Households looking to keep their vacuum cleaner
You’re happy with its current design, but the loss of suction is making cleaning harder. A diagnosis can help you decide whether servicing or repair will keep it going.
Who is this choice for?
People interested in a refurbished appliance
You’re happy to buy an appliance that’s already been used, as long as you know its condition, which accessories are included and what guarantees apply. Whether the seller is a professional is also an important factor.
Households whose cleaning routine has changed
Your floors, pet hair or cleaning frequency may mean your old appliance is no longer the right fit. Choosing between a stick, cylinder or robot vacuum then depends on the features of the specific model, not just its stated power.
What should you look at first?
Repair your current appliance
Consider this if: its design still meets your needs and a professional can diagnose the loss of suction.
Bear in mind: whether it can be put back into service depends on the fault and the findings of the diagnosis.
Buy refurbished
Consider this if: you’d like to replace your vacuum cleaner with one that’s already been used, tested and reconditioned if necessary.
Bear in mind: check the condition, what’s included and the guarantees for each offer.
Buy new
Consider this if: you need a different design or features that are better suited to your home.
Bear in mind: the repairability index alone won’t tell you whether an appliance is right for your floors and how you use it.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the appliance | Have the loss of suction diagnosed; check the terms for any potential repair. | If the current design suits me, I’d rather find out what’s wrong before changing vacuum cleaner. Around 33% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Choose refurbished | Check the stated condition, included accessories and whether the seller is a professional. | If I replace my appliance with a refurbished one, I want to know what’s been tested and which guarantees apply. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Consider repairability when buying new | Compare the repairability index shown for the new models you’re considering. | If I buy new, I want to take into account whether the model can be repaired in future. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Find the right fit for your cleaning routine | Check the brushes and filtration; for a cordless model, look at the stated battery life in the mode you’ll use. | Given my floors and how often I clean, I mainly need a design and features that suit my needs. Around 17% of consumers put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming you qualify for the Repair Bonus without checking the conditions
In France, this scheme is available through an approved repairer and doesn’t apply to an appliance that’s still covered by a guarantee or insurance. Eligibility also depends on the appliance’s circumstances.
Before going ahead with a repair, ask the professional to confirm their QualiRépar accreditation, that your vacuum cleaner is covered and that the scheme applies.
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Confusing second-hand with refurbished
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, a refurbished item has undergone full functionality tests and has been restored to working order if necessary. A second-hand listing doesn’t necessarily describe the same checks.
Ask for details of its condition, battery if it has one, and the filters, brushes and accessories included. Also check whether the seller is a professional.
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Choosing a new model based on its repairability score alone
The repairability index tells you how easy a model is to repair; on its own, it doesn’t tell you about its filtration, accessories or the battery life you’ll need for your cleaning routine.
First compare what you need each model to do, then look at its score and the features of the exact model.
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Assuming a robot vacuum can replace every other type
Navigation, customisable zones and docking stations vary between robot vacuums. The dust bin, filters and brushes also need maintaining.
Check the obstacles and thresholds in your home, the navigation features of the model you’re considering and the maintenance it requires.
Brands to consider by model
These brands offer designs and features worth comparing model by model. Their inclusion here doesn’t indicate whether a particular model is available.
Rowenta
A brand to consider if you’re comparing stick, cylinder or robot vacuums and want to look into the repairability of a specific model.
- Rowenta says it keeps technical spare parts for almost all its products for 15 years after purchase, subject to its terms.
- Check availability, the repairability index and accessories for the model you’re considering. Don’t assume the commitment applies to every model.
Miele
A brand to consider when comparing cylinder and stick vacuums for the floors, brushes and filtration you need.
- Miele’s product pages show that features vary by model, including certain HEPA filters and accessories.
- Don’t assume the battery life or accessories listed for one Miele stick or cylinder vacuum apply to another.
Dyson
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a cordless stick vacuum and comparing the brushes, filtration and battery of each variant.
- Dyson states that the V15 Detect Absolute has a click-in battery and offers up to 60 minutes of battery life.
- Battery life depends on the mode and how you use it. Also check which accessories are included with the variant on sale.
iRobot
A brand to consider if a robot vacuum suits your routine and the layout of your home.
- The iRobot guide explains how navigation features, cleaning zones and compatible parts vary across Roomba models.
- Mapping, docking stations and maintenance vary by series. Check the details for the specific robot rather than assuming all models share the same features.
Vacuum cleaners to compare on Joybuy
These cordless stick vacuums and robot vacuums offer two ways to replace a vacuum cleaner for keeping your home clean. Before choosing a model, check whether it’s sold new or refurbished and, for a new appliance covered by the rules in France, its repairability index.
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Monsga ME03, cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you want a stick vacuum that converts to a handheld for floors and pet hair.
- Up to 55 minutes of stated battery life; anti-tangle brush.
- Charging base and LED touchscreen listed in the model name.
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Lubluelu L15 Max, 3-in-1 robot vacuum and mop
Worth considering if you’d like to schedule some of your cleaning and also use a mopping function.
- Laser navigation and storage for up to five maps are stated; app control.
- For mopping, check the setting for your floor and remove the mop attachment on carpets, as advised on the product page.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5, cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you’re looking for a cordless stick vacuum for your floors and regular pick-ups of pet hair or human hair.
- Up to 65 minutes of stated battery life; anti-tangle brush.
- This model is listed with a self-standing design and LED touchscreen.
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Black roborock Q7 L5+, robot vacuum and mop with auto-emptying
Worth considering if you’d like to schedule your robot’s cleaning and have an auto-emptying dock.
- LiDAR navigation, mopping function and anti-tangle system are listed.
- Check the dock’s maintenance requirements and which consumables are compatible with this model.
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White Lefant N1, robot vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you’d like to automate cleaning and choose between several modes.
- Four cleaning modes and up to 165 minutes of stated battery life.
- Check that its navigation suits the layout of your home.
Frequently asked questions
Can a vacuum cleaner that’s losing suction qualify for the Repair Bonus?
Yes, if the appliance and repair meet the scheme’s conditions. The French ministries responsible for the environment and ecosystem state, in particular, that the appliance must belong to a household, have been bought in France, no longer be covered by a guarantee or insurance, and be taken to an accredited repairer. Check that you’re eligible before the repair goes ahead.
How can I find a repairer taking part in the scheme?
Search the directory of accredited repairers provided by the organisations responsible for the scheme, then check directly with the repairer that they can service your vacuum cleaner and apply the Repair Bonus.
What guarantees apply to a refurbished vacuum cleaner?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a professional sells a refurbished product to an individual, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. Any commercial guarantee is separate: read its terms and don’t confuse it with your statutory protection.
Should I compare the repairability index of new vacuum cleaners?
Yes. In France, the repairability index applies to new corded, cordless and robot vacuum cleaners, and is scored out of 10, according to the DGCCRF and the French Ministry of the Economy. Compare the score for the specific model, then separately check whether its design and features suit your needs.
Does a refurbished vacuum cleaner have to display a repairability index?
No. According to guidance from the French ministries responsible for the environment, refurbished appliances aren’t required to have an index calculated or displayed. Instead, ask the seller for details about the condition, checks carried out, included accessories and the battery, if the model has one.