the job well before I consider the convenience of a different style. Around 33% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Everyday convenience | For a stick vacuum, battery life; for a robot, how well it cleans in your home’s layout. | My main aim is to make regular cleaning less of a chore, through greater manoeuvrability or automation. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this convenience. |
Similar scores can hide differences in documentation, ease of dismantling or parts availability. The DGCCRF recommends checking how the score is calculated, rather than relying on the summary rating alone.
Use the score to shortlist appliances, then check the details for the exact model.
The rating doesn’t measure suction, a stick vacuum’s battery life or how well a robot cleans along edges. These factors are assessed separately in tests by the National Consumer Institute and UFC-Que Choisir.
First check that each appliance you’re considering can handle the cleaning you need, then compare its repairability.
A catalogue or manufacturer’s promise may depend on the range, model and part you’re looking for. It doesn’t guarantee that every vacuum cleaner from the brand will have the same parts available.
Search the manufacturer’s catalogue using the exact model number and check the terms of any applicable promise.
According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the scheme is available through an approved repairer and applies to eligible repairs.
If your appliance breaks down, ask for a diagnosis and confirm that the repair is eligible before relying on this support.
Parts catalogues and manufacturer promises can help guide your checks, but the exact model number and its repairability rating are what matter most.
The brand offers cylinder vacuum cleaners, cordless stick models and robot vacuums, among other products.
Miele’s French catalogue lets you search for spare parts for its vacuum cleaners.
Dyson offers a spare-parts search for several vacuum cleaner ranges, including cordless models and robot vacuums.
Electrolux’s French support pages cover several types of vacuum cleaner and let you search for parts and accessories.
According to the DGCCRF, the rating applies to domestic corded vacuum cleaners, domestic cordless vacuum cleaners and domestic robot vacuum cleaners. When shopping online, check the rating and the criteria shown for the model you’re interested in.
No. It tells you about repairability, not cleaning performance. Check how well the model cleans the surfaces in your home, as well as a stick vacuum’s battery life or a robot’s performance along edges and in corners. The National Consumer Institute and UFC-Que Choisir cover these factors in their tests.
Note down the exact model number, repairability rating and its individual criteria. Then look for the parts relevant to that model, particularly the battery and charger for a stick vacuum, or the brushes and components of a robot’s docking station, if it has one.
If you bought a vacuum cleaner from a retailer in France, you may be able to use the legal guarantee of conformity if the conditions are met, as explained by the French Ministry of the Economy. For a repair outside the guarantee, check separately whether you can use the repair bonus. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, this generally requires an eligible repair carried out by an approved repairer.